Waikiki Paradise Found: Outrigger Beachcomber's Unbelievable Secret!
Waikiki Paradise Found: Outrigger Beachcomber's Unbelievable Secret!
Waikiki Paradise Found: Outrigger Beachcomber – My Unfiltered (and Slightly Chaotic) Review!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I just got back from the Outrigger Beachcomber Waikiki – or as I'm calling it, "Waikiki Paradise Found (and then slightly lost…but mostly found again!)." This place… it’s a vibe. And I’m here to spill ALL the tea, from the amazing massages to the somewhat baffling lack of a proper coffee machine in the room (more on that later!). This isn't your typical, sterile hotel review. This is real. So, let's dive in, shall we? And yes, this is all SEO'd up so you can actually find this hidden gem! 🏝️ ☀️
First Impressions: Landing in Paradise (…Sort Of)
Let's be honest, getting to Hawaii is a trek. But the moment I stepped out of the (pre-booked, thank the heavens!) airport transfer, I was hit with that signature Waikiki air – warm, salty, and promising adventure. Check-in was surprisingly contactless – a definite win in these post-pandemic times. The front desk is 24-hour, which is a godsend when you're running on island time and jet lag. They have elevator access, which is fantastic, and a concierge ready to help with everything from booking tours to finding the best shave ice. I'm telling you, this is a plus in my book, it's a real win. The exterior corridor setup threw me a little at first (I'm used to hotels that feel like labyrinths!), but it actually felt quite breezy and inviting.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag (with a few surprises!)
Okay, so on the accessibility front… I'm not in a wheelchair, but I did notice facilities for disabled guests. The elevator is a life-saver, obvi. I didn’t specifically check for fully wheelchair accessible rooms, though, so I can’t vouch for the setup. Now, the car park [on-site] is a bonus but the value parking car park [free of charge] is really a good bonus. I'd recommend checking specific room features! I didn't, because I'm a hot mess like that, but I did see they had things like air conditioning in public areas and CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property, which are always good.
Rooms: My Sanctuary (and the Great Coffee Conundrum!)
My room? Paradise. Pretty much. I booked a non-smoking room, which was a must. The air conditioning worked like a charm (essential in Waikiki!), and the blackout curtains were PERFECT for sleeping those late-night away. They had a free Wi-Fi [free], what is a win. I'm obsessed with the bathrobes, and used them every day. The desk was perfect for some laptop work (even if I was mostly pretending to work while staring at the ocean).
The additional toilet, a huge win! The bathtub, separate shower/bathtub was a super plus. But OH THE COFFEE. Here's where the chaos begins. They offered complimentary tea, but the coffee/tea maker was… lacking. Like, a basic, drip-drip-drip-slow-drip situation. I had to brave the coffee shop in the lobby every morning, which wasn't the worst thing in the world, but my in-room caffeine fix was sorely missed. Still, the free bottled water was a nice touch.
The Real Deal - Getting Comfortable
Here are a few features that made me feel more comfortable: the extra long bed, safe box in the room, safety/security feature, smoke detector, and smoke alarm are all important. Also the mini bar and of course, hair dryer.
Internet: Connected (Mostly!)
Alright, Internet access here is pretty solid. Wi-Fi [free] in all rooms, and Internet access – wireless works great. And that's what matters, right? I need my social media fix, that's for sure!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Adventure!
Okay, so, let's talk food. This is where the Beachcomber truly shines – and occasionally falters!
- Restaurants: They have several! And the Asian cuisine in restaurant is superb. The Western cuisine in restaurant is awesome.
- Poolside bar: The Poolside bar is a must after a long day. Happy hour is a serious treat.
- Breakfast: Speaking of breakfast, the Breakfast [buffet] is pretty good! But I'm a sucker for an Asian breakfast. They also offer breakfast in room, which is a lifesaver, but honestly, if I could have the buffet delivered to my room on a plate, i'd be the happiest traveler ever.
- A la carte in restaurant: Fantastic for flexibility.
- Room service [24-hour]: Life-saver! Perfect for those late-night munchies.
- Snack bar: A great spot to pop in for something quick.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Get your caffeine fix on.
- Desserts in restaurant: Don't skip the dessert!
Here's the downside: while the buffet in restaurant is excellent, I was hoping for a more consistent offering of vegetarian restaurant options. Also, the bottle of water is great on a hot day.
Ways to Relax and Unwind: Spa-tacular!
Oh, the spa! This is where the Beachcomber really won me over! I indulged in a massage, and honestly, it was the best I've had in ages. The spa itself is gorgeous, with a calming vibe. I didn't go in the sauna, that wasn't my cup of tea, but I was planning on a body scrub next time, it's on the bucket list!
Things to Do: Aloha State Adventures!
Look, you're in Waikiki! The options are endless. Aside from the amazing swimming pool [outdoor] (which, let's be honest, I spent a lot of time in), the hotel is perfectly positioned for exploring. The beach is steps away. They can help arrange airport transfer, which I'd HIGHLY recommend.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Safe and Sound
In these times, this is HUGE. I felt incredibly safe. They had hand sanitizer everywhere, staff trained in safety protocol, and clearly had anti-viral cleaning products, the whole shebang. I noticed the daily disinfection in common areas and the rooms sanitized between stays. It gave me serious peace of mind.
Services and Conveniences: Making Life Easier
- 24-hour front desk: Always a plus!
- Concierge: Super helpful.
- Daily housekeeping: My room always looked spotless.
- Luggage storage: Handy for early arrivals/late departures.
- Cash withdrawal: Always a life saver!
- Laundry service: Because, who wants to do laundry on vacation?!
- Convenience store: Snacks, drinks, and everything you might forget.
- Gift/souvenir shop: Perfect for grabbing a last-minute present.
For the Kids: Aloha for the Littles!
I didn't have my kids with me, but the place seemed pretty family/child friendly.
The Unbelievable Secret (…Sort of!)
Okay, you're probably wondering what the "Unbelievable Secret" is. It's… the atmosphere. It's the laid-back vibe, the friendly staff, the way the sun hits the pool just so… It's the feeling that you're not just staying at a hotel, you're living in paradise, even with (and maybe because of) the quirks.
Quirks, Anecdotes, and Imperfections (Because Life's Not Perfect!)
- My Coffee Crisis: The lack of decent in-room coffee still stings. Seriously, Outrigger, invest in a proper coffee maker!
- The View: My room had a partial ocean view (I think i'm upgrading next time!), which was still pretty darn amazing.
- The Little Things: They have essential condiments, which is a great little touch.
My Final Verdict: Book It! (…But Maybe Bring Your Own Coffee Maker!)
Seriously, if you want a fantastic Waikiki experience, I say Waikiki Paradise Found: Outrigger Beachcomber is for you. It's not perfect, but that's what makes it so charming. The staff is lovely, the location is superb, the spa is divine, and the overall vibe is just… right. The fitness center is a great bonus if you are into working out while on holiday.
**Book Your Dream
Escape to Paradise: Chi's House B&B, Taitung's Hidden Gem
Okay, buckle up, buttercup, because we're about to dive headfirst into a Waikiki adventure, curated for maximum chaos, questionable decisions, and hopefully, some actual sunshine. This isn't your polished brochure itinerary; this is my Waikiki. Consider this your guide to glorious, sun-soaked, probably-slightly-burnt mayhem.
OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel - Honolulu, HI (My Version)
Day 1: Arrival, Awkward Encounters, & The Quest for Poke Perfection
12:00 PM - Arrival & Hotel Check-In (The "Are You Sure This is My Room?" Saga): Okay, so the flight was fine - endured the tiny seats and questionable airline food like a champ. Landed in Honolulu, feeling all breezy and Hawaiian-shirt-ready, only to discover that my luggage had decided to take a solo trip elsewhere. Fantastic. Traipsed into the Outrigger Beachcomber (which, I’m already judging for not having enough beachcomber-y vibes, if that makes sense). The lobby is all gleaming wood and floral arrangements, very pretty. Until you realize you reek of airplane armrest and your contact is being a brat. Then the room key doesn’t work. Then, when it DOES work, the room is… facing a brick wall. "Um, front desk? You sure this is the ocean view I paid for…?" Turns out, I was on the 3rd floor, with a solid view of a fire escape. Sigh. Changed, and got a decent view, finally.
- Anecdote: While waiting for my luggage (praying it would arrive) saw a couple arguing in the most theatrical way possible. The wife was wearing a giant straw hat and looked like she was about to launch into a full operatic performance. The husband just looked utterly defeated. This is Hawaii, people! Chill!
1:00 PM - Lunch at Reef Bar & Market Grill (The "Hangry Tourist" Phase): Needed food STAT. Reef Bar is practically on the beach, so I parked my weary self on a stool, ordered a Mai Tai (because…Hawaii), and scarfed down a burger. Okay, maybe two. Pretty sure I inhaled the fries. Beach view was the antidote to my earlier room despair.
- Quirky Observation: The people-watching is already prime. Tourists of all shapes, sizes, and sunburn levels are everywhere. I spotted a woman in a full-body leopard print swimsuit. Bless her heart.
3:00 PM - Waikiki Beach Orientation & the "Avoiding the Aggressive Beach Vendors" Game: Walked along Waikiki Beach. The sand is ridiculously soft. The water is turquoise. Sigh. Paradise. However, quickly discovered the intensity of the vendors. Every five feet, there's someone offering you a massage, a surf lesson, or a "discounted" Luau. Started practicing my most polite "no thank you" face.
5:00 PM - Poke Quest Begins! (The "Obsessed with Raw Fish" Phase): My absolute priority. Gotta find that perfect poke. This is serious business. Stumbled (literally, tripped on a rogue surf board) into Island Vintage Coffee. Grabbed a poke bowl with shoyu ahi. Chef’s kiss. Light, fresh, perfect.
- Emotional Reaction: The first bite was pure joy. I think I actually shed a tear. Okay, maybe just a tiny one from the wasabi.
7:00 PM - Sunset & Early Dinner on the Beach at Hula's Bar & Lei Stand (The "Questionable Decisions" Portion): The sunset was, as promised, breathtaking. Pink, orange, purple; the whole shebang. Found a table right on the beach at Hula's, a gay bar and lei stand, and ordered some fried poke and a mai tai. The evening got fuzzy from then on. The vibe was electric, and I was definitely having fun, so all is good.
- Messier Structure/Rambles: I vaguely remember attempting to hula dance. Emphasis on attempting. Definitely made a fool of myself, but also laughed hysterically. The music…the ocean breeze…the mai tais… It was a vortex of good times.
- Opinionated Language: The fried poke was…meh. The mai tai was fantastic. Lesson learned: stick to the classics.
Day 2: Sunscreen Failures, Pearl Harbor & The "Lost in Translation" Dinner
9:00 AM - Sunscreen Application Fail & Beach Bliss: Okay, lesson learned from yesterday's burn: layer up the SPF. Applied like a professional, or so I thought. Apparently, SPF 50 doesn't magically protect your entire body. Spent two hours baking on the beach, blissfully enjoying the waves.
- Stronger Emotional Reaction: Woke up the next morning feeling like a lobster!
12:00 PM - Pearl Harbor (The "History Nerd" Moment): Hired a driver, which was worth it. Pearl Harbor is incredibly moving. Seeing the Arizona Memorial, the exhibits… It's a heavy, sobering experience. Definitely recommend.
- Doubling Down on a Single Experience: The sheer stoicism of the fallen, displayed in the exhibits, the dedication of the sailors…it was profound. I spent hours in stunned silence, reading every memorial plaque.
4:00 PM - Return to the Outrigger for a little break and to change and get ready for dinner
7:00 PM - Dinner at a "Local's Favorite" (The "Awkward Communication" Phase): Found a mom-and-pop, highly-rated restaurant off the beaten path. I ordered some kind of seafood dish, and the waiter, bless his heart, tried his best to explain the ingredients. I understood about half of what he said. Ended up with a plate of… something. It was delicious, though! This is where the stream-of-consciousness truly kicks in. The whole experience was just…charmingly confusing. The restaurant smelled delightfully of garlic and frying seafood. I couldn't understand the names of things on the menu, but I pointed at a delicious-looking dish. The chef, a tiny, smiling woman, peeped out from the kitchen and gave me a thumbs up.
9:00 PM - Waikiki Stroll & Stargazing (The "Contemplative Tourist" Moment): Back to Waikiki. Walked along the beach, gazing at the stars. The sky is surprisingly clear. Found myself people-watching some more, thinking.
Day 3: Goodbye Waikiki (Maybe?) & Souvenir Shenanigans
9:00 AM - Final Pancake Breakfast (The "Carb Overload" Farewell): Final breakfast at the hotel’s casual restaurant, Duke's. Ordered a stack of pancakes, because, why not?
- Quirky Observation: The pancake waiters are always smiling, happy. Perhaps it's the mai tais from the night before.
10:00 AM - Souvenir Shopping & Retail Therapy (The "Tourist Trap" Dive): Time to snag those Hawaiian shirts! The souvenir shops are, shall we say, vibrant. Found a truly horrendous, but also completely perfect, Hawaiian shirt. It's adorned with toucans wearing sunglasses, so… yeah.
- Messier Structure/Rambles: The shops were a complete whirlwind of chaos. Every store boasted the "best" deals. The vendors were pushy. I bought a ukulele. I can't play the ukulele.
12:00 PM - Airport Time (The "Reality Check" Phase): Headed back to the airport, slightly sunburnt, slightly broke, but incredibly happy.
- Stronger Emotional Reactions: Goodbye, Waikiki! I love you, you crazy, chaotic, beautiful island. See you again, definitely.
And there you have it! My messy, opinionated, and probably slightly unrealistic guide to Oahu. Your experience might vary. You might actually get your luggage. You might not make a fool of yourself trying to hula. But that's the beauty of travel, isn't it? It's unpredictable. It's messy. And sometimes, it's absolutely perfect. Aloha!
Ipoh Lakeview Paradise: Your Dream Home Awaits!
Waikiki Paradise Found: Outrigger Beachcomber's Unbelievable Secret! (Okay, Maybe) - Your Burning Questions Answered (Maybe Even Honestly)
Is the Outrigger Beachcomber *really* "Paradise Found"? Let's Be Real...
Alright, alright, let's ditch the marketing hype for a second. "Paradise Found"? More like "Paradise...adjacent." Look, Waikiki is *amazing*. But "found"? Nah. It's more like... *conveniently located*. The Outrigger Beachcomber? It's a solid choice. I've stayed there. (Actually, let me back up. My *first* stay? Disaster. More on That Later. Ugh, the AC...)
But overall, it's got a great vibe. Good location, close to everything. But "unbelievable" secret? The secret's probably they kept the price reasonable-ish, given the location. Which, hey, I appreciate. But Paradise? Let's not get carried away.
What's the BEST thing about staying at the Outrigger Beachcomber? (And the WORST?)
Okay, *best*. Easy. Three words: **The pool bar.** Seriously. After a long day of dodging overly enthusiastic vendors and getting sand in, well, *everywhere*, that pool bar is a *lifesaver*. Imagine chilled Mai Tais, the sun setting, and not a single work email in sight. Pure bliss. (Except for the occasional drunk tourist yelling about pineapple on pizza. Still, worth it.)
*Worst*? Oh, man, where do I even *begin*? Okay, let’s go back to the *first time*, shall we? The *AC*. My first room felt like a sauna. I swear, I could practically *see* the humidity clinging to the walls. And don't even get me STARTED on the elevators. They’re slow. Seriously slow. Feels like you're aging a year with every floor. And the wait?? Forget it. If you’re on the top floor? Pack a lunch.
Oh, and the internet? Sometimes, it’s a digital ghost. Like, you can *feel* the connection, but you can't actually connect. Infuriating when you need to book a luau, okay?
Is the Outrigger Beachcomber family-friendly? (Or should I avoid it like the plague with kids?)
Okay, look. "Family-friendly" depends on your definition. It's *Waikiki*. Everything's family-ish, right? But the Beachcomber? Hmmm. It’s… *tolerable*. The pool is good, the location is great for walking to things. But, and it's a big BUT, it also caters to a *certain* kind of tourist. The kind who likes, let’s just say, lively nightlife.
So, if your kids are easily startled by late-night karaoke or the general buzz of, well, *adults having fun*, maybe consider somewhere a little more... serene. But if your kids are relatively adaptable? It could work. Just be prepared to shield them from the occasional questionable t-shirt slogan.
Let's Talk Food. What's the Deal With the Restaurants? (And is the Breakfast Buffet a Scam?)
Food? Okay, here’s the thing: The restaurants *inside* the Beachcomber? They're convenient. Real convenient. But... also a little bit… *hotel-y*, you know? They're not *bad*. They're just... predictable. You could get a decent burger, some okay fish tacos. But you aren't going to be blown away.
The **breakfast buffet?** (Deep breath). Okay, here’s the deal. Is it a scam? No. It's *food*. It's a quantity over quality situation, in my opinion. There is, like, *plenty* of food. Cereal, fruit, generic eggs, pancakes… The usual suspects. Are you going to find something amazing? Probably not. Are you going to be full? Absolutely. My advice? If it’s included in your rate? *Go for it*. If you’re paying extra? Explore. There are AMAZING breakfast options *outside* the hotel. Trust me. You'll thank me later. Like, *really* thank me.
What's the Vibe Like? Is it Party Central? Relaxed and Chill? (Or Somewhere in Between?)
Okay, the vibe is a… *mixed bag*. Think: Waikiki, after all. It’s not going to be some zen retreat. It’s alive, buzzing, and a little loud. You can usually find a good balance. The pool area? Can get rowdy, especially in the afternoon. (And sometimes the night, really). There’s karaoke in the hotel somewhere, which is… an experience.
The lobby and general spaces? A bit more chill. Lots of people coming and going, a general air of vacation happiness. But, again, remember the location. It’s not going to be *quiet*. Embrace the noise! That’s Waikiki’s charm. Well, *part* of it.
My First Time, My First Time at the Beachcomber! What Do I Need to Know? (Seriously!)
Surviving the first time? Alright, grab a notepad. This is crucial. First, **pack your patience**. Expect lines. Expect crowds. Embrace the chaos. Second, **learn to embrace the humidity.** Your hair will frizz. Your makeup will melt. Just roll with it, and maybe get some of those little cooling towels. Seriously, they're great. Third, **bring earplugs**. You might need them. (For the karaoke, the traffic, the… everything.)
And finally, **lower your expectations**. Not in a negative way, mind you! Just don’t go expecting perfection. Waikiki is… well, it’s Waikiki. It’s a little rough around the edges. It’s exciting. It’s imperfect. And that's part of the fun. Go with the flow. Have a Mai Tai (or three). And if you end up with a questionable tan line? Well, that's just part of the experience, yeah?
Oh! One more thing. Remember my first time? The *AC*? I'm still having flashbacks. Demand a cooler room! Otherwise, you'll have to live to regret it. I'm still recovering, actually. (Maybe. A little.)
Room Views: Ocean, City, or... the parking lot? (Be brutally honest!)
The views are, *ahem*, dependent on where you get placed. *Ocean views* are fabulous; *city views* depend on the building and can be pretty good, but, some rooms? Well... you might find yourself gazing lovingly at the parking lot. Or worse, the back of another building. My advice? Try to snagFind That Hotel
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