Renaissance Honolulu Hotel & Spa 

Hawaii is a bucket list destination for many, and a magnet for vacationers who love sand and surf. While the state doesn’t lack gorgeous oceanfront resorts, visitors interested in exploring Oahu’s urban pleasures should consider staying in cosmopolitan Honolulu. The new Renaissance Honolulu Hotel & Spa — the area’s first new-build hotel in over two decades — is in the heart of this city’s alternate universe of culture, ethnic eats, and shopping, with Ala Moana Beach’s iconic blue water only a short stroll away. Keep reading for our review.

What You Need to Know

The Look of the Renaissance Honolulu Hotel & Spa 

Located in a gleaming high-rise, the Renaissance Honolulu Hotel & Spa looks unassuming from the outside. Inside, however, the inviting lobby features handcrafted wood furniture and modern couches that beckon guests to relax. Coffee table books on surfing, a ukulele, and even a poi masher are displayed, putting island heritage front and center. 

Guest rooms are contemporary, with floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing Oahu's south shore and regional artwork adorning the walls. A neutral color palette adds to the uncluttered feel, with pops of sea blue reminding you how close you are to the Pacific. Beds have crisp white linen and extra-comfy pillows, while bathrooms are oversized, with deep soaking tubs, separate showers, and high-tech, Japanese-style toilets. Nespresso coffee machines with a variety of pods and an electric tea kettle offer hot beverage options.

The expansive 8th-floor deck has a resort-within-the-city look, with two swimming pools, hot tubs, shaded cabanas, and BBQ pavilions. A gym and spa are also found on this level. 

The Vibe at the Renaissance Honolulu Hotel & Spa 

The can-do staff transmits genuine hospitality, and a convivial feel encourages guests to mingle as they gather around the lobby’s bar cart or unwind in the hot tub. Plus, top-rated restaurant Mara draws a loyal local crowd, offering a non-touristy dining experience within the hotel. 

Who Will Love the Renaissance Honolulu Hotel & Spa 

Travelers looking for immersive and authentic experiences will feel right at home. The concierge team, known as navigators, are on hand to offer insider recommendations, from the best poke spot to mom-and-pop shops selling muumuus to setting up a surf lesson. 

Who Might Not Love the Renaissance Honolulu Hotel & Spa 

If you want to sleep with the waves as your soundtrack, the city location may disappoint.