Kuliwai Villa

Pros

• The view was excellent.
• Ala Moana Center is within walking distance.
• The on-site restaurant is excellent.
• The location is fantastic and easy to walk to many areas.
• The rooms are clean, well-maintained, and comfortable.
• The lobby is charming with an open-air design and a good bar.
• The staff are amazing, helpful, and personable.
• Sunset views from higher floors are breathtaking.
• Valet parking is convenient and quick.
• The full kitchen in rooms is a nice money-saving feature.

Cons

• The building is old and shows its age.
• Rooms are dingy with poorly patched holes in walls and the bathroom door, a filthy dish drainer, stained sheets, exterior rust stains, and mold-stained grout/caulk in the bathroom.
• The front desk is understaffed (often only one person), leading to long check-in lines, and the DVD kiosk/DVR not working frequently; wifi is unreliable.
• Room 1118 was described as noisy and crowded for a group of three.
• Room 419 was said to have ongoing adult entertainment activity, with security seemingly unable to address it.
• Guests felt unsafe walking at night due to the area around the hotel being quiet with few shops.
• The property is not cheap, and parking is costly; guests suggested a flat-rate parking option.
• One ocean-view room was described as neglected and outdated, with dead bugs on the floor and stained sheets, and compensation offered was limited to a few hours of late checkout.
• The removal of the adult-only pool was noted as disappointing, leaving a noisier, more kid-heavy pool area.

Review

The Ilikai Hotel & Luxury Suites in Honolulu comes through in many reviews as a dependable base with a winning combination of clean, comfortable rooms and an unbeatable location. Guests repeatedly note that the property feels well kept and inviting, with several describing rooms that feel condo-like - well-equipped, spacious, and suitable for longer stays. The appeal is amplified by a setting right by the beach and within easy reach of Ala Moana Center, as well as a calm, less hectic vibe than central Waikiki, according to those who prefer to be a short stroll or ride away from the busiest corridors.

The quality of the rooms themselves gets mixed signals, but the majority of praise centers on cleanliness and comfort. Many guests report immaculate, luxurious-feeling spaces, with some staying in updated units or condo-style layouts that include full kitchens and living areas. Others, however, recount more wear-and-tear: dingy or outdated touches, patched holes in walls, moldy grout in the bathroom, rust on exterior surfaces, and sheets or towels that aren't up to expectations. A standout positive note is room 1118 in the tower, where the view was described as mesmerizing and the experience felt luxurious; guests also highlighted sunset views, coffee on the balcony at sunrise, and the sense of a high-end stay. Some reviews mention issues like intermittent TV remotes and other maintenance quirks, reminding readers that not every room is perfect, but the overall sentiment is that cleanliness is a strong point.

Views and the overall ambiance of the Ilikai are frequently celebrated. Several guests recount spectacular vistas, especially from higher floors, with sunsets over the water and expansive marina views being a recurring highlight. The appeal of the lobby area - open-air and social, with a well-regarded bar and dining options - paired with on-site dining that ranges from casual to more upscale, makes the location feel both scenic and convenient. One guest's experience even includes a few small perks at check-in, such as a seashell lei, an ice cream voucher, and a water voucher, reinforcing the sense of hospitality. The proximity of Ala Moana Center and other dining options means there's no shortage of places to eat or shop within a comfortable walk.

Location is a perennial plus in these reviews. The Ilikai is praised for its beach access and for offering a quieter alternate to the hustle and bustle of central Waikiki, while still providing easy routes to the lively parts of town. Walkability is a theme - some guests claim a 20 to 25-minute stroll to central Waikiki, while others point out that Ala Moana and nearby attractions are within comfortable walking distance. The property's position also makes it convenient for tour pickups and transport links, with notes about nearby bus depots and the convenience of public transit, including a suggestion to use bus routes right in front of the hotel. A few guests flag that the area can feel quiet at night, which suits those seeking a more relaxed stay.

Facilities, dining, and value add to the overall experience, though opinions vary. A standout feature for many is the presence of a top-tier restaurant at the top of the building and a good restaurant downstairs offering dishes like a highly praised eggs benedict. The lobby bar and the possibility of a memorable evening with sunset views or a couple of cocktails are recurring positives. There are mentions of a strong on-site or nearby dining scene, and some guests appreciate having a full kitchen in their room for longer stays or cost savings. Parking arrangements are discussed at length; valet parking is noted, often at a premium price, with some guests suggesting a more affordable flat-rate option. There are also practical tips peppered through the reviews, such as a guest parking option across the street at a local garage, or the idea of combining the stay with nearby shopping and dining to maximize value.

Service experiences are a blend of high and low notes. Several guests sing the praises of staff who are friendly, welcoming, and helpful, calling out the front desk as genuinely accommodating in many cases. Yet there are recurring reminders that the property can feel overwhelmed at peak times: one reviewer laments a single front-desk attendant handling a large check-in crowd, contributing to delays. A few reviews mention non-ideal maintenance or operational snags, such as a non-functional DVD kiosk, inconsistent Wi-Fi, or aging infrastructure that suggests the building is not the newest on the block. There's also a sobering account of a safety concern on one floor (room 419), where anonymous reports of adult activity were shared and security actions were questioned. Overall, though, many guests leave satisfied with helpful staff and the strong efforts of the team, even when some bumps in service occur.

In sum, the Ilikai Hotel & Luxury Suites tends to deliver a strong Honolulu stay for guests who prize location and cleanliness, with many appreciating the condo-like feel, kitchen amenities, and spectacular views. The property's appeal is amplified by easy beach access, proximity to Ala Moana, and the option to enjoy both a casual and refined dining scene onsite. The trade-offs most frequently cited include the building's age and occasional room-to-room variability, with some units needing updates and others delivering a polished, modern experience. Parking costs, limited staff at peak times, and occasional maintenance quirks are also part of the picture. For many travelers, the positives - scenic views, convenient location, and clean, comfortable spaces - outweigh the negatives, making it a compelling choice for a Waikiki stay, especially for families, couples, or guests who want a resort feel with easy access to the surrounding amenities.

This part of Honolulu, Hawaii, offers a variety of amenities that cater to seniors looking for convenience and access to essential services. With multiple churches nearby, including Holy Trinity Catholic Church and Sacred Heart Church, residents have options for spiritual support. The proximity of pharmacies such as Longs Drugs and Walgreens ensures easy access to medications and healthcare supplies. There is also a diverse range of dining options in the area, from casual eateries like McDonald's to more upscale establishments like Kona Brewing Company. Parks like Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve Park and physicians' offices like Dr. Kathy Iida provide opportunities for outdoor recreation and health care services. Additionally, cafes such as Starbucks and Knots Coffee Roasters offer seniors spaces to socialize and enjoy a cup of coffee. Should medical assistance be needed, hospitals like Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children are nearby for peace of mind. Overall, this part of Honolulu provides a comfortable and well-rounded environment for senior living.

Places of Worship

• Holy Trinity Catholic Church - Cottage Thrift Shop (0.2 miles)
• Sacred Heart Church (6.9 miles)

Pharmacies

• Longs Drugs (1.2 miles)
• Walgreens (1.5 miles)
• Longs Drugs (2 miles)
• Longs (2 miles)
• Longs Drugs (3.9 miles)
• Times Supermarkets (4.1 miles)
• Times Supermarkets (5.3 miles)

Restaurants

• Kona Brewing Company (1.4 miles)
• Aina Haina Shopping Center (1.9 miles)
• McDonald's (5.2 miles)
• Diamond Head Market & Grill (5.6 miles)
• Leonard's Bakery (5.6 miles)
• Ono Seafood (5.7 miles)
• Rainbow Drive- In (5.7 miles)

Parks

• Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve Park (1.5 miles)
• Koko Head Regional Park (2.1 miles)
• Waialae Iki Park (2.8 miles)
• Waimanalo Beach Park (3.8 miles)
• Fort Ruger Park (4.8 miles)
• Manoa Valley District Park (5.8 miles)
• Kapiolani Park (6 miles)

Physicians

• Carlson Ronald S DDS (3.9 miles)
• Dr. Kathy Iida (4 miles)
• The Queen's Health Care Centers (4 miles)
• Cloward Instrument Corporation (5.1 miles)
• Blane Kalani Chong (5.3 miles)
• Kaimuki Center For Dentistry (5.3 miles)
• Aloha Vision Consultants (5.6 miles)

Cafes

• The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf (5.6 miles)
• Starbucks (5.7 miles)
• Knots Coffee Roasters (6.2 miles)
• Barefoot Beach Cafe (6.3 miles)
• Kai Coffee (6.3 miles)
• Kona Coffee Purveyors | b.patisserie (6.4 miles)
• Hawaiian Aroma Caffe (6.5 miles)

Hospitals

• Dr. John Garvie MD (7 miles)
• Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children (7 miles)
• Birth Center At Castle Med Center (7 miles)