On Oahu, the place to be is Waikiki Beach. Or close to it. In reality, only a trio of hotels sits right on the sand. The rest are on the other side of Kalakaua Avenue. Some have water views, some are a short walk to the water, and others are a couple of blocks farther inland. If you are okay with being a couple of blocks from the sand, you can save a good bit on the room rates. And you won’t be slumming, especially if you stay in one of these three recently renovated hotels. All have been around for a while in one form or another, but have benefitted from a major facelift or a rebranding in the past couple of years.

Shoreline Hotel Waikiki

The Shoreline was the epitome of tropical modernism when it opened in the 1970s on the corner of Seaside Avenue and Waikolu Way. When it came time for an update, the owners tapped award-winning designer Anthony Laurino. Rather than wipe the slate clean, he used his personal flair to transform the property with sleek, minimalist details that create a 21st century take on island chic, while also paying homage to the property’s 70s origins. Colors, fabrics and furnishings evoke a sense of crisp, clean minimalism, but not at the expense of comfort. Modern amenities such as electronics docking stations, flat-screen televisions and hotel wide Wi-Fi blend with timeless elements such as the natural wood accents, plush rugs and island inspired artwork.

The rooftop pool at the Shoreline Hotel is a compact but convenient space where guests can take a refreshing dip, relax and enjoy skyline views of the city. Photo: Shoreline Hotel

The beach is just two blocks away, and guests also have the option of an intimate rooftop pool. A wealth of shopping and dining opportunities are also within easy walking distance. Closer to home is the in-house dining room of Heavenly Life Style, which channels another trend from the 70s, the health food moment. This all day cafe and diner creates menus around organic vegetables and meats, and fresh local seafood. There is also a coffee station and a small business center near the lobby, but for most guests, the main attraction of the Shoreline is convenience and price. And the fact that this 125-room property is now one of the hippest in Waikiki is certainly a bonus.

A king bed room with partial ocean views at the Shoreline Hotel incorporates 70s-inspired colors and patterns into a sleek, modern- minimalist design. Photo: Shoreline Hotel

Aqua Oasis Hotel

This boutique hotel lives up to the promise in its name. Step into the open- air lobby and you are transported to a quiet tropical oasis where you are surrounded and soothed by lush native plants accented by a koi fish and turtle pond. When this vintage property was acquired by the Aqua group in 2012, they began a multi-year, $2.5 million update that replaced a dated and admittedly drab décor with brighter color schemes, upgraded bedding and modern electronics such as flat-screen televisions, Bose stereo systems and in-room PlayStation consoles. Bathrooms also received full updates, which included jetted tubs. Each room offers a private balcony, and in addition to double and king-bed rooms, there are junior and one-bedroom suites with private kitchens and sitting areas.

The open-air upper lobby of the Aqua Oasis Hotel features lush fern beds and native plants that help evoke a sense of detached calm in an urban setting. Photo: Aqua Oasis

All guests enjoy a complimentary Continental breakfast, morning newspapers and property-wide Wi-Fi. There is a compact pool and sundeck for those who don’t feel like hitting the beach, and the hotel operates a shuttle service to the shopping, dining and entertainment action in Ala Moana. But guests don’t need to travel far to enjoy one of Waikiki’s most trending restaurants. Adjacent to the lobby is Agalico Waikiki. In a setting of modern-rustic ambient, Agalico’s culinary team serves diners an eclectic menu that blends Thai, Vietnamese and Indonesian cuisine with an added island twist. As a perk, guests staying at Aqua Oasis receive a 10 percent discount at the restaurant.

A king room at the Aqua Oasis Hotel showcases the bright new décor and furnishings that the designers describe as “urban loft meets Hawaii.” Photo: Aqua Oasis

Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club

The Swim Club doesn’t just pay homage to 1960s beach culture; it takes a deep dive into this classic era. When the property formerly known as the Hokele Suites reopened in the spring of 2017, it was not just remodeled, it was fully reimagined. Rooms evoke a retro vibe with fabric headboards from Hawaiian clothes designer Tori Richard and wallpaper handcrafted by Honolulu native Andrew Mau. Other surf shack worthy details include reed ceilings, batten walls, island artwork and retro-look woodwork. A stay at the Swim Club can be a group or family affair, as the hotel offers a mix of one room bungalows and one, two, and three-bedroom suites.

The poolside bar at the Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club is the hotel’s social hub, where guests are often joined by local artists, musicians and writers. Photo: Mariko Reed/Surfjack

As might be expected from a property with Swim Club in its name, the hotel pool at Surfjack isn’t just for dipping after a trip to the beach. The words “Wish you Were Here” are embedded into the bottom of the pool, and for many guests it is the place to be, whether gathering for libations during the happy hour adult swim session, taking in an open-air movie premier on the big screen above the pool deck, or attending one of the regular talks hosted by local or visiting artists, musicians, photographers, filmmakers, architects, professors, chefs, and more. The Swim Club’s onsite restaurant, Mahina & Sun’s, is the work of renowned island chef Ed Kenney, who is known for reimagining and elevating traditional Hawaiian home cooking, and for utilizing local, organic ingredients. Also on site is the Olive & Oliver Boutique, where guests can stock up on unique beach apparel and accessories to get into the island mood.

Every element of the rooms at the Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club was chosen to evoke a connection to the classic surf culture of the 1960s. Photo: Surfjack

Oahu’s Waikiki Beach was America’s original island vacation destination, and for more than 70 years, it remained a go-to destination for everyone from honeymooners to baby boomers. Now, there’s a new wave of urban energy sweeping through the entire Waikiki district, from the iconic beach to the Ala Wai waterway. Trendy new shops, galleries and eateries are springing up, and some of the area’s established hotels have responded with updates and re-imaginings. Here are three of the latest properties sporting new looks and even new names.

Prince Waikiki

The biggest news on the Waikiki waterfront is the re-emergence of the Hawaii Prince Hotel as the Prince Waikiki. The eight-month, $55 million update of this waterfront landmark began with a fresh look to the hotel lobby, which now showcases original artworks such as the signature copper centerpiece sculpture created by Kaili Chun. Also on display through the hotel are a series of abstract paintings by native Hawaiian artist Solomon Enos, and more than 800 original copper sculptures and ornamental fixtures created through the collaborative creation of artists, employees, and guests. The property-wide update includes the Prince Waikiki Club lounge and a new infinity pool with direct ocean views. The hotel’s 563 guest rooms and suites also enjoy expansive water views from floor-to-ceiling windows. Refreshed room decors feature natural materials, including marble, rich woods and fine fabrics, with a color palette chosen to reinforce the sand, sea and sunset environment.

Floor-to-ceiling windows are a hallmark of guest rooms at the Prince Waikiki. The recent hotel-wide renovation included a complete re-imagining of guest room décor. Photo: Prince Waikiki

Diners enjoy sweeping sunset views at the hotel’s signature 100 Sails Restaurant & Bar, which focuses on fresh island cuisines created by Chef de Cuisine Joseph Almoguera. A new bar adjacent to the dining room offers craft cocktails and small bites. The Prince Waikiki’s location is convenient to Honolulu’s most iconic districts, including Chinatown, Kaka Ako, Ala Moana and Waikiki. Recreational amenities include the Arnold Palmer/Ed Seay- designed 27-hole Hawaii Prince Golf Club. The Ala Wai Yacht Harbor is adjacent to the hotel, and all the water sports of Waikiki Beach are nearby.

The teak decked pool area at the Prince Waikiki provides sweeping views of the Ala Wai Yacht Harbor and the Pacific Ocean. The beach is a short walk away. Photo: Jim Doyle/Prince Waikiki

The Laylow, Autograph Collection

Honolulu’s Kuhio Avenue is enjoying a renaissance, with hip and trendy shops and restaurants popping up around the recently redeveloped International Market Place. In the middle of it all is the vintage hotel once known as the Aqua Waikiki Wave, which reemerged in early 2017 as the Laylow. The sweeping $60 million renovation represents both an update and a return to the property’s roots. The hotel’s revamped personality blends Hawaiian style with a mid-century aesthetic. The design team’s stated goal was “to create an urban oasis that evokes an experience you might have had in the ’50s or ’60s, yet at the same time is updated, hip and cool.” The lobby sets the stage with terracotta breezeblock walls sculpted in graphic patterns reminiscent of Hawaiian tapa designs and open to the trade winds. The theme continues throughout the hotel, with furnishings and accents created from refurbished antiques, reclaimed woods, and design accent pieces by midcentury modern classics.

Rooms at the Laylow feature a mid-century Hawaiian modernist theme that makes use of natural fabrics and woods, while also offering cutting-edge amenities. Photo: Ramon Purcell/Laylow

The 186 guestrooms and 65 suites evoke a sense of laid-back luxury, with clean minimalist design and color palettes based on warm earth tones offset by cobalt and pink to reflect the tropical environment. Monstera leaf wallpaper, surf nostalgia and vintage memorabilia complete the scene. But while the design is mid- century, the amenities are cutting edge; as rooms feature high- speed Internet, smart TVs and full connectivity for personal electronic devices. Each room has one or two king beds and private lanais. The hotel includes a private pool sequestered in a garden setting, and a 24-hour fitness center. The Laylow’s signature restaurant, Hideout, showcases reimagined Pacific Rim classics based on locally sourced ingredients. The dining space extends to an open-air lanai overlooking Kuhio Avenue, where twin fire pits, pune`e beds and private cabanas provide an intimate setting for live musical performances.

The pool area at the Laylow creates an urban oasis in the heart of Waikiki’s trendiest district. The adjacent bar dispenses artisanal cocktails and craft beers. Photo: Ramon Purcell/Laylow

Coconut Waikiki

This boutique, off-beach property has long been a favorite with families and travelers who appreciate both value and the personal service and attention of a smaller resort. In 2016, the hotel underwent a series of design refreshments imagined by San Francisco based designer Anthony Laurino, who created an island- chic motif described as “warm, comfortable and fun”. The revamped lobby now features furniture and accents made from native Hawaiian monkey pod wood, and arriving guests are greeted with snacks and a personal welcome. Just off the lobby, a new game room stocked with board games and other social entertainment provides a gathering place where guests can meet and mingle.

All rooms at the Coconut Waikiki include private balconies and kitchen areas. The property delivers the convenience of central location combined with the casual intimacy of a smaller hotel. Photo: Coconut Waikiki

As part of the design refresh, guest rooms received fresh color schemes, along with new drapes, linens, patio furniture and furniture coverings. All rooms include private balconies and kitchenettes with a microwave, sink, refrigerator, cutlery and dishes. Daily complimentary breakfast is served around a pair of communal tables that encourage socialization. Just off the lobby, the heated pool enjoys new landscaping and updated deck furniture. Next to the pool deck, guests can make use of a new barbecue facility, which hotel staff will prep for use for those who want to stay in and cook out.

The lobby area at the Coconut Waikiki creates a bright and welcoming space for arrivals. Here the adjacent pool, barbecue deck and game room create spaces for gatherings and socialization. Photo: Coconut Waikiki

Imagine yourself relaxing at a private poolside cabana at a luxurious tropical resort. Then, take it up another level by placing that personal oasis within sight of one of the world’s most iconic beaches. That’s exactly what you get when you settle into a cabana at one of these three premier resorts near the shores of Oahu’s Waikiki Beach.

Sheraton Waikiki

A poolside cabana at the Sheraton Waikiki can become your haven for relaxation or a base camp for beach fun. Each private space is set around the resort’s infinity-edge adult’s pool, with the sands of Waikiki just steps away, and views of the beach and Diamond Head crater in the distance. These shaded enclaves are fitted with privacy curtains, stocked with chilled drinks, and have wait staff on call. Should ambition strike, you can summon Waikiki Beach Services to schedule an outrigger canoe ride or surfing lessons.

With curtains that can be draw for privacy, or left open for ocean views, the cabanas at the Sheraton Waikiki are just steps away from the sand and a range of beach sports. Photo: Sheraton Waikiki

The Royal Hawaiian, A Luxury Collection Resort

Privacy doesn’t have to mean being alone. The poolside cabanas at the Royal Hawaiian Resort can accommodate up to five, as they are furnished with a sectional lounge, table and a pair of chaise lounges. Each perches on a stone pool deck that provides views of Waikiki Beach and the Pacific Ocean. Pool attendants are on hand to keep you hydrated and satiated, and provide an additional perk of oishibori—the warm moist towels sometimes offered in Chinese and Japanese restaurants.

Canvas-shrouded cabanas at the Royal Hawaiian Resort have direct views of Waikiki Beach, and include lounge seating for up to five, making them ideal for families. Photo: Royal Hawaiian

The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach

Ocean views are elevated at the Ritz-Carlton, as the pool deck is located on the hotel’s eighth floor. With a theme of “above and beyond”, this space offers expansive views of Waikiki Beach via the treetops of Fort Derussy Park, a 20-acre green space between the resort and the sand. Here at the highest pool in Waikiki, guests can cozy up in their private cabanas, order meals and take in the Ritz hospitality. Waikiki Beach is just a 5-minute walk away, and there is a lineup of luxury boutiques nearby.

The pool deck at the Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach offers private cabanas with ocean views from an eighth-story vantage point. Photo: Don Riddle/Ritz-Carlton