Latest news with #RoyalHawaiianCenter
Business Insider
10-07-2025
- Business Insider
I've been to Hawaii several times. Here are the best things I did for free on my recent trip.
I learned the living art of hula for free. The Royal Hawaiian Center is a luxury shopping destination that offers complimentary Hawaiian cultural experiences, like hula lessons, every day of the week. The classes are first-come, first-served, so I arrived a bit early. Even 15 minutes before my lesson started, there was already a crowd of students eager to learn how to hula. I learned about the significance behind the hand formations of this storytelling art as I swayed my hips in the cool ocean breeze. If you're lucky, your lesson will be taught by renowned Hula dancer Puakeala Mann, who shares with students the history of hula while teaching them basic hand gestures and footwork. I went on a stunning waterfall hike. I fondly remember hiking to Manoa Falls with my family as a child. I was eager to set out on the moderate trail again and was delighted that it was free to visit. I went on a leisurely stroll through the lush jungle full of fragrant flowers and dense tropical vegetation, which brought me to a 150-foot cascade. Nearby is the Harold L. Lyon Arboretum, which features 6,000 tropical and subtropical plants and is also free to visit. Unfortunately, I didn't realize that the arboretum does Beaches are free here, but visiting them still feels like a luxury. All beaches in Hawaii are public and free. No trip to Oahu is complete without spending a few hours in the sunshine at Waikiki Beach. I spent a day strolling down the iconic boardwalk, where you can snap a photo in front of the bronze Duke Kahanamoku Statue for a meaningful free keepsake. Kahanamoku was an Olympian surfer known for spreading the spirit of Aloha globally, and I loved checking out the larger-than-life statue of him on the boardwalk near Kuhio Beach. It's easy to spend a whole day here without spending tons of cash. You can go down to the beach to watch surfers catch waves or take a dip in the crystalline waters. Right nearby, you can also visit the astonishing Diamond Head crater for $5. The entry fee is well worth it, in my opinion. I also visited less-crowded beaches that were just as beautiful, such as Queens Beach and Kaimana Beach. Hiking the Makapuu Point Lighthouse Trail brought me to one of the most gorgeous views I've ever seen. The Makapuu Point Lighthouse Trail is a free, moderate, 2-mile round-trip hike. It offers stunning views of the southeastern coastline, including Koko Head, Koko Crater, and the trail's namesake — the historic Makapuu Lighthouse, built in 1909. During the whale season from November to May, the trail is one of the best places to see humpback whales. Although I didn't see any on my recent trip, I have treasured childhood memories of watching the whales here during past visits. I learned how to make a fresh flower lei for free. The Royal Hawaiian Center also offers free classes on how to make your own flower lei. Classes are held on a first-come, first-served basis and can fill up fast, so it's best to arrive at least 30 minutes early. As I learned how to delicately thread local orchids into a lei, the guide taught us about the cultural significance of lei. We also learned the meaning and pronunciation of some Hawaiian words. I left with a stronger understanding of Hawaiian culture and a gorgeous keepsake that I kept refrigerated so I could wear it for a few days.
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Travel + Leisure
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Travel + Leisure
I Lived in Hawaii for 10 Years and This Hotel—With the Longest Oceanfront Infinity Pool in the U.S.—Is the One I Always Come Back To
The resort is located on Waikiki Beach and within walking distance to popular dining and shopping destinations, including Royal Hawaiian Center and International Market Place. The Sheraton's adults-only Edge Infinity Pool is the longest oceanfront infinity pool in the United States. First-time surfers or stand-up paddlers can take lessons on the same waves legendary surfer Duke Kahanamoku used to ride. Travelers to Oahu have no shortage of hotels to choose from, from budget-friendly hideaways off the beach to an oceanfront mega resort. I've stayed at 15 resorts on Oahu—both in Honolulu and beyond the city—and I always come back to Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort for one simple reason: It has everything you need for a perfect stay. While staying in the center of bustling Waikiki may sound unappealing to some, I love being close to a long list of activities and restaurants—not to mention staying directly on an iconic beach—but also being able to tuck away into a secluded poolside cabana or float in the adults-only infinity pool. The first time I checked in and went up to my room, I remember opening the door to the balcony, stepping out, and thinking, 'This looks exactly like a postcard.' Waking up to the sound of the Pacific gently lapping the shoreline while drinking Kona coffee on my balcony was my definition of bliss. And the panoramic views of Waikiki Beach—where sunbathers and umbrellas dot the sand like colorful pieces of confetti—and iconic Diamond Head crater from nearly every vantage point of the property, are second to none. Located in the heart of Waikiki, the sprawling resort's location, steps from the beach and a short walk to award-winning restaurants, is a top seller for most travelers, myself included. Whether I wanted to browse the shops at Royal Hawaiian Center, grab shave ice or a coffee from Island Vintage, or take a sunset stroll up to Duke's for Hula Pie, I was within walking distance of it all, making the property a great home base for island exploration. The turtle statue inside the resort. Courtesy of Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort In 2020, the resort unveiled a $200-million years-long renovation that upgraded all 1,636 rooms and suites, as well as the property's retail spaces and public areas, but because of strict COVID-19 protocols, guests weren't able to fully enjoy it until mid-2022. While I loved the Sheraton before, the relatively new look is fresh and modern, with wood tones and soft hues. Here's my review of Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort, which turns 54 this year With 12 accommodation categories across nearly 1,700 rooms and suites, there's truly something for everyone here. I typically book the High Oceanfront Room (floors 10 through 19) because it offers the best value for my husband and me. All rooms have mini fridges, coffee makers, and lots of thoughtfully placed outlets for charging your phone, as well as Sheraton Sleep Experience beds. The bathrooms are on the small side, but come with everything you need (a hairdryer, shampoo and conditioner, and a toothbrush and toothpaste) plus a bidet on the toilet. Robes and slippers are available upon request for standard rooms. If I wanted to splurge, I'd book the Kai Ocean Suite, which has not one, but two ocean-facing balconies for taking in the views of Diamond Head and daily sunrises and sunsets. There's also a full living room for more space to spread out. Most room tiers have accessible options, which can be requested at booking. 'We have a variety of accessible rooms, as well as the two-bedroom Ohana Suite, making the resort family-friendly and ideal for multigenerational travel,' says Tom Calame, area general manager and managing director for Marriott International, tells Travel + Leisure . 'Families of all ages are spending meaningful time together, from young children to teens and grandparents.' The Kai Market is where guests can go for relaxed dining atmosphere. Courtesy of Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort The food options at the Sheraton are solid, starting with the continental breakfast at Kai Market, which includes plenty of fresh, tropical fruit, local favorites like Portuguese sausage, and a made-to-order omelet (get the crispy potatoes as a side)—my personal favorite menu item. RumFire, the property's open-air beach bar, is another must-visit. Don't miss the mai tai flight featuring locally made Kuleana Rum or one of the many zero-proof options, like Graveyards—a blend of calamansi juice, pineapple juice, and soda water. Edge of Waikiki, the hotel's pool bar, is my favorite spot for on-site dining. I love the Buddha Bowl, filled with greens, quinoa, beets, ube, and avocado, as well as the fresh poke offerings like the ahi poke flatbread topped with spicy aioli. The signature cocktails are all named after renowned Waikiki surf spots. 'We're excited to create culinary experiences that prioritize wellness, freshness, and local flavors, ensuring our guests feel rejuvenated,' Calame tells T+L. Aerial view of beachgoers enjoying a day at Waikiki Beach. Kaitlin Sawyer/Travel + Leisure In addition to beachfront access with chairs and umbrellas available for rent (not included in the $52 daily resort fee), the Sheraton Waikiki is home to three pools: the Edge Infinity Pool and Helumoa Playground family pool, the latter of which has two pools in one area. The swirly slide going into the Helumoa Pool. Courtesy of Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort The Edge Infinity Pool, the longest oceanfront infinity pool in the U.S., spans 130 feet and is open to guests ages 16 and up. Situated just a few feet above sea level, the pool also has unobstructed views of Waikiki and the Pacific. At Helumoa Playground, you can enjoy not one, but two, freshwater pools, a 70-foot-long waterslide, and two whirlpool spas. There's also a splash pad area for kids with plenty of chaise lounges for the whole family. While guests can reserve poolside cabanas at both locations (for a fee), I'm partial to those at the infinity pool because they offer the best views. They're worth the fee, especially if you're traveling with a group, as getting chaise lounges together can sometimes be difficult. Guest's can spend time on the Maitai Catamaran. Courtesy of Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort Guests can also book a surf or stand-up paddleboard lesson, as well as outrigger canoeing, through Waikiki Beach Services, which has been operating since 1955. So, what does that daily resort fee include? The Sheraton Waikiki offers hula classes several days a week, ribbon lei and kukui nut making, ukulele lessons, and lauhala weaving. Additionally, guests are granted two daily passes for meditation, water Zumba, and morning yoga, plus complimentary use of a GoPro Hero5, a 24-hour gym, and high-speed internet access. 'Sheraton Waikiki guests are also invited to sign up for The Royal Hawaiian hotel historical tour at our sibling hotel next door, The Royal Hawaiian,' says Calame. There isn't a spa at the Sheraton Waikiki, but both of the neighboring Marriott properties—The Royal Hawaiian and Moana Surfrider—have spas that are open to Sheraton guests. While I'm admittedly not a huge fan of massages, the Lomi Ho'okipa, a Hawaiian-inspired massage style that uses long, kneading strokes, at the oceanfront Moana Lani Spa at Moana Surfrider, is a must after a long flight, even for non-enthusiasts like myself. You can relax in a rocking chair and feed the fish at the Koi Pond. Courtesy of Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort Despite the Disney property about an hour away, the Sheraton Waikiki is a solid contender for one of the most family-friendly resorts on Oahu thanks to its rooms designed for families of all sizes, on-site offerings, and proximity to local activities. While the Helumoa Playground pool area is a major highlight, with plenty of space for parents to relax, other family-forward activities include daily cultural experiences, koi fish feeding (every day at 11 a.m.), and free access to shuffleboard, foosball, and pool tables. Parents wanting a break can also take advantage of Poppins child care for kids ages 3 months to 12 years, and self-service laundry facilities on floors 5 and 18 ensure any mishaps can be handled ASAP. The resort is also located near kid favorites like the Honolulu Zoo and Waikiki Aquarium. While both are technically walkable, little ones might need a lift to make it all the way to the aquarium, just over a mile away. The Sheraton Waikiki has accessibility features in all room types, including (but not limited to) roll-in showers, grab bars, and bath stools. The resort also has ramps and hearing accessible functions like visual fire alarms with strobe lighting. Like many resorts in Hawaii, sustainability is at the forefront to protect the Hawaiian islands' most valuable and precious resources: water and land. The Sheraton Waikiki is LEED Gold certified, which means it meets high environmental and sustainability standards, including energy efficiency, water conservation, and eco-friendly construction practices, as recognized by the U.S. Green Building Council. Beyond that, the Sheraton Waikiki was the first hotel in Hawaii to offer electric vehicle charging stations and is committed to coastal preservation efforts, including partnerships with local organizations to protect marine life and maintain clean beaches. The Sheraton Waikiki is in the heart of Waikiki, meaning you're just steps from world-class shopping, dining, and nightlife, and a short ride from Honolulu International Airport. The prime location offers excellent views of Diamond Head and direct beach access, which is great for easy morning swims and sunset strolls. It's also a short walk to top Waikiki attractions such as Royal Hawaiian Center, International Market Place, Kuhio Beach, and the Duke Paoa Kahanamoku Statue. Plus, the hotel's central position lends itself to easy tour pickups to explore other parts of Oahu, including Pearl Harbor and the North Shore. Sheraton Waikiki is a Marriott Bonvoy property, so you can cash in points for a stay—between 56,000 and 102,000 per night, depending on room choice and time of year. Every T+L hotel review is written by an editor or reporter who has stayed at the property, and each hotel selected aligns with our core values.
