The Outrigger Waikiki boasts one of the best beachfront locations in Honolulu — but like all beaches in Hawaii, it's shores are open to the public and can get crowded

Alyssa Powell/Business Insider

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• The Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort is a longstanding institution in the heart of Waikiki that consistently attracts returning guests.
• Situated beachfront in the most iconic part of Honolulu, every convenience Waikiki has to offer is within walking distance, and the resort's complimentary guest shuttle makes exploring the rest of Honolulu easy.
• Entry-level rooms start at $191 per night, however, I spent three nights in a King Partial Ocean View, which starts at $319 per night.
• I loved the extra space and spectacular ocean views from my bed but wished I'd been on a higher floor to fully take advantage of the scenery.
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The Outrigger Waikiki is a familiar homestead for frequent repeat visitors with a high quality of service that also charms newcomers with ease. Opened in 1967, this resort launched the Outrigger chain, which now operates hotels throughout Hawaii and in destinations as far-flung as Fiji, Thailand, Mauritius, and the Maldives.

There are actually two Outriggers in Waikiki, the Outrigger Waikiki, and the Outrigger Reef Waikiki, which can be confusing. It's not uncommon for travelers to mistakenly show up for check-in at the wrong one. I stayed at the former, without the reef, but with a better beach and a more central location.

I spent three nights in a King Partial Ocean View, comped for review, which starts at $319 per night. The biggest benefit of my stay was the hotel's prime location that made accessing the beach and Waikiki attractions a breeze. However, it's important to note that while the hotel is beachfront, the beach (like all beaches in Hawaii) is open to the public and can be crowded.

Although I enjoyed being able to grab take-out and enjoy a private meal on my second-floor balcony, I would have been satisfied paying less for an entry-level City View room if I'd been on my own dime ⁠— especially since actually hitting the beach is as easy as walking out the door. However, I would consider paying more for a Partial View or Oceanfront room if I could guarantee that the room would be on one of the hotel's higher floors.

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