Outrigger used to be an exclusive name in Hawaii… and it still is. Its popularity has simply helped it expand to other countries, including Fiji and the Maldives. Families visiting Oahu have the option to enjoy the unique brand at this property, along with the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort.

Guests of the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort enjoy direct access to the sand and surf; a swimming pool; onsite (al fresco) dining; cultural activities, such as lei making; and a spa. They also enjoy coupons (included in a resort fee) for activities such as outrigger canoeing (a must at this hotel), and a resort shuttle to local attractions.

Guestrooms feature balconies, coffeemakers, and mini-fridges; the only downside is that there’s a maximum occupancy of four guests per unit. Connecting rooms are available, however.

The Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort is fairly large, with 524 rooms in various configurations. All rooms feature authentic island decor (minimal furnishings and shades of green and beige), balconies, coffeemakers, and mini-fridges (no freezers). Guests receive a free beach bag in their room, as well.

Note: There is a maximum occupancy of four people in each room, but plenty of connecting rooms are available for large groups who want to stay together. Cribs are complimentary, so you can sleep five in one room if traveling with a baby.

Rates are based on single or double occupancy, but children ages 17 and under stay free. For those 18 and up, a $75 charge applies per person, per night.

Guestrooms
Guestrooms either have city views, partial ocean views, or ocean views; note that ocean view rooms are not the same as oceanfront. Of course, the more water you see, the higher the nightly fee. Rooms are equipped with one king bed and a sofa bed, or two queen beds and a sofa bed; even though the latter option can technically sleep six, the hotel only allows four people in all guestrooms. Most rooms have a shower/tub combo, though some have a "half" shower/tub combo, which is basically a shower stall with a tub the width of the stall.

Deluxe Ocean View
Deluxe Ocean View rooms are 360 square feet in space, and offer views of the ocean. They have one king bed and one double sofa bed.

Oceanfront
This room can be anywhere from 307 to 471 square feet in space, and offers a true oceanfront experience. It comes with one king bed for a maximum of two people, or two double beds and a double sofa bed for a maximum of four guests.

Deluxe Oceanfront With Spa Tub
The main feature of this room is, of course, the spa tub. This room is best for couples (it has one king bed), though a crib can be added for a couple traveling with a baby.

One-Bedroom Oceanfront Suite
This room, which spans 555 square feet, has one king bed and queen bed for a maximum of four guests. It also offers a large living space with a sofa bed, and full-on views of the ocean.

One-Bedroom Diamond Head Oceanfront Suite
This room is the biggest option, with 685 square feet of space. It offers outstanding views of the ocean and Diamond Head. Like the one-bedroom suite, it also has a king bed, queen bed, and large living area with a sofa bed. It accommodates up to four people.

Pool
The beachfront swimming pool is small (on purpose, as the hotel has made room for more lounge space in recent years), but still a nice place for families to cool off when they tire of the sun and sand. It also isn't too deep. It's open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

Beach
Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort is one of just seven hotels located directly on Waikiki Beach, which means the sun, sand and surf are literally just steps away. Big cabanas are permanently situated on the beach and available for a daily rental fee of $65. You cannot bring your own tent or cabana, unfortunately.

Outrigger Canoeing
You can't come to this hotel and not try outrigger canoeing! The cost is typically $30, but hotel guests can do it for just $10 (courtesy of coupons included in the resort fee). Other water sports are also available via private vendors.

Cultural Activities
The hotel provides cultural activities in the lobby on a daily basis; they include everything from lei making to ukulele lessons. The activities are included in a resort fee.

Hula Grill Waikiki
For a true taste of Hawaii, head to Hula Grill Waikiki. The restaurant offers covered outdoor dining for breakfast and dinner daily, adding lunch on Fridays and Saturdays from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Kids' menus, pricing and coloring books are available.

Duke's Waikiki Restaurant
Named for the late Duke Kahanamoku, an Olympic swimmer and professional surfer, Duke's Waikiki Restaurant specializes in juicy steaks and fresh seafood for dinner, served from 4:45 to 10. It also serves breakfast (7 to 10:30) and lunch (11 to 3), plus live entertainment on Sundays. A separate menu is available for kids.

Chuck's Steak House
Open from 4:45 to 10 p.m., Chuck's Steak House specializes in -- you guessed it -- steaks! It also serves chicken, pasta, seafood, salads, sandwiches and more.

Hawaii Sandwich Shop
Grab some sandwiches on the go at Hawaii Sandwich Shop. Other options include wraps, salads, and delicious smoothies. It's typically open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with slightly varied hours on Sundays.

Seattle's Best Coffee
Head to Seattle's Best Coffee for your caffeine fix. The cafe, open from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., also sells pastries, sandwiches and salads.

Room Service
You don't need to leave your room to enjoy a good meal. Order breakfast from 7 to 10:30, or dinner from 5 to 9:45.

All About the Extras
Waikiki Connection Fee
The Waikiki Connection Fee is a daily resort fee of $30, plus tax, which includes bottled water, international calling (60 minutes), coupons, Wi-Fi, and our favorite: an exclusive island shuttle with its own route. The shuttle stops at several points of interest, including Diamond Head, Kahala Mall, and the Honolulu Museum of Art.

Fitness Center
The hotel has a small fitness center with free weights, elliptical machines and treadmills. When you enter the gym, turn right and head to the end of the room for views of the ocean. The gym is open 24 hours with key card access. Complimentary beach yoga is also available on Saturdays.

Laundry Service
Need to run a load of laundry? The hotel offers coin-operated machines, along with dry cleaning services.

Vow Renewals
Planning a vow renewal for your next family vacation? Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort (and Outrigger Reef on the Beach) offer complimentary vow renewals on the beach!

Shopping
There are several shops located within the hotel building, though they are not affiliated with the hotel. This is the case at many hotels in Waikiki.

The Art of Smart Timing
Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort is busy year-round, with peak travel periods during spring break and the winter holidays. You'll experience less crowds in the weeks following those occasions.

Getting There
The hotel is about 20 minutes (give or take depending on traffic) from Honolulu International Airport, with a relatively easy drive to get to and from both destinations.

Getting Around
The hotel's exclusive shuttle provides transportation to most attractions in and around Waikiki Beach. If you'd like to explore further afield (ahem, North Shore), you'll need your own vehicle. Valet parking is $35 per day.

For Mom and Dad
Make reservations at the hotel's Blue Note Jazz Club, which regularly hosts well-known artists (think Kenny G), and/or head to the wellness spa -- the only penthouse spa in Waikiki -- for heavenly massages. There's a treatment room for three guests should you want to bring a child with you. The spa is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, though earlier or later appointments are permitted with advance notice.