A wonderful stay, the staff was excellent and the location was perfect, but I don’t think I will stay at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki again until they make one important change.
Looking to do more while visiting Oahu? Make sure to read my list of the best things to do on Oahu.
Additionally, the Hyatt Regency Waikiki made my list of the best hotels for families in Oahu.
When I do my reviews I make every effort to look at the entire experience and not let a singular event outweigh everything else. A broken toilet or a rude employee is to be noted but I also consider the other employees I engaged with and how the broken toilet situation is dealt with.
In the case of the Hyatt Waikiki Beach, I encountered a situation that happened multiple times, each day.
Employees at an on-site tenant, Adore Cosmetics, treated my wife and me (along with other guests that I observed firsthand) in a rude and aggressive manner each time we passed by the store.
To ensure it wasn’t just me or those I saw, I also looked online and found a dismal 2-star review on Yelp, several mentioned the same experience.
I was shocked that Hyatt allows this on their property.
Ignoring me on each pass and advancing straight towards my wife on the way out of the hotel and on the way in was just flat-out irritating. I have encountered these types of aggressive sales tactics in malls before, but the Hyatt Regency while on vacation?
This is an absolute no go for me.
Quite a shame when the hotel staff was just amazing with smiles from everyone we encountered. Take heed management.
Unique Features
Putting the above aside, let’s look at the rest of the property and my experience there.
The center atrium in this twin-tower resort is simply breathtaking.
The large waterfall cascades down in a curtain of shimmering water and sets a relaxing tone for everyone in the area. Visible from the check-in lobby and when walking from one tower to the next you can’t escape the wonderful sound it creates.
If you happen to be there on a clear day like I was don’t miss the photo opportunity from the back side of the waterfall, as well as the top area.
Booking and Check-In
I booked this hotel via the AMEX FHR portal a few months prior to the stay and had a nice smooth check-in. I was able to check in early and had the early check-in fee waived for being a Hyatt Loyalty member.
The front desk agent was quick, efficient, and knew her stuff quite well, always a nice start.
Looking to stay at the Hyatt? You need to book your room now.
Click Here For Recent Trip Advisor Reviews Of The Hyatt Regency
Room
I got lucky with a high floor and an amazing view from room 3804 in the Ewa Tower, the other being the Diamond Head Tower. The colors of the ocean were just amazing.
The room was large and I really liked the open layout along with the positioning of the desk along the far wall. I thought the open closet was also nice even though I initially thought it odd.
We usually travel with people we know so why have a closed closet right?
The view was amazing and this wasn’t even an oceanfront room. I could see the Moana Surfrider below us along with the Sheraton Waikiki, Princess Kaiulani, and the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, all amazing hotels on Oahu.
Even at night, it was a breathtaking view to enjoy with lights visible all the way down Kalakaua Ave.
I had two queen beds that unfortunately were not comfortable at all, hard and lumpy my arm would fall asleep if I was on that side. What’s up with that!? I have slept on dozens of hotel beds here in Hawaii and these are officially the worst.
The room design was really well done and I liked the flow from the main room into the bathroom area along with the long desk along the wall where the tv and additional items were located.
It felt “extra” large and spacious when laying in bed and the floor space was great for luggage or towels without crowding the rest of the room.
Bathroom
A nice open layout that wasn’t very private when using the sink but I liked it nonetheless. The bath products were excellent and the towels all seemed to be extra fluffy, something I look for at hotels.
The water pressure in the shower was very light so if that is important to you consider it early on. I was on the 38th floor (40 max) so I am sure that adds to the challenge, even so, it should be a bit stronger.
Hyatt Regency Waikiki Dining
In addition to the restaurants below, there are several spots to grab snacks and drinks in the Pualeilani Atrium Shops. All are located within the two towers and believe it or not, an ABC store on both levels.
SHOR Restaurant
I made reservations here for dinner at 5:30 pm when they opened. I was celebrating a special occasion with some family and convinced them to let me take pictures of all their dishes.
At check-in they notified me that not only was there a prix fix menu available but it was discounted by $20 per person if you ordered between 5:30 and 6:00 pm, my lucky day.
The cocktails we got all looked great and fit the Waikiki holiday brand on point but I was not impressed with the margarita or any other drink for that matter. Fun and instagram-able for sure.
I ordered two dishes for appetizers coconut shrimp and tofu lettuce wrap, both were delicious. The lettuce wrap was nice and cold with a tofu filling that was unexpectedly tasty.
The coconut shrimp was also fried perfectly, not to oily, and came with a spicy mayonnaise sauce.
We had an assortment at dinner with 3 ordering the prix fix and choosing the prime rib option, while 2 others ordered the lobster fried rice and pancetta & kim chee bucatini
The prime rib was done medium and all remarked that it was delicious. Paired with mashed potatoes, Au jus, asparagus, and mushrooms all 3 who ordered this dish love it.
My dish was the lobster fried rice and it was quite large, loaded with lobster and vegetables it could have easily fed two people. I imagined it would make a great breakfast option with a fried egg on top.
The pancetta & kim chee buccatini was labeled the “cousin to carbonara” by all who tasted it. A nice heat to the sauce and filling.
Hours
Breakfast 6:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Dinner 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Prix Fixe Happy Hour 5:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Late Encore Menu 8:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Live Music Friday-Sunday 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
SWIM
I am beginning to find that these “Pool Restaurants” are actually some of the best places to eat at some hotels and the SWIM was no exception. Nestled right next to the pool on the 3rd floor of the hotel you can sit inside or out on a beach chair and they had a nice bar area with a TV.
I ordered a couple of cocktails right off the bat and of course I had to try the Mai Tai. This one was delicious, with lots of fruit juice, a little on the light side but it was nice and cold.
My first time trying a watermelon Mojito, it was also a bit “light” but the refreshing watermelon flavor was a hit.
Knowing I would be doing a lot of eating the next couple of days I opted for the ‘Aina salad bowl which had Waipoli field greens, cherry tomatoes, avocado, cucumber, pickled Maui onion, and sesame ginger vinaigrette.
It was tasty and fresh but the salad I had at the Swell pool bar, ‘Alohilani Resort, still can’t be beaten.
The poke bowl came with fresh yellowfin tuna, Maui onion, tamari shoyu, sesame oil, green onion, and steamed rice. The shoyu sauce and onions were perfectly paired, on par with the one I had at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel.
If you haven’t tried Kalbi ribs then I encourage you to give this one a try. The grilled Kalbi steak (Korean style short ribs), came with scallions, mac salad, and steamed rice. The kim chee and furukaki rice were excellent.
In addition to the salty Kalbi ribs above nothing is better on a hot day after the beach or pool than some salty fries. The Beach burger is a grass-fed patty with a brioche bun. The thick patty and crispy fries were cooked perfectly.
Open from 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM, dining 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Happy Hour 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Live Music Daily 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Fridays 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM)”
Kirin Restaurant
I didn’t eat here this go round but I was lucky enough to enjoy a great meal a few months back. See my full review and thoughts on a fun night at Kirin Restaurant in Waikiki.
The entrance is located on the first floor of the Ewa tower and is open daily for lunch from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM and dinner from 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM.
Regency Club
If you book a club-level room you will have access to the Regency Club lounge with includes daily continental breakfast, refreshments, evening hor d’oeuvres, and wine or beverages.
Maybe next time for me as I didn’t have access this time around.
Spa
I didn’t get a chance to visit the Nā Ho’ōla Spa but it is open daily (9am-5pm) and judging from the photos on the website it looks to have some amazing views and splendid spa features unique to the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach.
Resort Fees
The resort fee charge on my bill was $49.55, (the website says $42), hmmm. I think most of the resort fees in Waikiki are just an easy money grab but some hotels seem to offer some unique items.
Here is what the resort fee includes at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki according to the website.
- Premium WiFi in guestrooms and public areas
- Two re-usable souvenir Hyatt water bottles (with water stations located on each floor)
- One re-usable Hyatt Regency Waikiki tote bag
- Biki Bike bicycle ride sharing service ($4 per person credit, two people maximum, one-time credit)
- Delicious frozen treats provided poolside
- Discounted surfing lessons and rental of beach equipment from Billabong
- Resort interactive cultural activities (lei making, hula lessons, ukelele lessons)
- Stayfit Gym access
- GO Pro usage
- Use of beach amenities and chairs
- Use of beach toys for children
- Chromecast service for in-room television viewing
- House slippers and personal amenity items pre-set in guest room
- In-room coffee and tea
- Long distance and international calls – up to 60 minutes per day
- Unlimited local and 1-800 telephone calls
- Yoga classes
I thought the reusable water bottles and tote bag were great but including in-room coffee and tea with the resort fee, was a bit much. What are your thoughts on resort fees?
Parking
The valet area is a bit discombobulated but it somehow manages to work itself out. Great staff who clearly know what they are doing, fast and friendly.
If you are only staying a few nights get the valet parking as this area can be congested and tight during peak periods.
Valet Parking – Per night, plus tax, $60
Self Parking – Per night, plus tax, $50
Pool
The pool and hot tub were perfectly situated on an oceanfront deck that was also near the SWIM restaurant and bar. Like most pools in Waikiki, this one was on the small side and really just for cooling off or hanging out with a cocktail; however, I noticed that it was unique in that it was a swimming pool overlooking Waikiki beach.
If a large pool is important to you then the Sheraton Waikiki and Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort are better options.
Busy at both the pool and jacuzzi but not completely full, I saw lounge chairs open around noon when usually the pool situation is dire. Great views of the Duke Kahanamoku statue and Waikiki beach right over the wall.
Daybed
- Shaded cushioned daybed for up to 2 people from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Complimentary water and a box of Hawaiian Host Milk Chocolate Covered Macadamias
MAX GUESTS 2 PRICE $60
Cabana
- Premium shaded cabana with lounge seating from 9 am – 5 pm
- Complimentary water and a box of Hawaiian Host Milk Chocolate Covered Macadamias
MAX GUESTS 3 PRICE $160
Fitness Center
A clean and spacious fitness center at the Hyatt Regency is just what you would expect as a part of their Stay Fit program. In the room, there was also a map of a running route that took you up and around Diamond Head.
This center was never busy and the most I saw were about 5-6 people using equipment at one time.
Final Thoughts
The location is A+ for Waikiki. Being right across the beach and near so many excellent places to eat is just ideal for any stay in Waikiki. The 3rd floor pool deck makes for some amazing views of Diamond Head and the ocean, any time of day.
Every staff member I engaged with from the valet, front desk agents, housekeeping, and the maintenance guy were all quick with a smile and helpful.
Until they remove the aggressive salespeople from the bottom of the Ewa escalator I just can’t recommend this hotel.
