Are you looking for where to stay in Waikiki with kids? Keep scrolling for my honest Queen Kapiolani Hotel review so you can decide if it’s one of the best hotels in Waikiki for families for your upcoming Oahu vacation.
This Aqua Queen Kapiolani Hotel review was written by Hawaii travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
Looking for where to stay in Waikiki with kids?
I’ve stayed at the Queen Kapiolani Hotel and I’m going to give you the real story about whether it’s a good fit for families.
Why Families Love (and Sometimes Don’t Love) Waikiki
Waikiki gets mixed reviews from families, and honestly, I get it. Yes, it’s crowded and touristy. But it also has everything in one place: beaches, restaurants, shops, and tons of kid-friendly activities.
The location makes it super easy to explore Oahu without constantly getting back in the car. That matters when you’re traveling with kids who hate long drives.
I actually talked about this on my podcast episode “What Are the Pros and Cons of Staying in Waikiki” if you want to hear more about whether Waikiki is right for your family.
Want a complete Oahu plan handed to you? My Oahu travel guide for families includes daily itineraries, restaurant recommendations, and all my insider tips from 40+ trips to Hawaii.
Where is the Queen Kapiolani Hotel?
The Queen Kapiolani Hotel sits on the east side of Waikiki, right near the Honolulu Zoo. It’s about 30 minutes from Honolulu Airport when traffic cooperates (which, let’s be real, isn’t always).
The address is 150 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815.
You’ll need to arrange your own transportation. You can book a shuttle from the airport or rent a car. I always use Discount Hawaii Car Rental because they compare all the rental companies and usually find me the best deal.
The location is actually one of my favorite things about this hotel. It’s on the quieter end of Waikiki, which is perfect when you need a break from the crowds.
It’s one of the best areas to stay on Oahu if you want to be in Waikiki but not right in the middle of all the chaos.
Does the Queen Kapiolani Hotel Have an Airport Shuttle?
Nope, no airport shuttle. The hotel recommends Fly Shuttle Hawaii if you want shared shuttle service. You can call them directly at 808-260-9766 to book.
My Honest Take on the Queen Kapiolani Hotel
I’ve been following the Queen Kapiolani Hotel on Instagram for years. They always post these gorgeous photos of their lobby and the Diamond Head views.
So when I needed a place to stay in Waikiki with my son, I figured it was time to check it out myself.
Here’s the thing: it’s really cute and has some great features. But there were also a few things that weren’t ideal for families. Keep reading and I’ll tell you everything.
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What Was Our Room Like?
Our room had this cool vintage motel vibe without being outdated. Think 1960s Hawaii but updated. I actually loved it.
The color scheme was really soothing, the furniture felt modern, and the artwork was fun.
One of my favorite features? USB outlets built right into the walls. No hunting for adapters when you need to charge five different devices.
They had this cute little bench with a TV tray table that was perfect for eating breakfast in the room.
Because let’s be honest, sometimes you just want to feed your kids without getting everyone dressed and out the door.
The mini-fridge was completely empty, which I always appreciate. Nothing worse than trying to cram your leftovers and kids’ snacks into a fridge full of overpriced mini-bar items.
The Bathroom Situation
The shower was a little quirky. As soon as I turned it on, the water pressure created this wind tunnel effect that made the shower curtain go crazy. And getting the temperature right took some trial and error.
But the toiletries were really nice. The hotel has their own branded shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and lotion, and they smelled amazing. Those little details matter when you’re traveling.
The Balcony View
Our balcony was… okay. We looked out over a hostel and their pool area, plus some of the street below.
But honestly? It was quieter than I expected. I could sit out there in the morning with my coffee and actually relax for a few minutes.
If you’re booking, I’d definitely spring for one of the Diamond Head view rooms. Those views are what the Queen Kapiolani is known for, and they’re spectacular.
Where to Eat at the Queen Kapiolani Hotel
The hotel has a few dining options that I need to tell you about.
Knots Coffee Roasters
This coffee shop in the lobby has a really impressive menu. Classic drinks, unique specialty drinks, and they were even able to make chocolate milk for my son (even though it wasn’t on the menu).
We ordered drinks at 7am and got them in like 30 seconds. Fastest coffee shop service I’ve ever experienced.
The next day I tried their coffee jelly latte, which was different and really good. I didn’t get to try their signature butterfly pea latte, but it’s on my list for next time.
They also have grab-and-go breakfast items and you can even order food from DECK here.
DECK Restaurant
DECK is on the third floor with this incredible view of Diamond Head. We did takeout our first night because the in-room dining QR code wasn’t working, and since our room was on the same floor as DECK, it was super convenient.
I ordered the lilikoi ribs and they were SO good. The presentation looked kind of underwhelming in the takeout box, but don’t let that fool you. They tasted way better than they looked.
The next night we actually ate at the restaurant, and wow. The food, the cocktails, the view… all amazing. They have a solid kids menu too, which matters when you’re traveling with picky eaters.
The atmosphere is really special. You’re sitting outside with this perfect Diamond Head view, and there’s usually live music. It’s exactly what you want from a Hawaii restaurant experience.
Want more restaurant recommendations? Check out my free 7-day email course on planning a trip to Oahu where I share all my favorite local spots.
Aloha Whip
Okay, I’m going to be totally honest with you. The main reason we booked this hotel was because they have Dole Whip in the lobby.
Our family is obsessed with Dole Whip. Like, we will plan entire vacation days around finding it.
The presentation wasn’t quite as Instagram-worthy as I expected from following them online, but it tasted incredible. And you can add sprinkles or gummy bears on top, which made my son very happy.
If you love Dole Whip as much as we do, this is a huge perk. You can literally get one anytime you walk through the lobby.
The Pool Area
The pool is on the third floor (basically a rooftop pool). It has this retro astroturf situation that gave me vintage motel vibes in the best way.
But here’s the thing: it’s pretty small and not super appealing for kids. Plus, it’s right next to DECK restaurant, so you’re kind of on display while you’re swimming.
If your kids are pool obsessed, this probably isn’t the hotel for you. But if they’re okay with spending most of their time at the beach, it’s fine.
Other Cool Features
Waikiki Art Gallery
If you like vintage Hawaiian artwork, you’ll love this little gallery. It has prints and gift items that are actually unique and not the generic touristy stuff you see everywhere.
Hans Hedemann Surf Shop
This surf shop has swimsuits and surf clothing, and it’s also where you can sign up for surf lessons or rent a stand-up paddleboard.
Concierge Desk
There’s almost always someone at the concierge desk who can help you figure out what to do in Waikiki.
They also have this cute map of Honolulu right next to the desk that’s worth checking out to get oriented.
Let’s Talk About Parking
Queen Kapiolani offers valet parking for $60 per day (plus tax). That’s pretty standard for Waikiki, but it adds up fast.
Here’s a money-saving tip as a professional tourist who’s been to Hawaii over 40 times: park at the Honolulu Zoo across the street instead. It’s only $1.50 per hour with a four-hour max.
Way cheaper if you’re just there for a night or two, or if you’re planning to be out exploring most of the day.
The zoo parking lot is literally right across Kapahulu Avenue. Super convenient.
Want more ways to save money in Hawaii? Grab my free 5-day email course on how to save money in Hawaii. I share all my best tips for cutting costs without sacrificing fun.
The One Thing That Wasn’t Great
I need to be honest about something: we had noise issues.
Our room was on the third floor right near the elevators and DECK restaurant. We could hear muffled live music for hours every night.
And even though we couldn’t hear the elevators themselves, we heard every person getting on and off them until about 11pm. Lots of loud talking and shrieking from people who’d had a few drinks.
Then we heard staff cleaning and vacuuming until 2am, and it sounded like it was right outside our door.
Now, I don’t know if this is a problem on other floors. I’m guessing the higher floors are quieter since you’re farther from the restaurant and elevator traffic.
But definitely don’t book a room on the third floor if you have young kids who go to bed early.
If I book here again, I’d specifically request an upper floor away from DECK. Problem solved.
Would We Recommend the Queen Kapiolani Hotel for Families?
Here’s my take: this hotel has a lot going for it. The retro-chic Hawaiian vibe is really fun.
The location is phenomenal (quieter end of Waikiki, easy freeway access, right across from the zoo). Having DECK, Knots Coffee, and Aloha Whip all right there is super convenient.
But if you have young kids who need quiet to sleep well, I’d request a room on a higher floor away from the restaurant and elevators. The third floor near the action was too noisy for a family with early bedtimes.
For couples, young adults, or families with older kids who can handle some noise? It’s a great choice. The value is solid for what you get, and the location really can’t be beat.
Ready to Book Your Oahu Trip?
Whether you end up at the Queen Kapiolani or somewhere else, planning a Hawaii vacation can feel overwhelming. I get it.
That’s why I offer one-on-one Hawaii travel consultations where I help families plan their perfect trip.
I can help you figure out where to stay, what to do, where to eat, and how to make the most of your time without overscheduling (because nobody wants to come home from vacation more exhausted than when they left).
I’ve also got comprehensive travel guides for every island:
- Maui travel guide for families
- Kauai travel guide for families
- Big Island travel guide for families
- Hawaii island hopping guide
And if you want to capture your Hawaii memories professionally, use Flytographer and save $20. They’ll match you with a local photographer who knows all the best spots.
The Queen Kapiolani Hotel isn’t perfect, but it’s got a lot of charm and some really great features. Just request that upper floor room and you’ll be golden.
Looking for more best places to stay in Oahu? Read our reviews of the Alohilani Resort, Hilton Hawaiian Village, Hyatt Regency Waikiki, Disney Aulani Resort, best places to stay on Oahu with kids, and cheap Oahu hotels.
