YAHglobal Waikiki isn’t exactly a matchmaking hot spot. Single minglers go to South Beach Miami or Las Vegas Nevada for that kind of thing. However, a lot of people visit Oahu on their own for a variety of other reasons, and are curious about which Waikiki hotels are more comfortable for those coming solo. After all, it can be a little off-putting hanging out at a resort pool surrounded by honeymooners and couples with kids in tow. And while you may not be looking to “hook up” you do want to find a convenient hotel with amenities that set the table for friendly conversation and the opportunity to meet some cool new people. Below is a breakdown of accommodations that match your criteria.
Top 4 Waikiki Beach Hotels That Are Welcoming and Fun for Single People and Solo Travelers
Waikiki Beachcomber by Outrigger
This resort property checks all of the boxes for singles. For one, it’s conveniently located in the heart of Waikiki and in the mix of all that Kalakaua Avenue has to offer. However, the real action is upstairs on the second level where you will enjoy the resort’s onsite amenities. When you come down from your room in the AM you can saunter into the best cafe in Waikiki Beach – Hawaiian Aroma Caffe. In addition to espresso and the usual fare (pastries, acai bowls, etc.) Hawaiian Aroma whips up tropical cocktails. That, along with open air seating, is inviting and incites conversation between tables. In the evening and into the night the cafe becomes a haven for fans of local live music, and from there guests spill over to the adjacent Maui Brewing Company. In addition to a great bar and lineup of locally crafted beer, the expansive establishment has shuffleboard, foosball tables, and breakout spaces that are tailor-made for making new acquaintances. View more on the Waikiki Beachcomber by Outrigger.
Sheraton Princess Kaiulani
You won’t find this resort on other lists of best Waikiki hotels for singles because they don’t have a bustling nightlife. But as we alluded to in the introduction, this article isn’t about setting you up for a romantic rendezvous. Instead, we’re guiding you to a place where you will feel comfortable on your own, yet one that presents a chance to mingle when you’re in the mood. That’s what this property has to offer.
What we love about this budget-friendly yet classy hotel, is how expansive the common spaces are. The swimming pool and surrounding lounge area is as big as it gets in Waikiki. There is even a bar (Splash Bar) a pool noodle’s reach away. As a result there is a steady flow of both new and extended-stay guests, some of which will become familiar and friendly faces. The hotel is also very conveniently located. The short walk back from the beach invites you to carryon conversations with those you met while sunbathing, paddling, or surfing. View more on Waikiki’s most affordable and authentic Hawaiian hotel.
Queen Kapiolani Hotel
A flower behind the right ear means “single” in Hawai’i
This vibrant property isn’t located in the middle of the action like the other hotels above and below. However, it answers the call of the wild, and we don’t mean the residents across the road at Honolulu Zoo. One of the biggest draws for visiting singles is the Deck, a substantial upper-level restaurant, bar, and poolside lounge that boasts a backdrop of Diamond Head crater. On a sunny afternoon the Deck brims with guests. From AM into the evening people can be found lounging, conversing, swimming, and sipping cocktails, yet none of it comes across as pretentious. The Deck also hosts live music throughout the week, which brings locals out to join in on the fun. The scene downstairs in the colorful lobby is also inviting, with comfy sofas, communal tables and Knots Coffee Roasters. The latter is a wide open cafe where people greet each other in the early AM before heading out for a day of adventures. View more on the Queen Kapiolani Hotel.
Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort
When it comes to sparking up a conversation with perfect strangers there are no better bar stools in Waikiki than the ones found within Duke’s Barefoot Bar. Duke’s is the flagship eatery and watering hole of the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort. While the resort is packed with couples and families, it’s equally accommodating to singles thanks to Duke’s and the crowd it attracts. Duke’s is where locals and visitors from all over the island go to kick back, whether they come alone or in groups. It never feels strange to pull up a perch on your own at the bar. Even if others are engaged with their companions, Duke’s friendly bartenders are quick to strike up a genuine conversation. By the end of the evening you’ll feel as if you’re part of the Ohana – because you are!
Included in all of the other amenities a single-traveler could ask for (beachfront pool, fitness facility, shops, and cafes) the resort also has the iconic New York-based jazz club “Blue Note” on its second floor. Nothing brings singles together quite like the soothing sounds of the sax. View more about the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort.
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