On the way to Asia in December 2024 and then back to Seattle in January 2025, I sandwiched my trip with a stop in Waikiki.

The Diamond Tower

I had low expectations walking into the Hyatt Regency Waikiki. First of all, I booked the cheapest room, 2 queen beds with a city view. Surprisingly, we were upgraded to an ocean view room in the Diamond Tower. I couldn’t believe what I saw walking out onto the balcony. An unobstructed view of Diamond Head.

Unfortunately, we had to move rooms because there was a little party next door and this was just a one night stay on the way to Tokyo. I desperately needed sleep before our next flight.

I requested a room change, and fortunately, they found one available, and on a higher floor. Though it only had a king bed instead of two queens, it still offered an ocean view. I didn’t get a good look outside until morning because I was exhausted and frustrated with our previous neighbors. After a restful night, I opened the curtains to discover an even better view than before. Not only did we have what felt like something between an ocean view and oceanfront room, but looking down from the balcony, we could clearly see Waikiki Beach, and it felt like we were right above the Duke Paoa Kahanamoku Statue.

The Ewa Tower

After a few weeks in Tokyo and in various areas of the island of Luzon in the Philippines, we returned for a few days at this hotel before heading back home to Seattle. This time, I paid for the upgrade to an ocean view room, which was an additional $50 per night. Although we didn’t get as great of a view as our second room back in December, it was still beautiful. We faced North this time in the Ewa Tower, with a view of the water, boats and surfers. It was too bad we could barely see the beach, but I admit we got too spoiled on the last stay.

I really enjoyed this place. Regardless of which tower, it was so nice to sit out at night, listening to the music from below and looking out at a crescent moon that looked like the Cheshire cat’s smile.

For a little more on what I thought of the hotel, see my review on Trip Advisor.