Waikiki Paradise Found: Outrigger's Unbeatable Honolulu Getaway!
Waikiki Paradise Found: Outrigger's Not-So-Secret Weapon (with some quirks) - A Honolulu Getaway Review
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the pineapple juice on my recent stay at the Outrigger Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel. This isn't your average, sterile, "everything's perfect" review. This is real. This is me. And yeah, there were a few bumps along the way, but ultimately, the Aloha spirit almost won me over.
First Impressions and the Big Picture (AKA: The Hype)
Right, the vibe. The Outrigger Waikiki Beachcomber paints itself as a sleek, modern escape. Think "Instagrammable" lobbies, a million-dollar view, and promises of "unforgettable experiences." And honestly? They're mostly not lying. The location? Impeccable! Smack-dab on Waikiki Beach, steps from the sand, the ocean, the whole dang shebang. But let's be real, you're paying a premium for that prime real estate. Is it worth it? Depends on your priorities, my friend.
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Getting In (and Out) – Accessibility, Check-In, and the Elevator Tango
Okay, let's talk accessibility. Accessibility is HUGE for me (and probably should be for you too). The Outrigger touts its Facilities for disabled guests, and that's promising, right? Well, it's a mixed bag. Ramps were present, which is a huge plus. But navigating the lobby on a packed arrival day felt…dicey. It was a bit of a scrum. And getting to the elevators – well, that was another story. The Elevator situation was, at times, a hilarious exercise in patience. They seemed perpetually busy, especially during peak hours. I’m talking standing-packed, the kind of elevator ride where you're intimately acquainted with the stranger's armpit in front of you. More than once, I considered hoofing it up the fire escape (kidding…mostly). But Check-in/out [express] and Contactless check-in/out do help, although I missed chatting to a friendly face as they're all automated kiosks.
The Room: My Oasis (or Just a Room with a View?)
I snagged a room with an ocean view. And OH. MY. GOD. The view. Absolutely breathtaking. (Available in all rooms: Window that opens) The turquoise water, the surfers, Diamond Head in the distance… It was postcard-perfect. I mean, I could stare at that all day, and I practically did. Air conditioning, Air conditioning? Check, essential! Blackout curtains, also crucial. They were my best friend after a long day of sun and cocktails. You know, Complimentary tea and a Coffee/tea maker were definitely appreciated, and the Mini bar was a convenient temptation (that I succumbed to, multiple times). Free bottled water was a godsend, because staying hydrated is key. Wake-up service? Never used it. I was already up, staring at the ocean. Oh, yes, and the Internet access – wireless worked like a charm. Free WiFi in all rooms! Yes!! Internet access – LAN was also available if you needed it.
There were small things. The Bathroom phone was a relic of a bygone era, I’m pretty sure. The Additional toilet was nice but I never got through to using it. The Linens were soft.. The Bathtub was perfect for a soak after a day of exploring. But the details, the little quirks, that’s where the Outrigger falls short. Still, my room was generally very clean - Daily housekeeping was great.
(Roomy Revelations) The best part of the room wasn't even the view. It was the peace. The moment I closed that door, the chaos of Waikiki vanished. I could finally breathe. That, my friends, is worth its weight in gold.
Food Glorious Food (and the Occasional Hiccup)
Alright, let's dive into the grub. The Outrigger has a range of options, from casual to fancy.
- Breakfast: They do a pretty good Breakfast [buffet]. Asian breakfast was there. Western breakfast was there. You know, standard hotel fare. I appreciated the fresh fruit.
- Restaurants: Restaurants - you've got your fancy places, your casual spots. Coffee/tea in restaurant - always a win! Desserts in restaurant - obviously, I did some research. Some nights, there were themed nights. Asian cuisine in restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant were there.
- Poolside bar: You better believe I spent some time at the Poolside bar. Excellent mai tais, people. Excellent. The Happy hour was a godsend, especially after a day of… well, you know.
- Room service [24-hour]: This is a luxury I appreciate. Nothing beats ordering a burger at 2 AM after a night of…well, you know.
My biggest gripe? Consistency was a problem. One day the food was delicious, the next… not so much. And sometimes the service was glacial. I get it, it's Hawaii time, but come on, folks! Even the Bottle of water felt like a victory at times. But hey, at least there was a Snack bar, for the inevitable mid-afternoon munchies.
(Foodie Failings & Triumphs) I had one truly disastrous meal. I ordered the fish tacos at the pool bar, and let me be honest, they were inedible. Like, genuinely awful. I couldn't even finish one. But then, the very next day, I had the most amazing poke bowl. Go figure. It's the classic Hawaiian rollercoaster, folks!
Relaxation Station: Spa, Pool, and the Quest for Zen
The Outrigger boasts a spa, a pool, and all sorts of relaxation opportunities.
- Pool with view: The Swimming pool [outdoor] was nice, and there was a Pool with view.
- Spa: They have a Spa, which, let's be honest, is a MUST in Hawaii.
- Body scrub: I did the Body scrub and Body wrap. I found both to be excellent, and a needed treat.
- Gym/fitness: They have a Gym/fitness room, and a Fitness center, but I couldn't bring myself to go. Too much beach time!
- Sauna: Also, Sauna.
- Steamroom: And a Steamroom.
The pool was the star of the show. The Swimming pool was beautiful, and the views were insane. Finding a decent lounger was a competitive sport. But, man, lounging in the sun, sipping a cocktail, and gazing at the ocean? That's what it's all about.
(Relaxation Realities) The spa was pricey, but worth it. The massage therapist was a magician. The massage melted away all the stress, all the worries, all the, "Oh man, did I remember to turn off the oven?" and I left a new person!
Cleanliness and Safety: The Post-Pandemic Reality Check
In the post-COVID world, cleanliness is paramount. The Outrigger seemed to take it seriously.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Check!
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Check!
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere!
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Yep!
- Rooms sanitized between stays: That was the promise.
I did notice a few things of note.
- Room sanitization opt-out available: Some people did, some didn't.
- Safe dining setup: They were doing their best, tables spread out.
- Cashless payment service: They were working on providing a simple experience.
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Seemed to be the case.
- Hygiene certification: It was there.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: Yup.
Honestly, I felt pretty safe.
(Safety Snags & Silver Linings) I did see a few instances where people weren't wearing masks, but hey, that's life.
More Than Just a Room: Services and Conveniences
The Outrigger offers the usual services.
- Concierge: Super helpful.
- Laundry service: Yup!
- Daily housekeeping: Great.
- Gift/souvenir shop: A temptation for the easy-to-convince.
- Car park [on-site]: Yes, but expect to pay.
- Valet parking: Available too. *
Alright, buckle up buttercup, because this ain't your grandma's perfectly pressed itinerary. We're diving headfirst into the glorious, messy reality of a trip to the Outrigger Waikiki, and honestly, I'm already feeling the sunshine on my face just thinking about it. Prepare for a rollercoaster… and probably some questionable decisions.
The Chaotic Aloha Adventure: Outrigger Waikiki Edition
Day 1: Arrival and That First Mai Tai (SPOILER: Bliss)
- 8:00 AM (ish) PST (aka Reality): Dragging myself out the door. Packing? Let's call it strategic placement of clothes in a suitcase. Praying TSA is kind.
- 11:00 AM PST: Flight. Staring out the window with that wide-eyed anticipation. Trying not to think about the sheer volume of peanuts about to be ingested.
- 2:00 PM HST (Finally!): TOUCHDOWN. Honolulu airport. The air… it's like a warm hug. Already sweating, but in a good way. Finding the shuttle to the Outrigger. Wondering if I look as disheveled as I feel.
- 2:45 PM HST: Check-in. Dealing with the slight panic that I forgot my phone charger. Internally debating whether to call AAA (just kidding…maybe).
- 3:30 PM HST: Room! Okay, the view… it's ridiculous. Ocean. Beach. Palm trees. Okay, I’m sold. Dropping my bags. This is it. My happy place.
- 4:00 PM HST: THE MAI TAI. (Cue the angels singing). Seriously, it's the Outrigger pool bar. The first sip… pure, unadulterated heaven. The sweetness, the rum, the tiny umbrella… I’m already forgetting my life back home. Might need a second… and maybe a snack. These are vacation problems, people.
- 5:00 PM HST: Beach stroll. Wading in the water, getting hit by a rogue wave, which, of course, makes me laugh like a maniac. People watching. The sheer variety of humanity on display is a marvel.
- 7:00 PM HST: Dinner at Duke's Waikiki. Trying desperately not to make a fool of myself trying to order. The Hula pie. OMG THE HULA PIE. If you haven’t had it, you haven’t lived. (Okay, maybe I'm exaggerating. But still, GET IT.)
- 9:00 PM HST: Stumbling happily back to the room. Feeling the delicious exhaustion of a perfect day.
- 10:00 PM HST: Pass out. In my clothes, probably. Don't judge.
Day 2: Sun, Sand, and Questionable Decisions
- 7:00 AM HST: Wake up. Sun in my eyes. Ouch.
- 7:30 AM HST: Breakfast at the hotel. The buffet is… adequate. Trying not to inhale all the carbs. Failed.
- 8:30 AM HST: Beach time. Laying out. Applying sunscreen like my life depends on it (it basically does). Accidentally falling asleep. Waking up slightly crispy but also relaxed.
- 11:00 AM HST: Exploring Waikiki. Checking out the shops. Almost buying a ridiculously overpriced Hawaiian shirt. Restraint. (For now.)
- 12:00 PM HST: Lunch at the food truck. (Gonna be honest, the details are hazy, but I think it involved a pineapple and a questionable amount of sauce, and I loved every bite)
- 1:00 PM HST: The Surf Lesson… A Comedy of Errors. Oh boy. Turns out, I'm not much of a surfer. Paddling frantically, mostly falling. The instructor is patient. (Bless him.) I'm getting saltwater in every orifice. But the feeling of finally, briefly, standing up… pure adrenaline joy. Followed by the most epic wipeout I’ve ever experienced.
- 3:00 PM HST: Recovering on the beach, nursing my bruised ego and muscles. Watching the actual surfers. Sighing enviously.
- 5:00 PM HST: Happy hour at a different bar. Trying a new cocktail. Regretting it slightly.
- 7:00 PM HST: Dinner somewhere… honestly, I have no idea. Food coma is a very real thing.
- 9:00 PM HST: Late-night beach walk. The stars! They're amazing—feeling grateful.
- 10:00 PM HST: Pass out. (Again. Routine.)
Day 3: Pearl Harbor and the Search for the Perfect Shave Ice
- 8:00 AM HST: Wake up mostly rested.
- 9:00 AM HST: Pearl Harbor – this is an emotional one.
- 12:00 PM HST: Lunch at a local spot.
- 2:00 PM HST: The Shave Ice Quest. It's an obsession. Driving around looking for the “best”. Trying every flavor combination imaginable. The neon colors, the delightful sweetness…it's an art form. I get a brain freeze… and declare the entire experience a win.
- 4:00 PM HST: Shopping. Buying that Hawaiian shirt. No regrets. (Seriously, it’s loud.)
- 7:00 PM HST: Sunset dinner. The view is stunning. Feeling bittersweet that the trip is winding down
- 9:00 PM HST: Packing. Dread sets in.
- 10:00 PM HST: More Mai Tais. Because.
Day 4: Departure and the Post-Vacation Blues
- 5:00 AM HST: Wake up way too early.
- 6:00 AM HST: Coffee and last-minute beach walk. Trying to soak it all in.
- 7:00 AM HST: Breakfast, another buffet, feeling a little sad.
- 8:00 AM HST: Check out. Saying goodbye to the amazing staff.
- 9:00 AM HST: Airport. Waiting. Reflecting. Planning my return next year.
- 12:00 PM HST: Flight. Looking out the window one last time. Crying a little.
- PST: Back to reality. Already dreaming of Mai Tais and shave ice. (And maybe another surfing lesson…)
Final Thoughts:
This trip wasn’t perfect. I gained a few pounds. My skin is slightly burned. I spent way too much money. But it was perfectly imperfect. And I wouldn’t trade a single moment, the messy moments, the questionable choices, or the glorious, sun-drenched moments of pure joy, for anything. Aloha, Outrigger. Until next time…Mahalo!
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Waikiki Paradise Found: Outrigger's Honolulu Getaway - You NEED to Know This! (Seriously)
Okay, so you're thinking about Waikiki? And maybe the Outrigger wants your business? Look, I get it. Sun, sand, surf... sounds dreamy, right? But before you book that flight, let's get REAL. This ain't just sunshine and rainbows (though, spoiler alert, there *are* rainbows!). Here's the lowdown, straight from a seasoned tourist and a caffeine addict who's seen more than her fair share of questionable hotel coffee.
So, What's the Hype About the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort? Is it REALLY paradise?
Paradise? Well, it *can* be. Let's just say it's paradise with a side of "tourist hustle." Look, the location is KILLER. Seriously, you're basically tripping over the beach! The resort itself? Solid. Rooms are comfy (some of them are HUGE, which is a lifesaver if you're traveling with kids/a messy spouse, ahem). The *views*? Oh. My. GOD. I had a room overlooking the ocean and I swear, I could have stared at the waves all day. And, you know what? I basically *did*. My partner kept having to drag me away to eat. Which brings me to...
Food, glorious food... what's the grub situation like?
Okay, let's be frank. Hotel restaurants can be hit or miss. The Outrigger Reef has a few options. Duke's Waikiki is legendary - expect a line, especially for dinner. The food? Good, not mind-blowing, but the *atmosphere* is pure Waikiki. Live music, the ocean breeze, the people-watching... it's an experience. I swear, I saw a proposal there! Made me tear up a little, even though I'm usually a grumpy old cat about public displays of affection. The other places are... serviceable. Convenient, definitely. Expensive? Yup, but welcome to Waikiki! My advice? Explore beyond the hotel! So many amazing little cafes and food trucks are just a short walk away. And ALWAYS, ALWAYS try the shave ice. You won't regret it.
Let's talk about those dreaded resort fees...
Ugh, resort fees. The bane of every traveler's existence. Yes, they're there. Hidden. A little punch in the wallet you didn't see coming. They *usually* cover things like Wi-Fi (which is a must, let's be real), access to the fitness center (which I used once, after promising myself I would every day... didn't happen), and maybe some chairs on the beach. Read the fine print! Seriously, because surprise fees are the worst. I once got hit with a charge for bottled water I didn't even drink. I fought it, but it took three days and a lot of grumbling. Lesson learned: scrutinize your bill! And if you are a water horder, grab a few bottles on the way in from the shops!
What about the Outrigger Reef's Pool? Is it swimmable, or just a glorified Instagram backdrop?
Okay, let's be honest – if you're coming to Waikiki, you're probably there for the beach. But the pool? It's a perfectly fine pool. It's not Olympic-sized, but it's clean, has a decent sunbathing area, and there's usually a bar nearby. It's a solid alternative if the ocean's a little choppy or you just want to relax with a cocktail. I spent a whole afternoon there, reading a book and alternating between sun and shade. Pure bliss. Although, I did end up accidentally falling asleep and got a sunburn so bad, I looked like a lobster. So, sunscreen, people! Sunscreen is your friend.
Dealing with the crowds... How crazy does it get?
Waikiki is busy. Let me repeat that: Waikiki. Is. BUSY. Especially during peak season. Expect crowds. Expect lines. Expect to bump into people. It's just the nature of the beast. But honestly, the chaos is part of the charm, in a weird way. I mean, where else can you see a guy in a grass skirt playing a ukulele while a group of tourists try to learn hula moves? Embrace the madness! Get up early to snag a good spot on the beach (trust me, it's worth it). And try to be patient. Everyone's on vacation, trying to relax. Take a deep breath, and enjoy the view.
And the beach? Is it all it's cracked up to be?
Oh. My. GOSH. The beach. Okay, this is where the Outrigger *nails* it. You literally walk out of the hotel and onto the sand. The sand is that perfect, soft, powdery stuff. The water is a gorgeous turquoise. I spent DAYS just lounging, swimming, watching the surfers, just... *being*. The sunsets? Unforgettable. I'm not even a "sunset person," but I found myself glued to the beach every evening, camera in hand, trying (and failing) to capture the beauty. One evening, I saw a couple get engaged! Complete with a ukulele serenade. It was cheesy, yes, but also incredibly sweet. I totally teared up again. Clearly, I'm a romantic at heart, even though I try to hide it. Seriously, the beach alone is almost worth the trip (almost!). Just be prepared for it to be crowded. But find your spot, plant yourself, and let the ocean work its magic.
One small thing though... watch out for the rogue waves! I learned the hard way. I thought, "Oh, I'll just stand here and enjoy the view." BAM! A wave came out of nowhere and completely soaked me. I was drenched, my hair was plastered to my face, and I looked like a drowned rat. It was mortifying! So, yeah, learn from my mistake. Respect the ocean. It's beautiful, but it can also be a jerk.
Is the Outrigger Reef family-friendly?
Yes, generally speaking. They have family rooms and activities. But, there are things to consider. If you're looking for a super kid-centric experience, perhaps look at some of the mega-resorts further down the beach. However, this is perfectly friendly, but has a lot of couples and quiet adults. It's a good balance – not too rowdy, not too stuffy. Just depends on what kind of vibe you're looking forTravel Stay Guides
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