The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club Oahu

Nestled deep in Waikiki off Kalakaua Avenue (the famous shopping street) and close to the Aloai Canal, you’ll find the Surfjack Hotel and Swim Club, considered one of the best hotels in Oahu. It’s a refreshing find in Honolulu where vintage 1960’s kitsch meets 2020 cool.  The hotel celebrates Hawaiian beach culture and Honolulu’s art, music and creative community. Designed by Hawaii based Wall to Wall Studios, the team took their inspiration from the 60’s, the heyday of Waikiki.

Choosing a hotel in Honolulu, especially in Waikiki, is not exactly an easy task as most are overrated and tend to be very expensive.  While beachside properties are 4-star status, the designation in Honolulu is not quite the same level as in other cities and upgrades are infrequent due to occupancy rates staying planted at 80% capacity. The Surfjack, the new kid on the block, is a welcome addition to the lodging landscape.

The Lobby and Swim Club

An open feeling prevails at the hotel’s entrance where a compact reception faces the coffee shop and an amazing boutique (called Olive and Oliver, more on this later).  Close by the swim club entices you to take a straightaway dive into the stunning oval pool tiled with “Wish You Were Here” on the bottom.  Got your cell phone out? You’ll want to Instagram that one.

“The Surfjack is a design-led, art driven hotel that many locals had a hand in creating.  Our vision is to encapsulate the laid-back spirit of Mid-Century Aloha,” says Casea Cillins-Wright, Surfjack Director of Experience.

The designers used local reclaimed wood in refreshing the 1960’s building then filled the public spaces with the works of over twenty local artists creating the atmosphere of modern Hawaii. A kind of runway around the pool leads to a trio of cabanas and a lounge area with couches and tables in a mod beachy look where guests can relax or work.

The Rooms

With just 112 rooms on ten floors, the Surfjack is moderately small for a Honolulu resort and almost qualifies for boutique status.  Room categories include one to three-bedroom suites, a one-bedroom bungalow and penthouses. Overall, the accommodations are spacious with one-bedroom suites featuring a large bedroom. Most rooms have balconies with views of Waikiki, the Aloai Canal or the pool.  And surprise, mini bars are standard and fully loaded with local snacks!

Mahina & Sun’s Restaurant

The name of Ed Kenney’s fourth eatery, Mahina and Sun’s, harkens to the elements (Mahina means moon in Hawaiian).  Kenney is a four-time James Beard Award nominee, chef, and restauranteur and the man behind all the food and beverage at the property.  Located in the lobby near the pool, the restaurant serves dishes inspired by Honolulu and the Aloha Style. Kenney’s philosophy is “Local first and organic whenever possible, with Aloha always”.

You’ll love the avocado toast with tomato jam and the Ahi Palaha (tuna) with a 12-grain salad, pickled mushroom and limu (seaweed) salsa verde. For lunch or dinner try the Rigatoni with Hawaiian Wild Boar Ragu.  You can even get an evening Pupu platter (local appetizers) and pair it with one of their wonderful craft cocktails from the very creative menu.  Mahina and Sun’s serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and oversees the room service for the hotel.

Olive & Oliver Shop and Coffee Bar

Entrepreneurial husband and wife team Ali McMahon and Parker Mossman have set up a pioneering boutique in the lobby of the Surfjack.  They are the owners of Kailua-based Olive Boutique for women and Oliver for men. Opening in the center of Waikiki at The Surfjack gave them an opportunity to join two boutiques in one with Surfjack branded T’s, bags, cover ups and surf and beach wear.  The boutique also has an onsite artisanal coffee bar.

Happenings at The Surfjack

More than a hotel, The Surfjack offers nightly entertainment like live music and poolside movie premieres.  Add in farm-to-table dining, a lively Happy Hour (Mon – Fri) with “Pau Hana” specials from Mahina & Sun’s and you have an environment where both guests and locals like to hang out. Plus, the authentic Hawaiian vibe and retro chic atmosphere are unique to the city. Honolulu is known for its hang loose vibe and The Surfjack embodies it!

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