PerkJolt
Are points hotels in Waikiki worth booking?
Short answer: Usually yes, if you pick the right brand and your dates aren't dirt cheap in cash. Waikiki cash rates carry big resort fees, and Hyatt and Hilton typically waive those on award nights. Marriott's fees are listed at roughly $35–$55 a night, and Marriott typically still charges them on award stays.
The details
- Waikiki cash rates include a resort fee. Marriott's own Waikiki listings show nightly "from" rates with the fee built in. The Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa shows 301 USD a night including a 55 USD nightly resort fee (checked Oct 12, 2026). Rates move by date, so treat these as snapshots.
- Marriott's other Waikiki fees are similar. The Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort and The Royal Hawaiian each list a 52 USD nightly resort fee, and Moana Surfrider lists 54 USD (checked Oct 12, 2026). The Sheraton Princess Kaiulani lists 42 USD (checked Oct 12, 2026). Courtyard by Marriott Waikiki Beach lists a 35 USD nightly destination fee (checked Oct 12, 2026).
- The fee adds up fast. Five nights at the Waikiki Beach Marriott's listed fee is $275 before tax, and that's on top of whatever you pay in points. Marriott typically does not waive resort fees on award nights, so confirm on the booking screen before you transfer points.
- Hyatt and Hilton are the fee-waiver brands. Hyatt (Hyatt Regency, Hyatt Centric and Hyatt Place in Waikiki) and Hilton (Hilton Hawaiian Village) generally waive the resort fee when you pay entirely in points. Hyatt typically does not waive it on cash-and-points bookings. Confirm the fee line on the final booking page at hyatt.com or hilton.com.
- Parking is usually separate. Waikiki hotels commonly charge nightly parking even on award stays. Elite status may or may not change that, so check the hotel's own page. Many Waikiki visitors skip the rental car altogether.
Who should book points hotels in Waikiki
- Good fit: Stays of three or more nights, school-holiday or summer dates when cash rates run high, and anyone with Hyatt or Hilton points who wants to avoid the fee.
- Think twice: Marriott award nights when the fee is a big share of the cost, or short trips where a cheap cash rate beats the points price.
Transfers can make this easier. Chase transfers to Hyatt at 4:3, and Chase, Amex and Bilt all reach Marriott at 1:1. Amex goes to Hilton at 1:2, and Bilt goes to Hilton at 1:1. See our transfer partners page for the full chart.
Tips
- Price both ways. Compare points plus any fees against the cash total with taxes, fees and parking.
- Check the final screen. Fee waivers show up at checkout, so look for a $0 fee line before you confirm.
- Watch for fifth-night-free offers. Some programs reward multi-night award stays, so look at the brand's own award terms.
- Don't transfer early. Confirm award availability for every night of your stay first, because transfers can't be reversed.
- Consider the location. Waikiki is long, and the hotels at the far ends take more walking to reach the main strip.
FAQ
Do Hyatt and Hilton really waive resort fees on award stays in Waikiki?
Typically yes for all-points awards, and no for cash-and-points bookings at Hyatt. Policies change, so read the fee line on the final booking page. Hyatt's and Hilton's own hotel pages list the current resort fee and waiver terms.
Does Marriott charge resort fees on award nights in Waikiki?
Typically yes. Marriott's Waikiki pages list resort or destination fees of roughly $35–$55 a night in cash rates. Check the booking screen for your property and dates before you commit points.
Are points worth more in Waikiki than elsewhere?
Often, because Waikiki cash rates and fees are high, so a fixed points price goes further. It isn't guaranteed. Compare the full cash cost with the points price on your exact dates.
Last verified: 2026-10-12. Resort fees, points prices and waiver rules change most often. Check the Marriott, Hyatt and Hilton hotel pages for current terms.
Want the whole trip planned? The PerkJolt Oahu guide puts the routes, timing and points strategy in one place. Get the Oahu guide
More questions about Oahu
- Should I Stay in Waikiki or on the North Shore of Oahu?
- Waikiki Hotel or Condo: Which Works Best for a First Trip?
- Do I Need a Rental Car on Oahu, or Is TheBus Enough?
- When is the best time to visit Oahu?
See every question about Oahu → /answers/oahu/
Good to know before you go
. Confirm hours, fees, schedules and road or trail status on the official page before you book or go.
Sources
- https://www.marriott.com/en-us/destinations/united-states/hawaii/waikiki/beach-hotels.mi
- https://www.marriott.com/en-us/destinations/united-states/hawaii/waikiki.mi
- https://www.marriott.com/en-us/destinations/united-states/hawaii/waikiki/resort-hotels.mi