The leaves of the tall, palm trees lining the relaxed beach park are gently swaying in the wind, urging me down toward the pillowy, white sandy beach that lays ahead. I notice that the afternoon rush of beachgoers has somewhat dispersed, so I easily find a spot close to the shoreline.
Sitting down on my pastel yellow beach towel, I begin to eat my dinner—a to-go bowl of fresh marlin poke and rice—and stare at the view unfolding right in front of me. The rose-toned hue of golden hour is fast fading and in its place is a fiery red-and-orange sunset over the brackish waters of the Pacific Ocean.
With pleasant year-round weather, you’re spoilt for choice on when to visit the idyllic Waikiki Beach and its environs. Winters are best for dolphin and whale watching while the summer months are best for picturesque sunsets over Waikiki Bay or exploring the island’s burgeoning farm-to-table scene.
No matter the time of year, here are eight of the best Waikiki beach hotels to suit any type of laid-back, island vacation.