Wayfinder Waikiki is a secret oasis tucked two blocks away from the beach, along the Ala Wai canal. Retro tropical aesthetic, charming cafe-bar and dreamy saltwater pool just minutes from the beach with stunning views over Honolulu city, Koolau Mountain Range and Diamond Head Crater.
There are six major islands to visit in Hawaii: Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui, and the island of Hawaii! Each has its own distinct personality, adventures, activities and sights. If Oahu is the heart of Hawaii, then Honolulu is its racing pulse. In this cosmopolitan capital city, you’ll find everything from historic landmarks to fine dining to world-class shopping. Home to the majority of Oahu’s population, Honolulu stretches across the southeastern shores of the island, from Pearl Harbor to Makapuu Point, encompassing world-famous Waikiki Beach along the way.
New Honolulu boutique hotel Wayfinder Waikiki is home to 228 design-centric guest rooms, a hidden poolside oasis and is the perfect way to save a few dollars without sacrificing your accommodations. Quality is pretty good!
Located in the heart of the vibrant Waikiki neighborhood of Honolulu, Wayfinder Waikiki is a new boutique hotel and the second Wayfinder hotel under Dovetail + Co, an owner and creator of hotels, bars, and restaurants that promote exploration and discovery led by Phil Hospod. Designed by Honolulu-based design studio, The Vanguard Theory, the interiors embrace the Brutalist architecture of the building’s roots, creating a fresh hospitality space with tropical touches and electrifying colors and patterns, alongside lush foliage specific to the island. Celebrating the rich diversity and multicultural fabric of Hawaii, touches of Hawaiian, Japanese, Chinese, Portuguese, Filipino, and European details are all blended together, creating Kama’aina style. The 228 design-centric guest rooms are inspired by the sites, stories, and heritage of Hawaii by utilizing color tones that represent the land – green, coral, earth brown; sky – gold, cloud gray, yellow; and water – blue, turquoise, seafoam; geometric and floral prints, and custom natural fiber furniture and lighting by The Vanguard Theory.
Decorative art and design elements by local artists incorporated in guestrooms include headboards marrying traditional Japanese obis, Polynesian-inspired tribal prints and plaid palaka fabric reflective of historic Portuguese ranchers, as well as bedside pendant lamps laced with Pikake and Pakalana flowers along the pendant, two native floras to Hawaii.
The property is also home to a variety of public spaces, including a 70-foot saltwater lagoon pool, Lost + Found, a tropical speakeasy and pool bar, and Redfish Waikiki, the popular restaurant concept by Hawaii’s beloved and locally owned Foodland, offering innovative, made-to-order poke creations using the freshest fish as well as locally inspired dishes served exclusively to this location Additionally, the hotel features B- Side, a sensory coffee shop with a retail store positioned within. Visitors to Wayfinder Waikiki can enjoy immersive experiences specific to the region such as Ukulele and Hula introduction lessons, Lauhala weaving, and a floral arranging class. Wayfinder is a guide to distinct and beloved locales, offering laidback multilayered exploration rooted in personal stories, experiences and connections to help guests discover the best Oahu has to offer on a local level. More than a hotel, Wayfinder Waikiki is a compass providing guests exclusive insider off-the-beaten-path experiences specially curated with local experts, partners and brands for the ultimate Hawaiian journey. From a welcome email with a link to a hidden page of partner brands and special hotel guest perks to cards upon arrival with personal suggestions of places to eat, things to do, and sites to explore; and tailor-made 1-day itineraries, Wayfinder Waikiki brings guests close to the people and places that are at the core of Hawaii’s soul.
EAT& & DRINK
Each of the food & beverage venues at Wayfinder Waikiki were concepted in partnership with locally and family-owned Sullivan Family of Companies.
Redfish
Known as Honolulu’s leading eatery for authentic and innovative made-to-order poke creations, the food & beverage program at Redfish has been created by experts who know poke best. The restaurant and bar’s new Waikiki location features popular Redfish favorites such as ahi, Hamachi, and salmon as well as unique offerings exclusive to Wayfinder. The restaurant offers all-day service from breakfast to late night for dining in and take out, and the extensive poke bowl menu is complemented with food items inspired by the array of multicultural influences that contribute to Hawaiian fusion cuisine. Sample menu items include Chrispy Chicken Wings, Szechuan Mushrooms, Hibachi Grilled Chicken, and Bone-In Char Siu Porkchop. Developed by Sullivan Family of Companies Corporate Mixologist Hailey Berkey, Redfish’s creative bar menu consists of flavored libations made with local fruit elements, as well as a selection of Hawaiian micro- brewery beers, seltzers and hard teas.
B-Side
A laid-back coffee and tea bar offering lite fare during the day as well as an innovative menu of craft cocktails, wine, and locally brewed beer, B-Side also features a retail element with vintage apparel, and seasonal featured apparel or artwork by local artisans. Inspired by vintage album covers, the space plays vinyl records and embraces its location off the beaten path of Kuhio Ave. and Ala Wai Blvd. to be “B-Side,” situated off the main strip of Kalakaua Ave.
Lost + Found
A tropical and lush speakeasy pool bar with a creative craft menu of frozen and handcrafted island-themed cocktails, local micro-brewery beers, and seltzers. The daytime menu includes modern poolside bites including Fresh Pineapple with li hing powder, toasted coconut and togarashi, The Double Dip featuring creamy avocado, beet hummus and taro chips, and the Rainbow Poke Bowl with freshly made poke served over rice or mixed greens. The late-night menu features snacks such as Fried Citrus Peanuts, Elote Corn Dog, and Poke Potatoes with chili aioli, kabayaki, avocado, masago and crisp ogo.
Photography: Surf Please, Read McKendree, Jen Ellenburg, Surf, Mariko Reed, Kelly Jean Iverson
