Hawaii’s Newest Hotels Spring Up in 2024
The tropical vacation paradise of Oahu is experiencing a dynamic transformation amidst a wave of high-profile hotel openings and renewed interest from U.S. travelers. Delta recently named Honolulu one of the most searched domestic travel destinations this year and was just voted one of the top US cities by Travel + Leisure readers. Hawaiian Airlines also announced expanded flights between Honolulu and several U.S. cities to meet demand.
From the island’s first adults-only hotel to Honolulu’s first new-build hotel in more than two decades, three incredible NEW properties are enticing travelers with unique offerings that can’t be found anywhere else on the island.
1. Romer House Waikiki
Oahu’s first adults-only hotel splashed onto the scene in June 2024. A celebration of Waikiki’s eclectic lifestyle, the 179-key property offers an upscale urban hideaway with mid-century inspired interiors, exclusive access to local perks and neighborhood experiences, and an urban pool retreat for social relaxation and daylong cocktail culture…all sans-kids. An innovative dining experience from TableOne Hospitality awaits at IZAKAYA 855-ALOHA, inspired by the nostalgia of Waikiki’s famed (and nearly obsolete) sky-blue pay phones. Home to a crossroads of cultures, the spirited restaurant and bar welcomes visitors and locals alike to eat, drink, and stay late. Romer House puts a unique spin on classic amenities – instead of a welcome drink, guests receive a crystal that can be redeemed for a sake bomb or non-alcoholic bubbly – and in-room offerings such as ‘date night’ and ‘pillow talk’ bundles, creativity sets and more. Programming includes a tarot reader residency, sound baths, rap & reggae nights, and more.
2. Romer Waikiki at The Ambassador
Romer Waikiki at The Ambassador
The sister property to Romer House, which offers experiences for all travelers, Romer Waikiki at the Ambassador recently debuted steps away from Waikiki’s world-famous beaches. Accommodation options include various easygoing rooms in different layouts, including adjoining lofted bunk bed rooms perfect for families, rooms furnished with record players, and a vinyl collection curated by Hungry Ear Records, Hawaii’s oldest music store. Every guest journey begins with artfully designed key cards that serve as guides to the neighborhood, featuring curated maps, programs, events, and access to Romer Waikiki partners, and many provide discounts and small gifts such as a complimentary lei, dessert, or jar of honey. Programming includes poolside Pilates with Body Balance Hawaii, on-demand readings with the in-house astrologer, Dive-In Theater Singalongs, Slow Jam Sundays, and more. The third-floor Waikiki Swim & Social Club evokes the feeling of an easygoing neighborhood pool party with a retro-modern design, Polaroid cameras, and made-for-vacation bites and cocktails, including the Summer Club Tahitian Spritz and Hawaii 5-0.
3. Renaissance Honolulu Hotel & Spa
Renaissance Honolulu Hotel & Spa
The highly anticipated property opened earlier this year as the Renaissance brand’s only location on Oahu and the first new-build hotel in Honolulu in over two decades. Located near the popular Ala Moana Center and the island’s renowned white sand beaches, the soaring 39-story oasis in the sky fills a gap in the luxury hotel market outside of Waikiki. The expansive eighth-floor Sky Deck serves as a sanctuary for fitness and wellness, featuring a full-service spa that is one of the best on the island, a fully equipped glass-enclosed fitness center, state-of-the-art yoga studio, meditation gardens, a heated 25-meter outdoor lap pool, Himalayan salt saunas, steam rooms, cold plunge baths, Oahu’s first traditional Japanese ofuro soaking tubs and more. Large, shaded cabanas and BBQ pavilions surround two hot tubs and a heated saltwater swimming pool. Home to the hottest reservation in town, signature restaurant MARA from TableOne Hospitality offers innovative Mediterranean-inspired dining with tapas and fresh seafood in a lively setting.