Location beachfront vs a little back

Question

Hi there! Looking at our first family trip to Waikiki - and am looking at accomodation options. I am wondering if there is a substantial benefit (convenience aside) to staying right on the beachfront properties, for example Royal Hawaiian, or Outrigger, vs say the Halepuna, one street back. Do the beachfront resorts have chairs on the beach to use? Are these charged? Is there any way to pay for beach chairs or its simply for hotel guests of those beachfront hotels? Any information is greatly appreciated! It does seem you can get a little better value and even potentially a view staying slightly back from the beach, so am just considering all options.

Answer

When choosing between a beachfront property in Waikiki, like the Royal Hawaiian or Outrigger, versus a hotel a block back such as Halepuna, there are several factors to weigh beyond mere convenience.

Beachfront Benefits:

Direct beach access: Most beachfront hotels offer private or semi-private beach access, making it easy to spend mornings and evenings on the sand without crossing streets or carrying gear.
Resort amenities at the beach: Beachfront resorts typically provide lounge chairs, umbrellas, and sometimes towels. These are often included for hotel guests, but some hotels may charge a fee for premium chairs or cabanas. Policies vary by property, so it’s worth confirming with the hotel directly.
Views: Oceanfront rooms offer unobstructed sunrise/sunset views, which is a highlight if scenic views are a priority for your family.
Vibe and convenience: Being on the beach creates a resort-like atmosphere — you can easily step out to surf lessons, beach walks, or sunset events without walking far.

Staying a Street Back (like Halepuna):

Potentially better value: Rooms a block back often cost less per night than beachfront properties while still providing easy walking access to the beach (typically 1–2 minutes).
Quieter environment: Being slightly back can mean less street noise and fewer crowds just outside your room.
Flexible access: While you won’t have resort-provided chairs directly on the sand, many public areas or nearby beachfront hotels allow chair rentals for non-guests, usually for a daily fee.
Walkable amenities: Waikiki is very compact, so being one street back doesn’t significantly reduce access to shops, restaurants, or beachfront attractions.

Beach Chair Options:

Most beachfront hotels reserve chairs for registered guests; some allow outside visitors to rent at a daily fee, often ranging $10–$30 per chair depending on location and service level.
Some hotels provide complimentary chairs and umbrellas for guests, but premium positions (closer to the water, shaded cabanas) might incur extra cost.
If you stay a block back, you can usually rent chairs at a nearby beachfront hotel for the day, or bring your own portable beach chairs for complete flexibility.

Overall, the choice comes down to whether your family values immediate oceanfront access and the resort vibe over slightly lower cost and potentially quieter accommodations a short walk from the sand. For families who want spontaneous beach time and easy access for young kids, beachfront is a definite plus. For those focused on budget or room size, staying a street back can be a smart compromise while still keeping the beach very accessible.

Location beachfront vs a little back

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