The Breakers Hotel

My husband and I recently stayed at The Breakers for the second time. We were originally searching for a hotel with old Hawaiian vibes and this place was perfect. We didn’t want a busy high rise resort. Built in 1954 it’s like a time capsule. There were original features in the rooms that we loved. Our room was very clean. There are beautifully kept gardens surrounding the pool. The beach is only 1 block away. We were able to walk to most places we wanted to go to and the bus stop was close by to get to other areas. There’s an ABC store right across the road which was handy. All the staff were so friendly and very helpful. It was a great quiet retreat after walking the busy streets. We absolutely love this place and already can’t wait to go back.

This little hidden gem in the heart of Waikiki did not disappoint! I love everything retro with mid-century vibes. Not your cookie-cutter slick, modern hotel, but that's why I love it. Staff at front desk were very warm and friendly. The bed and was comfortable and clean, as was the bathroom. I had a room on the 2nd floor with a lanai to sit out on and enjoy the Hawaiian breeze. There is an ABC store right oppisite, and the beach is super close. Next door is Waikiki Tea, which has delicious tea lattes and crepe cakes. Wasabi sushi restaurant on hotel premises was also very good. Stayed here for a long layover Sydney to LAX. This will be my place to stay on future visits to see family in Australia.

We are loyal Breakers customers. My wife and i have been coming here for many years (missed the last 2 due to stupid Covid), we have introduced our son and daughter to this gem and this year our grandkids. This time around we stayed for two weeks and my family , six of them, arrived on the second week to surprise my wife for her birthday. The Breakers staff were all in on the setup and it all added to a wonderful and special time. We caught up with some regulars and made new friends with other regulars, my grandkids absolutely enjoyed the atmosphere and the pool. Much has been said about the dated decor and noise level but its the location, cleanliness, caring staff and old time Hawaiiana atmosphere that rises above it all that will always bring us back. Also, the hotel is conveniently located on bus routes, within walking (20-30 minutes) distances to Ala Moana Mall, saturday kaka’ako farmer’s market, Rainbow Drive In, etc. There are tons of affordable meal options when you don’t want to splurge like the Steak Shack, Foodland Farms, Don Quijote supermarket and Iyasume Musubi. Local delights like Poke, Acai bowls , bento boxes and musubis are so delicious and cheap and close by to the hotel.

The decor is aged and some minor repairs are needed, but it's charming anyway. There is a kitchenette with a funky old two burner stove, small fridge, pot, pan, plates, etc. The A/C was on and off all night, annoying, so we ended up turning it off at night and opening windows, very comfortable in November. The room was clean and I saw no bugs. The architecture reminded me of older hotels I stayed in Japan. The landscaping and pool area (not heated, but that is common in Waikiki) are lovely. Because it's small and only 2 stories, it lends itself to friendly greetings and chats with staff and guests alike, and the manager who runs the hotel is quite the charming lady. There's an adorable cat that comes out once in a while to visit, two parakeets, and a little sitting area in the outdoor lobby. It's just two blocks to a beach and park, and close stores and restaurants, including a Japanese restaurant at the hotel. Our room was toward the back of the hotel, so the internet was sketchy, and that might bother some, but if I went and sat at the pool or in the lobby, the internet was fine. There's a few parking spaces, but they are coveted, so don't count on them being available, and there's no other free parking that I know of in Waikiki. So easy to get around by bus or trolley anyway, and if you need to rent a car to explore Oahu, just return it to the agency at the end of the day so that you won't need to fret about parking. The pricing was fair, worth it for the location, kitchenette, cleanliness, and laid back atmosphere.

Yes, it's old, needs some work, a bit dated, but who cares? It has no bugs, is clean, has a great kitchenette, is just two blocks to a clean (not murky water) Waikiki Beach, has a few parking spaces, and lovely grounds. It's not a luxury high rise--it's a two story hotel! The staff and guests are so friendly and the hotel reminds me of places I've stayed in Japan. If I ever go back to beautiful Waikiki, that is where I'm staying.

I like a place with a kitchenette, that's quiet, clean, no bugs, and has some charm. I have no interest in staying in high rise luxury hotels. The Breakers ticked all the boxes and reminded me of places I stayed in Japan. The beach, restaurants, shops, a park, busses and trolleys are all nearby. The weak wireless meant I had to sit near the lobby to access the internet, which is an easy fix in this day and age, hence the 4 stars.

Aunt Ethel runs this place and she is so kind, so are all the staff. The rooms are bigger than expected, I was so comfortable. I wish the wi-fi in the rooms was better (but it worked well in pool-facing side, and best in early AM) and that cats Lily and Susie wanted to play. But I'm looking forward to staying here again. And again. And again. It's an oasis in the tourist trap of Waikiki.