The Twin Fin

"Why book?  “Check in, surf out”  ... the Twin Fin’s tagline says it all.  Full disclosure, I’m not a surfer myself, but I am married to one, so am always on the lookout for this elusive location—a chilled out spot where the break is right out front and I can watch the action from the comfort of a gorgeous room—after my own epic run, of course, followed by an extended dip in a calm and beautiful sea. Also on the list, a pool and fantastic restaurants within walking distance. All boxes = ticked!  Set the scene A convergence of only-in-Waikiki mix of holiday makers from around the globe glides up the colorful mural-flanked escalators to reception, chats while swiping cards for the floor-specific elevators, mixes at breakfast, and lazes around the mezzanine level pool.  Australians, Americans, Asians, Europeans; influencers, honeymooners, young families, retirees, mixed-gen groups on holiday—everyone is having the best time ever—this is people watching (and meeting!) central  The backstory  Fresh off a multi-million dollar renovation by the Highgate Group, the Twin Fin has breathed new life into the former Aston Waikiki.  Reinvigorated rooms are just the start of the new management’s vision for the 645 room property. Common areas feature massive, abstract ocean-inspired murals by POW! WOW!, an international group of creatives dedicated to community building through art; a vintage Airstream trailer is being set up behind the street level carport for use as an eco-education center. The Twin Fin takes its role as steward of its very special position, both socially and environmentally, very seriously, and in the most engaging way.  The rooms Bright light fills the spacious, ocean front rooms decorated in breezy-beachy-mid-century, with turquoise, coral and sand tones that blend seamlessly into the scenery and give a nod to the classic '60s exterior. Double sliding glass doors lead to furnished lanai’s offering phenomenal seagulls-eye views of endless sea during the day followed by the always spectacular sunsets, then the glittering strip at night. Absolute heaven.  Food and drink I’m not a huge breakfast person IRL, but “hotel breakfast” is another thing entirely—and here it comes with a view that takes it to the next level (literally).  A warm Aloha welcome greets you at the Coconut Club on the 21st floor,  offering three rotating cooked-to-order hot entrees, a buffet of tropical fruit and pastry, plus a panorama of Diamond Head and the whole of the Waikiki coastline. Grab a seat on the balcony (where it can still be a bit chilly as the sun rises behind you) and leisurely watch the clouds and sea cycle through the full spectrum of daybreak pinks and blues as you plan your adventure of the day while enjoying refills from the espresso machine In the evening, head down to poolside Tiki’s (somewhat cheesy, but also kinda great) and treat yourself to a Mai-Tai ( in the souvenir glass of course ) as you watch the sun dip below the horizon and the clouds and sea put on the second spectacular show of the day The neighborhood/area Perfectly situated at the quieter Diamond Head end of Kalākaua Ave,  the location absolutely can’t be beat.  Just across the street, the warm Pacific; to the left, green Kapi’olani park, where local families bbq beneath the massive banyan figs and enjoy wide stretches of sand on uncrowded Queens Beach. I loved heading this way for an early morning run—just past the park is the historic neighborhood of Tudor and French Norman cottages, plucked straight from a fairytale. Then a chain of smaller beach parks and hidden ocean walkways dot the road on the way to Diamond Head Beach Park, a beautiful stretch of sand you’ll most likely have all to yourself, save for the surfers, just specks in the distance/ And, of course, to the right, there's the Waikiki strip. Enjoy this turn after the sun had set for dinner, followed by some world-class window shopping The service Aloha, personified. Warm welcome at reception, every single member of the staff went enthusiastically out of their way to help and make it the best stay possible.  For families A fantastic choice. The calm, protected ocean pools of Kuhio beach just out front provide a safe ocean swimming experience for all ages, and the Waikiki Aquarium and Honolulu Zoo are both just a short stroll way, both interesting diversions from all of the fun in the sun (or in case of a passing shower). Just a bit further afield,  enquire at the activities desk about booking luau at Nutridge, set high up in the jungly Tantalu’s rising behind Honolulu. “Ohana” (family) is the center of this traditional  and interactive experience, including entertainment, games and food; it’s one not to be missed. The resort fee also covers rentals at Beach Candy on the street level, where guests can easily pick up surfboards, paddleboards, floaties, coolers, beach chairs and umbrellas for daily use. Eco effort  Partnering with “Parley for the Oceans” the Twin Fin sponsors six beach clean up events per year, and are also making great strides to protect the environment on a daily basis. Mananalu brand aluminum (BPA free) water bottles are provided on arrival, refillable at stations throughout the hotel, and all single use plastic has been eliminated from service ( at the time of our stay, in-room coffee pods were the only exception, soon to be replaced with an eco-friendly option)  But if you do find yourself with an item that needs recycling, bins are easily accessible on all floors." - Zoe Westman