Waikiki Resort Hotel or Outrigger Paradise Hotel

Question

We (2 parents in their 50s, husband me and 4 year old) will be in Waikiki next week and wondering which hotel is better the Waikiki Resort Hotel in the Diamond Head Kuhio Beach part or the Outrigger Paradise Hotel in central waikiki part? We are looking for nice lunch and dinner spots near the hotel and nice beach/sand (not rocky under water for feet).

Thanks!

Answer

Choosing between the Waikiki Resort Hotel near Diamond Head/Kuhio Beach and the Outrigger Paradise Hotel in central Waikiki depends on what you prioritize: a quieter, slightly less crowded beach environment, or being in the center of Waikiki’s activity and dining scene. Both are solid choices for a family with a young child.

Waikiki Resort Hotel (Diamond Head/Kuhio Beach area): This area is quieter and more relaxed, ideal for families with small children who want less crowded sand and calmer waters. The beach here is sandy and generally safe for young kids, with minimal rocky areas under the water. You’ll find a few nice local dining spots nearby, though not as many as central Waikiki. Walking along Kuhio Beach can be pleasant and scenic, with fewer tourists compared to the main strip.

Outrigger Paradise Hotel (Central Waikiki): Located right in the heart of Waikiki, this hotel gives you easy access to a wide range of restaurants, shopping, and nightlife. The beach here is wide, sandy, and generally good for children, but can be busier and more crowded, especially near the main Duke Kahanamoku area. For dining, you’ll have dozens of options within walking distance, from casual cafes to upscale dining. It’s convenient if you want to walk everywhere and enjoy the vibrancy of central Waikiki.

If you prefer a quieter, family-focused beach day with calmer waters for your 4-year-old, the Waikiki Resort Hotel area is preferable.
If you want to be in the center of Waikiki’s action, with easy access to numerous lunch and dinner spots, Outrigger Paradise Hotel is ideal.
Both areas offer safe, sandy beaches, though central Waikiki will be busier and more active.

Additional tips:

For lunch near Diamond Head/Kuhio Beach, consider smaller local cafes or hotel restaurants; central Waikiki offers more variety with casual spots like Duke’s Waikiki or Lulu’s Waikiki.
Dinner options are plentiful in central Waikiki, with diverse cuisines and beachfront dining; near Diamond Head, you may need to drive a few minutes for more options.
For families with young children, bringing snorkel shoes or water shoes is helpful in both areas, though less critical in the Diamond Head section.

Overall, if your priority is a calm, easy beach day for your child, the Waikiki Resort Hotel is slightly better. If convenience, variety of dining, and being in the center of Waikiki are more important, choose the Outrigger Paradise Hotel. Either way, both provide access to beautiful Waikiki beaches and enjoyable family experiences.