With its unique blend of urban buzz and tropical zen, oahu’s waikiki beach offers more than just sand and surf

The earthy aesthetic at ʻAlohilani (think reclaimed wood and a muted palette) feels more like an airy beach house than an 938-room two-tower resort. Take a free surf lesson, sip brews in the tropical beer garden, and chill in a cabana–with butler service and a reflecting pool. Can’t decide which of the two Morimoto restaurants to hit? Don’t worry: You can have ramen one night and Pan-Asian the next. Rooms from $235.