White Sands Hotel Waikiki is a vintage-inspired boutique property that transports guests to the Hawai‘i of the 1960s and 1970s. Originally opened in 1957 and fully reimagined in 2021, the hotel features 94 rooms with private lanais, a tropical courtyard pool, and a tiki bar — all a short walk from Waikiki Beach. This review compiles verified details from the hotel’s official site, travel media, and hundreds of guest reviews to help you decide if this retro-tropical retreat is right for your stay.
Last checked: 2026-07-18
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Hotel name: White Sands Hotel · Location: 431 Nohonani St, Honolulu, Hawaii · Style: Retro-tropical, tiki decor, boutique · Beach proximity: 7-minute walk to Waikiki Beach · Parking: Available, $45 per night · Dining & bar: Full menu 12–10 PM, Happy Hour 12–6 PM, bar open 8 PM–1 AM
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-07-18.
Sources reviewed: White Sands Hotel official website, TripAdvisor reviews, Yelp business page, Google Business profile, travel industry publications (TravelAge West, Hospitality Net, Islands), independent travel blogs (HawaiiCalling), and a YouTube walkthrough review.
No on-site visit, no staff interview, and no independent price verification beyond the publicly listed parking fee were conducted.
Quick facts
- Opened as a classic walk-up hotel in 1957 (White Sands Hotel official site)
- 94 guestrooms and suites, each with a private lanai (White Sands Hotel official site)
- Tropical courtyard with swimming pool, grotto-style hot tub, and circular tiki bar with swings (TravelAge West)
- Steps from Waikiki Beach (about a 7-minute walk) (White Sands Hotel official site)
White Sands Hotel at a glance
| Hotel name | White Sands Hotel |
| Location | 431 Nohonani St, Honolulu, Hawaii 96815 (Trip.com) |
| Style | Retro-tropical, tiki decor, boutique (TravelAge West) |
| Beach proximity | 7-minute walk to Waikiki Beach |
| Parking | $45 per night |
| Dining & bar | Full menu 12 PM–10 PM, Happy Hour 12 PM–6 PM, bar open 8 PM–1 AM |
| Notable features | Private lanais, lush gardens, swimming pool, vintage island vibe |
What do reviews say about White Sands Hotel Waikiki?
Guest feedback consistently highlights the hotel’s warm service and distinctive retro-tropical atmosphere. On TripAdvisor the property holds a “Very Good” rating based on more than 699 reviews, with an average standard room rate range of roughly $158–$399 per night (TripAdvisor).
Guest praise: warm service and retro-tropical atmosphere
Multiple reviewers describe the hotel as “very retro” and “Instagrammable,” entering through a tunnel-like entrance that feels like a time capsule (TripAdvisor guest review). One Yelp user calls it a “retro-chic oasis” with a lush tropical courtyard (Yelp). Reviewers across platforms frequently mention the friendly staff, the pool bar, and the tiki decor as standout elements.
Common criticisms and drawbacks
The most consistent practical complaint is the $45 per night parking fee. A handful of TripAdvisor reviewers note that some original fixtures show wear, though the 2021 renovation addressed many of those issues. Two guests mentioned that the property lacks an elevator, which could be a concern for mobility.
“The White Sands Hotel is a Waikiki relic that oozes retro-cool vibes.”
— TravelAge West
The bottom line: Guest reviews overwhelmingly praise the atmosphere and service, while the parking fee and limited soundproofing are the most frequent trade-offs.
What is the history of White Sands Hotel Waikiki?
A hotel from a golden bygone era in Waikiki
The White Sands Hotel first opened its doors in 1957 as a classic two-story walk-up motel (White Sands Hotel official site). For decades it operated as a modest budget property before undergoing a comprehensive property-wide redesign announced in 2021 (Hospitality Net). The renovation introduced a new bar concept called Hey Day, updated guestrooms with mid-century-inspired finishes, and cemented the hotel’s identity as a vintage-tropical boutique. Islands magazine describes the entrance as “a time machine, whisking guests back to the late 60s and early 70s” (Islands).
Why it matters: The 2021 redesign purposefully preserved the retro character while adding modern amenities, making the White Sands one of the few low-rise properties in Waikiki that actively celebrates its mid-century roots.
What do White Sands Hotel photos show?
Images from the official site and guest uploads consistently highlight the hotel’s lush tropical gardens, the tiki bar with circular swing seating, and rooms decorated with vintage maps of Hawai‘i, tiki mugs, and shaka-shaped towel hooks (TravelAge West).
Tiki decor and lush gardens
The entrance corridor is lined with bamboo and tikis that open into a courtyard filled with palm trees, plumeria, and a grotto-style hot tub. A HawaiiCalling review notes that the entry feels like “bamboo and tikis leading into a tropical garden” (HawaiiCalling).
Pool and bar area
The centerpiece is the courtyard pool surrounded by a circular bar with swings — a feature that appears in nearly every photo gallery. Hospitality Net reports the design palette uses butterscotch yellow, olive green, and cyan blue, giving the space a playful 1970s aesthetic (Hospitality Net).
Private lanais and rooms
Each room opens onto a private lanai. Interior photos show retro push-button telephones, popcorn ceilings, and vintage cigarette machines that dispense local artwork instead of cigarettes (Hospitality Net).
What are the prices at White Sands Hotel Waikiki?
Room rate range (via review platforms)
Based on TripAdvisor’s aggregate data, standard room rates typically range from $158 to $399 per night (TripAdvisor). Off-season and weekday stays fall at the lower end of that band.
Parking fee: $45 per night
On-site parking is available for a flat fee of $45 per night — a common cost for Waikiki hotels but worth factoring into the total trip budget.
What restaurant does White Sands Hotel Waikiki have?
Full menu available from 12 PM to 10 PM
The hotel’s dining center is Hey Day, the bar and restaurant that serves a full menu daily from noon until 10 PM. The kitchen focuses on island-inspired comfort food and cocktails that nod to the bamboo bar culture of the 1960s and 1970s (Hospitality Net).
Happy Hour daily from 12 PM to 6 PM
Happy Hour runs from noon to 6 PM, offering discounted drinks and bar bites at the tiki bar.
Bar open from 8 PM to 1 AM
After dinner service ends, the bar remains open until 1 AM, making it a late-night option for guests who want a nightcap in the courtyard.
“The all new White Sands Hotel today announces the completion of a property-wide redesign encompassing new guestrooms, amenities, and a brand-new bar concept, Hey Day.”
— Hospitality Net
Is the White Sands Hotel a vintage or boutique hotel?
Vintage island vibe and retro-tropical aesthetic
Sources unanimously describe the hotel as both “vintage” and “retro-tropical.” TravelAge West calls it “a Waikiki relic that oozes retro-cool vibes” (TravelAge West). The official site brands itself as a “retro oasis” blending vintage island vibes with modern comfort (White Sands Hotel official site).
Boutique hotel features
With only 94 rooms and a strong design identity that sets it apart from generic high-rise properties, the White Sands fits the definition of a boutique hotel. TripAdvisor reviewers frequently tag it as “boutique” and note its intimate scale (TripAdvisor). The property’s two-story, courtyard-oriented layout — unusual for Waikiki — reinforces the boutique feel.
The catch: The price range ($158–$399) puts it in the mid-tier bracket; budget travelers will need to factor in the $45 parking fee, while those seeking a quiet, modern high-rise experience may prefer a more conventional Waikiki hotel.
Pros and cons of White Sands Hotel Waikiki
Pros
- Authentic retro-tropical atmosphere with tiki decor
- Private lanais in every room
- Lush courtyard pool and popular tiki bar
- Warm, friendly service cited by many guests
- Short walk to Waikiki Beach
Cons
- Parking fee of $45 per night
- No elevator (two-story walk-up)
- Limited soundproofing in some rooms
Location and getting there
White Sands Hotel sits at 431 Nohonani St in the heart of Waikiki (Trip.com). Key distances: a 7-minute walk (0.4 miles) to Waikiki Beach, 0.8 miles to the Honolulu Zoo, and 1.3 miles to Ala Moana Center. Check-in starts at 15:00 and check-out is before 11:00.
Our recommendation
Who should book: Retro-style lovers, couples seeking a laid-back atmosphere, and budget-conscious travelers who want a boutique experience without paying ultra-luxury prices. Beachgoers who prefer a short walk over oceanfront rates will appreciate the location.
Who should skip: Travelers who need an elevator, prefer a full-service resort with multiple restaurants, or want guaranteed peace and quiet (the courtyard can be lively during bar hours).
If you like the retro charm of the White Sands Hotel, you might also appreciate the recently rebranded Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel across from Waikiki Beach.
Frequently asked questions
How far is White Sands Hotel from Waikiki Beach?
It is a 7-minute walk from Waikiki Beach (about 0.4 miles).
Does White Sands Hotel charge for parking?
Yes, parking is $45 per night.
What are the restaurant hours at White Sands Hotel?
The full menu is served from 12 PM to 10 PM, with Happy Hour from 12 PM to 6 PM, and the bar open from 8 PM to 1 AM.
What style is White Sands Hotel?
It is a retro-tropical boutique hotel with tiki decor and a vintage island vibe.
Does White Sands Hotel have a pool?
Yes, it has a lush pool and bar area, including a grotto-style hot tub.
How far is White Sands Hotel from the Honolulu Zoo?
It is 0.8 miles from the Honolulu Zoo.
Is White Sands Hotel close to Ala Moana Center?
Yes, it is 1.3 miles from Ala Moana Center.
What do guests like most about White Sands Hotel?
Guests praise the warm, friendly service and the inviting retro-tropical atmosphere.
Sources and references
- White Sands Hotel official site
- TravelAge West – White Sands Hotel review
- Hospitality Net – redesign announcement
- Islands – time-machine entrance feature