A Legacy of Aloha: Waikīkī’s Long-Standing Resorts
Among the iconic institutions, this independent resort continues to welcome guests with warm hospitality.
Waikīkī is known for its shimmering shoreline, gentle surf and world-class hospitality. While new hotels come and go, a few resorts have stood as steadfast stewards of Hawaiian warmth for decades. Names like the Moana Surfrider, the Royal Hawaiian, and Halekūlani are woven into the fabric of Waikīkī’s history. There’s also an independent resort that blends heritage, heart and home-style comfort, The Imperial Hawaiʻi Resort.
The Imperial’s story began in the late 1960s, when the national diner chain Denny’s purchased a high-rise in the heart of Waikīkī. The property became known as The Imperial Hawaiʻi Hotel, complete with unique touches like a dining room called “The Aquarium” and the nautically themed nightclub, Captain Nemo’s.
One design detail from that era still greets visitors today: The bold zigzag roofline at the front of the building, a distinctive hallmark of 1970s Waikīkī architecture. Just below it, a Denny’s restaurant has remained in operation, a quiet thread of continuity that ties The Imperial to its earliest days.
The resort has become both a welcoming hotel open to all travelers and a thriving vacation club for timeshare owners.
Photo: Courtesy of The Imperial Hawaiʻi Resort
In June 1980, The Imperial Hawaiʻi Hotel developed into The Imperial Hawaiʻi Vacation Club, offering vacation ownership amid the lively energy of Waikīkī. Since then, it has become both a welcoming hotel open to all travelers and a thriving vacation club for timeshare owners. Guests can book a stay just like at any other hotel or join the vacation club where members enjoy special rates, discounts and exclusive perks like access to the 26th floor Owners’ Lounge. Unlike many Waikīkī properties that are part of global chains, The Imperial remains independently owned and operated. This independence allows the resort to focus on personalized service, authentic connections and community roots.
Guests often step into the lobby to find the same warm smiles that welcomed them years before.
Photo: Courtesy of The Imperial Hawaiʻi Resort
The Imperial’s sense of place is reflected in the people who work there. Many staff members have been part of the resort for 15 to 20 years, long enough to see families grow and generations return. Guests often step into the lobby to find the same warm smiles that welcomed them years before, turning routine check-ins into reunions. That connection to the community extends beyond the staff. The resort is filled with artwork and murals by Hawaiʻi artists, each piece offering its own reflection of Island life.
The Imperial is also in a great location, right across the street from Waikīkī Beach and the Waikīkī Beach Walk, and just a block from Fort DeRussy Park. You can easily walk to the ocean, explore the shops, or eat at nearby restaurants.
With The Imperial’s great location, you can easily walk to the ocean, explore the shops, or eat at nearby restaurants.
Photo: Courtesy of The Imperial Hawaiʻi Resort
Inside, the resort offers a range of accommodations, from studios to spacious two-bedroom suites with kitchenettes or full kitchens. The Imperial’s charm lies in its blend of heritage and intimacy. It’s not just a place where guests check-in—it’s a place where they feel like they belong. Owners and returning guests know about The Imperial’s value, unbeatable location, and the genuine welcome received when they arrive. This is more than just a place to stay—it’s a living part of Waikīkī’s culture and community.
Watch this video to learn more here.
