Inside Waikīkī’s First ‘Adults Only’ Property

Waikīkī is a tempting destination for many travelers looking to check out Oʻahu for the first time.

Curated for visitors, the bustling seaside neighborhood is easily walkable and loaded with restaurants, bars, shops, and myriad ocean activities, like surfing, sailing, and snorkeling.

Travelers will find dozens and dozens of hotel options, from trendy boutiques like the Surfjack and the Laylow to international point-collector properties like Hilton and Marriott (and everything in between).

Curiously, despite the overwhelming amount of hotel offerings, one option you could not find in Waikīkī before this year was an "adults-only" property.

Opened this summer, the Romer House Waikīkī became the first one in town. Though other aforementioned hotels have catered to youthful crowds with their boutique vibes, the Romer House Waikīkī is the only property to officially set a minimum age.

The Romer House Waikīkī is one of three Romer hotels worldwide: two are in Waikīkī, and one is in New York. The Romer Waikīkī at the Ambassador is just a few blocks from the Romer House Waikīkī and should not be confused, although their names are admittedly kind of confusing.

The Romer brand focuses on building "neighborhood hotels" where many local products and experiences are offered.

Is the Adults-Only Model a Good Fit for Waikīkī?

First off, what is an adults-only model? It's just like it sounds. Only adults (18+) are allowed to stay at the property, so no families or kids will be found in the elevators, at the lobby bar, or at the pool.

I don't think we need to spend a ton of time going over why folks find this idea appealing. Waikīkī is especially busy with families and sometimes hotel lobbies can start to feel more like a train or bus station, with people coming and going, tracking kids, and waiting for rides all day.

In this way, the adults-only model provides a calm alternative. It is nice for single travelers, friend groups, or any traveler looking for an atmosphere where the common areas are less chaotic and designed more for gathering than arriving and departing.

Young travelers are attracted to hostels around the globe for this very reason: Travelers can expect to be surrounded by like-minded people and be provided a setting in which to gather.

What's the Vibe at the Romer House Waikīkī?

Walk through the lobby of the Romer House Waikīkī in the morning and you can expect to see almost no one around. Maybe a guy on his laptop in the corner, but otherwise, you can hear a pin drop.

Come back in 12 hours, however, and you'll be lucky to find an open seat at the bar.

"Our space is relaxing and lazy during the day and lively at night," says Ramona Sildo, who sports the title of "Mayor of the Block" and manages creative programming for both Romer hotels in Waikīkī.

Guests who enjoy sleeping in on their vacation will enjoy this slow pace of awakening, along with the calm setting of the hotel pool, which offers a full-service bar, food menu, comfy loungers, cabanas, and a long rectangular dipping pool in an area the hotel calls " The Backyard ."

At night, the lobby plays host to DJs and dance parties, while an elegant cocktail menu brings some New York City sophistication to Waikīkī.

Likewise, happy hour at the lobby restaurant, IZAKAYA 855-ALOHA , begins at 9 p.m., serving a large menu of small plates and attracting a late-dinner crowd that often spills over into the lobby bar.

The rooms feature unique local art and most have a private balcony. They get a small ding for only having instant coffee in the room (what's a slow morning without a fresh-brewed cup of Hawaiian coffee in bed?), but otherwise, the hotel's amenity game is strong: think Coola Sun Goddess sunscreen and Slowtide towels.

Romer's pledge to create a neighborhood-like atmosphere materializes with a variety of wall art painted by local artists, from surfing to old-school phone booths. Bike rentals are free, as are pool-side wellness classes.

Romer also makes a commitment to the neighborhood by serving as a steward of nearby King Kalākaua Park.

The Romer House Waikīkī has 179 rooms and rates are less than $200 per night this winter.