One of the larger Waikiki resorts that go from Kalakaua Ave. back to Kuhio Ave., the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort is right across from world-famous Waikiki Beach. I stayed here during late spring in a newly renovated room and enjoyed the onsite restaurants and amazing pool deck.
If you’re looking to get away from the busy Waikiki area and explore more that the island has to offer, make sure to read my list of the best things to do in Oahu.
Unique Features
The 2 pools and extensive pool deck area are one of the best in Waikiki. This is pool loungers heaven for both adults and kids alike. I know, I know, Waikiki Beach is right across the street and how could you? But understand, cocktails, snacks, colored fountains, padded cabana chairs, and contained kids in the pool have their advantages.
If you have kids they will absolutely love the pool deck at the Waikiki Beach Marriott. Check out the pool section below for even more photos.
Booking
I booked my room directly on the Marriott website to make sure I got elite night credits plus the bonus promotion night and points. Elite status with Marriott via their Bonvoy program has a lot of benefits, you can join for free.
Looking to book at the Waikiki Beach Marriott? Book your room now.
Click Here For Recent Trip Advisor Reviews Of The Waikiki Beach Marriott
Room
I ended up with an ocean view and a king bedroom in the Paoakalani Tower that was perfect for a weekend stay. This is the “back” tower away from the ocean, next time I will try for the other tower. There were no water bottles in the room nor cups which I found frustrating but you could easily fill up your water bottles at one of the stations in the lobby.
There were lots of locations for charging your electronic devices, both end tables by the bed and at the desk near the television.
The couch also opened up to a twin sized bed so if you have kids and still want the roominess of a king sized bed then this may be the best option for you. There were no linens in the room so you will need to call down and request them along with an extra pillow. I have been using the app for a lot of these requests lately with great results.
Bathroom
A well lit vanity and oversized mirror made for a clean and functional space to use in the bathroom. The walk in shower with pull down shower wand was easy to use and had excellent water pressure. Basic amenities completed the bathroom that met my needs for the stay.
Dining
d.k Steakhouse
This steakhouse shares an entrance with Sansei Seafood restaurant and was my choice for a carnivores delight. The only steakhouse on Oahu that has an aging “room” onsite I choose the 15 day aged, 22 oz., bone in ribeye, it was one of the most tender steaks I have ever tasted. Next time I will try the 30 day aged and let you know how goes, Im so dedicated.
I also enjoyed a side of mac-n-cheese and au-gratin potatoes that complimented the meal well.
The restaurant is on the small side so make your reservations well in advance. A no frills setup the d.K steakhouse at Waikiki Beach Marriott has a knowledgeable staff who know their steaks.
Queensbreak Bar & Restaurant
Unfortunately this experience was the bad egg in the basket.
I made a reservation well in advance via Opentable and reviewed the menu, as I always do, just to see all the delightful creations that will be available to me.
My reservation was for 11:15 and the restaurant opened at 11 with 3 in line, I was second in line and was told to wait on the side while the 11am reservation was sat. Kind of weird as the entire restaurant was empty and no one else was in line, empty inside and out.
After being seated I was given an Easter Brunch menu, I asked for the regular menu and was told they would not be serving that today. No notice on the website, I double checked. The waiter informed me that if I sit 10 feet to the right at the pool bar I could order from the other menu, what? Mind you, same kitchen and the person serving the bar walked right past my table with the food, lol, management fail.
I asked the waiter if the manager could allow me to eat the food here, he asked and was told no, the restaurant at this time, 11:30am, was 90% empty with no one in line.
With so many other amazing options in Waikiki I recommend you choose another or at least until management figures out how to run things. If you have had a different experience here let me know in the comments below, maybe it was a one off issue. Judging by the low star reviews online I doubt it.
Kuhio Beach Grill
I was looking forward to this Waikiki breakfast buffet from the moment I booked my reservation. The images and reviews online were all leading towards high expectations and I was not disappointed.
They open at 5am daily and I wanted to get some good shots and video before the crowds showed up, so at 5:07am I walked through the door and saw everything was ready to go. The staff were quite cheerful for this early morning hour and it was obvious that the work was hard but the environment was positive.
I chose the omelette station, jasmine fried rice (amazing!), and some fresh fruits to get started. Seated at the table with a view of Waikiki beach this will probably make a future list of Best Waikiki Breakfast Buffets, hopefully I will have that up soon.
The front desk originally told me to get there around 7am to beat the crowds so if you are not inclined for a 4:40am wake up that might be a better option for you. I will return to the Kuhio Beach Grill for a breakfast buffet anytime.
Waikiki Beach Marriott Pools
If there is one feature that makes this hotel stand out among the many others in Waikiki its the expansive pool deck. Renovated in 2021 it runs from one tower to another on the property.
Many of the resorts in Hawaii have some great looking cabanas and the Waikiki Beach Marriott is no exception. Ample cabanas in the adult pool area, along the play area and around the main pool. Perfect for a day of lounging in the shade and taking in the fun of Waikiki.
I got the shot below in the early morning with a full moon in the sky and this is only a partial view of all the cabanas.
There are two towel desks, one at the adult pool and one at the open pool with an attendant at each. I filmed most of my video content in the early morning and noticed people showing up at 7am to claim chairs, I would guess by 8-8:30am on a sunny day they will have all been taken.
In between and at the end of the pools were several seating areas and fire pits. I only saw them crowded in the evening during sunset but otherwise there was room for 1 or 2 more throughout the day.
The adult only pool was next to the large hot tub and Queensbreak bar area on the upper part of the deck. With the sheer number of kids at the other pool this was a huge hit among guests. Another grouping of cabanas are in this area and with the gym nearby it was clearly well thought out.
The family pool was hopping from about 8:30am till after the sun went down, non stop energy here. Even the fire dancers showed up to kick things up a bit, a very fun atmosphere and a hit with both parents and kids. Right next to the pool area was a green turfed game spot that stayed busy throughout the day. Corn hole and connect four, perfect pool games for any age. Right off the pool deck was a mini pool table, foosball table, and what seemed to be a mini curling table (if you happen to know the correct name let me know in the comments below).
Parking
$45 a day self parking and $50 a day to valet, seems they want you to valet. Valet attendants were on point and quick, just what you want from valet service. I also stored my bag at the bell desk nearby both before and after checkin to get a few extra hours in, also easy and quick.
Fitness Center
Open 24 hours a day the fitness center was one of the larger I have seen in the resorts along Waikiki. It was being used almost every time I came by but never busy. With several TVs and a view of the adult pool and sunset lit sky it sure beats the local gym.
There were towels, yoga mats, and fitness balls available along with fitness classes that are included in your resort fee.
Spa
There is a spa at the Waikiki Beach Marriott called the Royal Kaila Spa right next to the Kuhio Grill. Unfortunately I didn’t get a chance to use it but I did take a peak inside. I spoke briefly with the attendant and it is an Aveda spa with wedding dress rentals in a separate area. The location of the spa looked out over Kalakaua Ave. and onto Waikiki beach.
Final Thoughts
All the major Waikiki hotels have pools but I have to hand it to the Waikiki Beach Marriott on taking the pool deck area to another level. A fun, kid friendly pool with fountains, play area, and lots of cabanas for parent to camp out in. Couple that with a separate adult pool that has additional cabanas, a walk up cocktail bar, and whirlpool, show that they clearly know what they are doing.
Have you stayed here? Share your thoughts and tips with other travelers in the comments below.
Can’t see it very well, but is the ‘mini curling table’ not an air hockey table?
Yeah I didn’t get a very good picture of it. It’s definitely not an air hockey table, love those, because you had to spread a kind of sand over the table. The sand upon closer examination was a small plastic pebble-like material. This allowed the heavy metal “pucks” to float down and score points. It was pretty fun except for having to load the “sand” after each match. If someone knows the proper name for this setup please share.
Shuffleboard
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Table_shuffleboard
The maui marriott used to have it for years, the waikiki just got it when it renoed. There is a regular foosball also. We have stayed here multiple times over the last few years, great spot for kids as its right across from the protected beach.
Thanks SJ!, Shuffleboard it is. Good point about the protected beach being right there, it is in an excellent spot.