Ilikai Hotel & Luxury Suites, hotel and condominium at the western end of Waikiki in Honolulu, Hawai'i
The Ilikai Hotel & Luxury Suites is a striking tall building in Waikiki with a distinctive three-wing design and direct views over the ocean and Ala Wai Yacht Marina. It offers spacious suites with full kitchens featuring stainless steel appliances and granite countertops, two swimming pools, and multiple floors of restaurants and shops throughout the property.
Built in 1961 by developer Chinn Ho and designed by John Graham Jr., the architect of the Space Needle, this building became world-famous through the television series Hawaii Five-O, whose opening scene was filmed on the penthouse balcony overlooking the beach. This television appearance established it as a landmark in Waikiki's history.
The name comes from Hawaiian language and represents a gathering place for travelers from around the world. The open common areas and regular Friday evening performances of Hawaiian music bring local traditions alive in a way visitors can experience directly.
The hotel is about 20 minutes by car from the airport and easily reached by public transportation if you prefer not to rent a car. It sits about a five-minute walk from the water and a calm lagoon, placing it conveniently close to the beach, Waikiki's shops, and restaurants for easy exploration.
This was the first tall building in Waikiki and its distinctive three-wing shape still defines the skyline today. Many visitors overlook the fact that the legendary television producer Leonard Freeman specifically chose this balcony to film the entire opening sequence of Hawaii Five-O to capture the beauty of the bay.
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