Act like an Authentic Honolulu Hipster in the Heart of Waikiki
Oahu’s newest hotels offer hipster chic and tropical luxuryWant to experience Authentic Honolulu? New York Post editor Hana R. Alberts thinks the Surfjack is a pretty swell spot that will do just the trick. Here’s an excerpt of her article:
THE LOCATION
It’s a point of pride — and a definite plus — that The Surfjack is in Waikiki but not on the beach. Don’t worry, the white sands and tourist hordes are a mere 10-minute walk away. Meanwhile, the hotel feels like an oasis of Brooklyn-esque chic in a chilled-out neighborhood.
THE LAYOUT
The 112 rooms spread over 10 floors feel at once vintage and modern. Pops of color brighten a sophisticated palette of neutrals and reclaimed wood, while evocative accents include surf paraphernalia, vintage postcards and dream-catchers. Also incorporated into the intimate, chic design are locally based furniture-makers and artists.
BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER?
Hip Honolulu restaurateur Ed Kenney once claimed he’d never open a restaurant in Waikiki. But he’s changed his tune: the hotel’s in-house Mahina & Sun’s is Kenney’s fourth venture and a surefire winner. Kenney is known for elevating local ingredients — pohole (ferns), ‘ulu (breadfruit), monchong (fish) — via standout preparations and combinations. His reputation holds.
IF ONLY
… we could relocate The Surfjack to one of Oahu’s laid-back North Shore beaches. But it does bring that effortlessly cool vibe to centrally located Waikiki and for that we are grateful.
DON’T MISS
Boutique and coffee bar Olive & Oliver sells swoon- and souvenir-worthy goods right in the lobby. The hotel is centered around an oval pool with an appropriate vacation message inscribed at the bottom in tile and visible from the rooms: “Wish you were here.” Too true.
BOTTOM LINE
Act like a authentic Honolulu hipster — they exist, we swear! — at a price that doesn’t break the bank. Tellingly, the hotel’s restaurant, bar and shop teem with area residents.