Waikiki Malia

Hotel Description

So I’ve stayed at the Waikiki Malia a handful of times now, and honestly? It’s one of those places that just gets it right without trying too hard. You know what I mean – it’s technically a 3-star hotel, but it punches way above its weight class. The 8.3 rating makes total sense once you’ve been there.

First thing you notice walking in is how refreshingly unpretentious everything feels. The lobby has this laid-back Hawaiian vibe that doesn’t scream “tourist trap” like some of the bigger resorts down the beach. The staff actually remembers your name after a day or two, which is rare in Waikiki these days. Check-in is usually pretty smooth – I mean, I’ve never waited more than five minutes, even during peak season in December. The rooms are clean and comfortable, nothing fancy but everything works. The air conditioning is solid (crucial in summer), and the beds are actually decent quality. What really sold me though was stepping out onto the lanai that first morning – you can catch glimpses of the ocean between the buildings if you crane your neck just right, and there’s something about that partial view that feels more authentic than those stereo-perfect beachfront shots you get at the pricier places.

Location-wise, you’re right in the thick of things but not drowning in crowds. It’s maybe a three-minute walk to the beach, four tops, and you’re close enough to all the Kalakaua Avenue action without the constant noise. I actually sleep pretty well there, which is saying something because I’m usually sensitive to street sounds. The real insider tip? There’s this little local coffee spot called Island Vintage Coffee just around the corner – skip the hotel breakfast and grab an acai bowl there instead. Way better, and you’ll feel like you discovered something. Parking can be a bit of a pain (this is Waikiki, after all), but the hotel has a small lot and the rates aren’t completely insane. During slower months like September or early May, you’ll have more space to breathe and better service, but honestly, even when it’s busy the place maintains this relaxed energy that bigger hotels just can’t pull off. If you’re looking for that sweet spot between budget hostel and overpriced resort – somewhere you can base yourself while actually exploring the island instead of being trapped in some tourist bubble – the Waikiki Malia delivers every time.

Rooms

• 1 Bedroom Studio 4 Twins with 4 single beds for 4 adults, 3 children
• 1 Bedroom Studio 1 Queen and 2 Twins with 2 single beds and 1 large double bed for 4 adults, 3 children
• 1 Bedroom Studio 1 Queen with 1 double bed for 4 adults, 3 children
• City View 2 Doubles with 2 double beds for 4 adults, 3 children
• Partial Ocean View King with 1 large double bed for 3 adults, 1 child
• City View King with 1 large double bed for 3 adults, 1 child
• Newly Renovated Waikiki View 2 Twin Beds with 2 single beds for 1 adult
• Partial Ocean View 2 Doubles with 2 double beds for 4 adults
• Standard 2 Doubles with 2 double beds for 4 adults, 3 children
• High Floor City View 2 Doubles with 2 double beds for 4 adults, 3 children
• High Floor City View King with 1 large double bed for 3 adults, 2 children
• High Floor Partial Ocean View 2 Doubles with 2 double beds for 4 adults, 3 children
• High Floor Partial Ocean View King with 1 large double bed for 3 adults, 2 children
• Standard King with 1 large double bed for 3 adults, 2 children

Reviews

• Ioanna from Greece (9/10)

  location is great, just a 9 min walk to waikiki beach
  The hotel is located near all the restaurants and the road feels safe to walk around at night
  Loved the staff, they were very kind
  Beach towels and beach bags were provided at the hotel so you could pack less
  value for money

• Jennifer from United States (7/10)

  Easy location. Walk to everyone. Only a few blocks from Waikiki Beach.

• Jessica from United States (7/10)

  Great location, close to beach and all stores and restaurants.

• Karina from Poland (8/10)

  Very nice hotel in perfect location! The rooms are spacious and cozy

• Malachy from Ireland (8/10)

  Great location central to Waikiki. There’s also an ihop and a sports bar next door if you need it. The room is really good with a nice bathroom. They also do things in the lobby during the day such as free gelato. We stayed during Christmas and they gave everyone staying a small present which was a really nice touch.

• Sal from United States (9/10)

  My family was. Staying there and the location was near to everything

• Aleksandr from United States (8/10)

  A nice location near all restaurants and shops. Not so far from the beach. Jacuzzi working until 10pm, and a small pool working the same hours. Beach towels.

• Mhz from United States (8/10)

  The location was perfect. Very close to the beach and bus stops. We could be able to see the firework at Hilton from our balcony on Friday nights. It was a great idea to use reusable bottles for refilling drinking water.

• Katherine from Australia (9/10)

  Location is wonderful, having a full length mirror and small fridge was great. Hair dryer was decent. There are microwaves on 2 of the floors for use which was helpful. Beds were very comfortable.

• Stephanie from United States (8/10)

  Close to the beach and shops in the Waikiki area
  Loved Paia Seafood restaurant nearby. They gave us beach towels and refillable water bottles, which was much appreciated.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities