Overview
by Amanda Geronikos
Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort is one of just two Outrigger Hotels and Resorts on Oahu in Hawaii; the other is Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort, a short walk away.
Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort is slightly larger than its sister, and offers more accommodation variations — including connecting rooms that sleep up to 12 guests.
Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort offers similar services and amenities, such as a small swimming pool, cultural programming, onsite dining (plus discounted options for children), and best of all, a beachfront location. Only seven hotels are located right on the beach in Honolulu, and Outrigger Reef on the Beach is lucky enough to be one of them.
Our Editor Loves
- Beachfront location
- Kids 5 and under eat free
- Shuttle to local attractions
Family Interests
- Beach
- Museum/Cultural
- Water Sports
Family Amenities
- Connecting Rooms
- Cribs
- Laundry
- Pool
- Refrigerator
Room Information
Find the Best Price for Your Stay
This hotel has a total of 635 accommodations, each one equipped with a coffeemaker and (empty) mini-fridge, plus standard amenities: hairdryers, safes, irons and ironing boards, daily maid service and the like. Most rooms also feature balconies, with the exception of standard rooms.
Note: There is a limitation of four guests per room, even if you have an infant sleeping in a crib; cribs are complimentary upon request.
Rates are based on single or double occupancy, but third and fourth guests can stay free if they are 17 years old or under. Otherwise, a charge of $75 per person, per night applies. Connecting rooms are available for large groups.
Standard (No View)
This is the hotel's most basic room, equipped with one king or two double beds. It doesn't have a lanai (balcony) like all the other rooms. Also, only three people are permitted in this room, making it best for couples or those traveling with an infant. It is 340 square feet.
City View
This room faces other buildings in Waikiki, and comes with one king bed; one queen and one double sofa bed; or two double beds. It is 350 square feet.
Garden View
This room offers the same bedding options and square footage as the City View, but instead features views of the hotel's landscaping.
Partial Ocean View
"Partial Ocean View" means that if you stand on the balcony and turn your head, you'll be able to see the ocean. This room is 355 square feet and has one king or two queen beds.
Ocean View
This room offers a view of the ocean -- it is not totally oceanfront -- and is equipped with one king bed or two queens. It is 340 square feet.
Deluxe Ocean View
The difference between Deluxe Ocean View and Ocean View is that Deluxe Ocean View is closer to the ocean. It has one king or two queen beds, and is the same size as the Ocean View.
Diamond Head Ocean View
This room has one king bed or two double beds, and offers a fantastic view of Diamond Head, plus of course, views of the ocean. It is 340 square feet in size.
Oceanfront
This room is right on the ocean, with one king bed or two doubles and one double sofa bed; the latter option only accommodates up to four people, though. This room offers 405 square feet in which to spread out.
1 Bedroom Suite
For extra space, choose a one-bedroom suite with a city view or ocean view, or select one that is completely oceanfront. There is a king bed in the bedroom, and then a queen sofa bed in the living area for a maximum of four guests.
2 Bedroom Oceanfront Suite
In this unit, one bedroom has a king bed, another has a queen bed, and then there's a double sofa bed in the living area. Up to six people can sleep in this room -- perfect for families. These rooms start at 1,038 square feet.
3 Bedroom Oceanfront Suite
This connecting room option sleeps up to nine people, with two king beds, one double bed, one queen sofa bed, and two double sofa beds.
4 Bedroom Oceanfront Suite
Twelve people can sleep in this connecting configuration, which has two king beds, one queen sofa bed, two double beds and three double sofa beds.
Reviews
by adamm891
Currently staying in the hotel and definitely underwhelmed by the hotel, the rooms, the location, the food and the pool. Was looking forward to celebrating 15yrs anniversary here, but we are spending most of it away from the hotel. If you’re Aussie this is like 1990s Novotel to give you a comparison.
Firstly this hotel needs a serious renovation. To charge $500+ a night for a room that looks like something from the 1990s is a little much. Very outdated, dark and wooden. Whilst acknowledging that we paid for a partial ocean view room I didn’t think we would actually have to go onto the balcony and hang off it to see the ocean. We also upgraded to the Club Lounge access which is in another tower which requires 2 lifts and a lot of walking. The check in desk didn’t even realise this and we had to tell them we paid for it. No apology or nothing. Mentioned all of this it at check in and nothing offered.
The pool - it’s tiny, crowded and has no ocean views or ambience. If you’re thinking of bringing kids it’s not worth it, not suitable.
The location is ok. If you want to be dead centre then the Sheraton or the other Outrigger is more in the heart of everything.
Now the Club Lounge upgrade we paid for. It might be an American standard but the food offering and drink options here are mediocre. The views and ambience from the lounge are amazing and the highlight of the day but the food needs a serious upgrade to get in line with international standards.
Also don’t rent a car from here. We got the same car down the road $60 cheaper per day.
by Baco13
We stayed her as a family of 3 for 10 days and could not have chosen a better hotel or location. The Aloha welcome on arrival was much appreciated after a very long flight from the UK the luggage guys were really helpful too, and didn't hang around for their tip which was refreshing.
The room was a part ocean view on the 4th floor and I couldn't believe how quite the rooms were, it was very rare we heard any noise from elsewhere. The pillows and beds were super comfy and the room kept clean and fridge topped with bottled water. We ate at the bar for lunch sometimes and at the beach restaurant both were really lovely food and service.
The activities on offer were a lovely touch to find out more about the Hawaiian culture, a special mention to Sherwin who just had the Aloha spirit radiating from him.
When I read the reviews on here a few mention the tired looking lobby and time share - so I came prepared with my big no thanks, and to be disappointed at check in.... I'm not sure which lobby they related to because there was nothing tired about here! Neither were we once asked about time share - although I did see people being shown round.
Overall this hotel has a perfect relaxed atmosphere, fabulous staff, lovely food, and is based in a great location on the quieter end of Waikiki beach. I'm sure there are more up market hotels but I'm not sure they could ever have the same feel.
If you are thinking of booking this hotel you will not be disappointed, one day we hope to return. Mahola x
Family Activities
Pool
The hotel's pool is fairly small, but is plenty big for families who want a break from the beach. The swimming pool is located next to a pool bar, where kids eat free with a paying adult. Live entertainment is also offered by the pool most evenings. The pool is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Beach
Of course, the beach is the main attraction -- especially considering this hotel is one of few located directly on the beach in Honolulu. Families can easily rent water sports and cabanas. Surfing lessons are also available.
Outrigger Canoeing
What's a trip to an Outrigger Hotel without outrigger canoeing? Try this unique experience for just $10 as a hotel guest; coupons are included in a daily resort fee. Otherwise, the cost is $30.
Cultural Activities
The hotel hosts cultural activities on a daily basis, allowing children to learn about local traditions. Activities, covered in a mandatory resort fee, include lei making, ukulele lessons and hula dancing.
Family Dining
Ocean House Restaurant
Ocean House Restaurant serves local delicacies, with a focus on fish, of course. It serves dinner only, 5 to 10 p.m.
Kani Ka Pila Grille
Enjoy sandwiches, salads, cocktails and more at this poolside grille, which hosts live (and local) entertainment most evenings. Bonus: Kids under age 5 eat breakfast free with a paying adult at this restaurant; the restaurant offers a separate kids' menu.
Shore Bird Restaurant & Beach Bar
Shore Bird Restaurant & Beach Bar is your go-to spot for just about anything -- breakfast, lunch, dinner, happy hour, karaoke, you name it. It's most popular for its buffets, and kids' options are available.
Starbucks
Grab your favorite drinks and other treats from this Starbucks, conveniently located onsite. It's typically open from 4:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Room Service
Enjoy a meal from your balcony courtesy of the hotel's room service, available from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
Planning & Tips
All About the Extras
Waikiki Connection Fee
This is the hotel's resort fee, which costs $30 per night, plus tax. It includes the usual suspects -- bottled water, international calling, cultural activities, and Wi-Fi -- plus a fantastic extra: shuttle service to local attractions. The hotel has its own route, and guests of both the Outrigger Reef and Outrigger Waikiki Beach can use shuttles to check out the Kahala Mall, Honolulu Zoo and other local highlights.
Fitness Center
Available 24 hours, the resort's fitness center has all the necessities for a good workout, including treadmills, elliptical machines and free weights.
Laundry
The hotel offers a coin-operated laundry facility, open from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Dry cleaning services are also available.
Shopping
There are several stores located onsite, where you can purchase everything from forgotten toiletries to souvenirs to take home.
Vow Renewal
Both Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort and Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort specialize in complimentary vow renewals. What a fun opportunity to celebrate with the kids!
The Art of Smart Timing
Looking for the best time to visit Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort? There really is no such thing. The hotel and island are consistently packed with tourists, particularly for spring break and the winter holiday season. Crowds are fewer following these periods.
Getting There
The drive to Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort from Honolulu International Airport will take you about 30 minutes, and most of the drive is highway (H-1).
Getting Around
You can use the resort's shuttle to service to get to local attractions, but you'll want a car to explore other areas of Oahu, such as North Shore and Ko Olina. You can easily rent a car for a day trip right at the hotel -- there's an Enterprise onsite. If you're bringing a car for the whole trip, know that valet parking is $35 per night.
For Mom and Dad
Head to Roy's, just across the street on Waikiki Beach Walk. Roy's is a staple in Hawaii, with just a few locations across the islands. It's known for its steaks and fresh-caught seafood.
