If you’ve been to Waikiki before and want to experience it from an entirely different perspective — literally — the Waikiki Penthouse at Imperial Hawaii Resort might be the most distinctive stay the neighborhood has to offer.
Perched on the 28th floor, the top of the building, this two-level private condo combines panoramic Pacific Ocean views with thoughtfully designed living spaces and a level of privacy that’s rare anywhere in Waikiki.
This is an honest, detailed look at what the penthouse offers, what makes it special, and who it’s genuinely best suited for.
The views: what makes this property one of a kind
There’s no understating the views here. From the upper living room — the highest point of the penthouse — you get an unobstructed, panoramic sweep of the Pacific Ocean and the Waikiki skyline.
Diamond Head is visible in the distance.
The ocean stretches out to the horizon.
At night, the city lights below and the water beyond create a setting that simply doesn’t exist anywhere else at this price point in Waikiki.
The living room has east-facing and west-facing balconies, which means you can watch the sunrise over Diamond Head in the morning and the sunset over the Pacific in the evening — both from the comfort of your own lanai.
Guests who have stayed here consistently describe the views as the highlight of their entire Hawaii trip.
Check availability at the Waikiki Penthouse →
The layout: a genuinely unique two-level space
What makes the Waikiki Penthouse structurally different from any other Waikiki condo is its two-level design.
The entry level contains the two bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchenette, dining area, laundry room, and a private sun deck.
A short staircase leads up to the elevated living room — a spacious, light-filled space with panoramic views on multiple sides and a sectional sofa that can be configured however you like.
This layout creates a natural separation between sleeping and living areas that gives the property a genuinely residential feel. You’re not living in a hotel room.
You’re in a private home at the top of one of Waikiki’s most well-located buildings.
The penthouse sleeps four guests across two bedrooms — a king bedroom with a 50″ Smart TV and lanai access, and a queen bedroom with a workspace and large mirror setup.
The upper living room features a 75″ 4K Smart TV and its own balcony seating areas on both sides.
The details that stand out
The interiors feature koa wood accents, natural rock tile, and artisan-style décor.
The king bedroom comes with a Westin Heavenly Bed — the same mattress used in five-star Westin properties worldwide. The queen is memory foam.
The full bathroom is a genuine highlight: a deep soaking tub, a spa-style shower with ocean views, and a washlet toilet.
There’s a second half-bath near the bedrooms.
Practical amenities include central AC, free WiFi, an in-unit washer and dryer, a Keurig coffee maker, and a kitchenette with a two-burner glass stove top, medium and mini fridge, and a dining set for up to six guests.
The kitchenette is well set up for breakfasts, snacks, and light meals — it’s not designed for full cooking, which is worth knowing in advance.
Having an in-unit washer and dryer is one of those practical advantages that makes a real difference on a beach vacation — sandy towels, wet swimwear, and sun-soaked clothes can be washed and ready again the same day, without hunting for a laundromat or packing twice as much as you need.
Location: the center of Waikiki
Imperial Hawaii Resort sits on Lewers Street in the heart of Waikiki, surrounded by some of the neighborhood’s most iconic properties — Trump Towers, Sheraton Waikiki, Embassy Suites, and Halekulani Hotel are all on the same block. Waikiki Beach is steps away. Kalakaua Avenue, Duke’s Waikiki, International Market Place, and the main surf break are all within easy walking distance.
Being this central means you never need a car for anything within Waikiki.
For Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor, or exploring the rest of Oahu, a rental car or rideshare covers it easily.
There’s also an ABC Store on the ground floor of the building — handy for grabbing snacks, drinks, sunscreen, or anything else you need without stepping more than a few feet from the front door.
Building amenities and access
Guests have access to the Imperial Hawaii Resort’s pool on the 27th floor — one floor below the penthouse.
Access is via elevator to the 26th floor and one flight of stairs up to the pool deck.
It’s a minor quirk of the building layout, but worth knowing before you arrive.
The building also has a fitness center and sauna on the 3rd floor — a convenient option after a long day of exploring Waikiki.
A doorman assists with luggage transfer at check-in and check-out.
Who the Waikiki Penthouse is best for
Couples celebrating a special occasion — Honeymoons, anniversaries, milestone birthdays.
The panoramic views, spa-style bathroom, private lanais on every level, and two-story layout create an atmosphere that’s genuinely hard to replicate anywhere else in Waikiki.
Many guests choose this property specifically for milestone trips — and return for the same reason.
Travelers who want privacy in the heart of Waikiki — You’re steps from everything the neighborhood offers, but behind your own door at the top of the building.
For travelers who love Waikiki’s energy but want to retreat to something quiet and private, this is the balance the penthouse offers.
Two couples or small groups of adults — The two-bedroom layout with a separate upper living area works well for two couples traveling together who want their own sleeping space while sharing the views and common areas.
Longer stays in Waikiki — The in-unit laundry, generous living space, and home-like feel make this a comfortable base for a week or more.
Book with Ocean Vibe Hawaii
The Waikiki Penthouse is one of the most distinctive vacation rental properties in Waikiki — and one of the few that delivers a genuine “wow” moment from the moment you walk through the door.
If you’re planning a special occasion trip, or simply want to experience Waikiki from a perspective most visitors never see, this is the property for it.
Ready to book? Check dates and availability at the Waikiki Penthouse →
Frequently Asked Questions about the Waikiki Penthouse
What floor is the Waikiki Penthouse on?
The Waikiki Penthouse is located on the 28th floor — the top of Imperial Hawaii Resort on Lewers Street in the heart of Waikiki. The two-level layout puts the bedrooms on the lower level and an elevated living room on the upper level, with panoramic Pacific Ocean views from multiple sides.
How many people does the Waikiki Penthouse sleep?
The penthouse sleeps four guests across two bedrooms — a king bedroom and a queen bedroom. The upper living room also has a large sectional sofa. It’s well suited for two couples traveling together or a small group of adults who want separate sleeping spaces and a generous shared living area.
Does the Waikiki Penthouse have a full kitchen?
The penthouse has a kitchenette rather than a full kitchen — with a two-burner glass stove top, medium and mini fridge, Keurig coffee maker, and a dining set for up to six guests. It’s well set up for breakfasts, snacks, and light meals, but not designed for full cooking. There’s also an in-unit washer and dryer.
Is the Waikiki Penthouse close to the beach?
Yes — Imperial Hawaii Resort is steps from Waikiki Beach. Kalakaua Avenue, Duke’s Waikiki, and the main surf break are all within easy walking distance. The property is in the heart of Waikiki, meaning everything in the neighborhood is accessible on foot.
Does the Waikiki Penthouse have a pool?
Yes — guests have access to the Imperial Hawaii Resort’s pool on the 27th floor, one level below the penthouse. Access is via elevator to the 26th floor and one flight of stairs to the pool deck. The building also has a fitness center and sauna on the 3rd floor.
Is the Waikiki Penthouse good for a honeymoon or special occasion?
Yes — it’s one of the most distinctive stays in Waikiki for a special occasion. The panoramic ocean views, spa-style bathroom with a deep soaking tub, private lanais on both levels, and two-story layout create an atmosphere that’s genuinely hard to replicate at this price point in Waikiki. Many guests book specifically for honeymoons and anniversaries.
What is the view like from the Waikiki Penthouse?
From the upper living room — the highest point of the penthouse — you get an unobstructed, panoramic sweep of the Pacific Ocean and the Waikiki skyline, with Diamond Head visible in the distance. The east-facing balcony offers sunrise views over Diamond Head; the west-facing balcony offers sunset views over the Pacific. Guests consistently describe the views as the highlight of their entire Hawaii trip.
Looking for a different Waikiki experience? Our Waikiki Shore beachfront condo offers direct beach access perfect for couples and families. Or read our Waikiki vs Ko Olina guide to compare both sides of Oahu.