The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club

Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club is the better part of a mile from Waikiki Beach itself, but in truth if you’ve spent much time here you’ll be grateful for this slight remove. This side of Waikiki goes easier on the theme-park vibes and feels more like a proper neighborhood, which is great news for a hotel like Surfjack, which is as much about local color and culture as it is about sun, sand, and surf.

It’s apparent at a glance that this is no half-baked island kitsch — Surfjack is authentically stylish, and every detail, from the décor to the staff uniforms, feels perfectly measured. There’s a mid-century flavor, but it’s a thoughtful one, and feels tailored to the building’s history rather than carelessly applied after a late-night Mad Men binge.

The rooms stop short of five-star luxury but they’re more than comfortable enough, and feel, from the inside, uncannily like beachside bungalows. Works by local artists and photographers abound, and activities include meditation, Pilates, and loaner bikes for getting around town. There’s also Mahina & Sun’s, serving modern island cuisine in a casually stylish dining room.