Hyatt regency vs outrigger Waikiki reef

Question

One night with teenager in Waikiki - Pearl Harbor in the morning and then walking around. Which hotel is better - about the same price. Hyatt regency is ocean view and outrigger is partial ocean view. Thank you!

Answer

Good question. Between and — both solid hotels in Waikiki — the “better” one really depends on what your priorities are for that one night with your teenager. Here’s a breakdown based on what you told me (you’ll do Pearl Harbor in the morning, then explore Waikiki / walk around, and want convenience, comfort, and a decent room with ocean (or partial ocean) view).

✅ Hyatt Regency Waikiki – Strengths

If you get an ocean-view room, you get a balcony and a view of the water/sky — something nice for waking up early, relaxing after your excursion, or evening downtime.
It tends to offer more “resort-style” amenities: spa, pool (though modest), and a larger hotel-resort feel.
Location is central enough that you’re not far from shops, restaurants and the main Waikiki area — convenient for walking around after Pearl Harbor.

⚠️ Hyatt Regency – Considerations / Downsides

The pool, while adequate, is not large or super-special compared to bigger destination resorts — so if you were hoping for a “big pool hangout,” it’s modest.
You have to cross the street to get to the beach, so “on-the-sand” convenience is slightly less compared to a beachfront hotel.

🌊 Outrigger Reef Waikiki – Strengths

It’s beachfront (or right at the beach), which gives easy, direct access to the sand and ocean. That’s helpful if you want to grab a quick swim or beach stroll without crossing a road or doing much walking.
The vibe tends to be more relaxed and “Hawaiian-style” — some people prefer it for a beach-centric stay rather than resort atmosphere.
Because of its location and layout, it may feel a little quieter and more intimate than a large, high-rise resort.

⚠️ Outrigger Reef – Considerations / Downsides

If you book a “partial ocean view” (as you mentioned is the case), the view might be limited — and may not deliver the same “wake up to ocean” feel as a full ocean-view room. Some guest reviews mention that partial views can be underwhelming.
Depending on the unit, interior rooms may feel a bit dated or compact compared with newer or fully renovated resorts — though recent renovations have upgraded many rooms.

🎯 For your situation — what seems to match your needs best

If the ocean-view room is confirmed at Hyatt and you value a bit more resort-style comfort (pool, spa, balcony, city-plus-beach access) and maybe a bit of a “treat” before or after Pearl Harbor — Hyatt Regency seems like a strong choice.
If you and your teen prefer walking out directly to the beach without crossing a road, and you’re fine with a partial view and a more relaxed, beach-centric feel — Outrigger Reef is appealing.
If you envision maybe doing a bit of beach time, walking around Waikiki, grabbing dinner, maybe a short surf lesson or stroll — either could work. Hyatt gives balcony + comfort; Outrigger gives sand-under-feet + convenience.

My Opinion (based on your plan): Since you’ll be doing Pearl Harbor in the morning, then want to walk around Waikiki and enjoy the beach/beachfront vibe with a teenager, and your room prices are “about the same,” I lean toward recommending Hyatt Regency — especially if the “ocean view” is confirmed. It seems to provide the best balance of convenience, comfort, and that “view + resort amenities + easy access to central Waikiki” vibe, which seems a good match for a single night stay with a teen.

That said — you can’t go too wrong either way. If the partial-view at Outrigger appeals to you and you value “right-on-the-sand” more than balcony-views, it’s a perfectly valid alternative.

Hyatt regency vs outrigger Waikiki reef

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