The Equus

The Equus

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Panorama of the Bamboo Queen Room at The Equus Hotel
360
Panoramas (24)
Room & Suite (383)
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Avg. $126 /night, 2/18 - 2/19
$190
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$112
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About

#18 of 99 hotels in Honolulu
Location
4.4
Rooms
4.3
Value
4.5
Cleanliness
4.4
Service
4.5
Sleep Quality
4.3
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.

The Equus is a charming boutique hotel located on Waikiki's "Upper West Side" where you will find an abundance of restaurants, easy access to one of the world's largest shopping malls, a quick stroll to the beach and gorgeous sunset views. The hotel guestrooms are warm and contemporary, keeping true to the hotel's equestrian theme with Ralph Lauren-inspired touches throughout. An intimate lobby and lanai offer a dipping pool, and an open-air coffee shop and bar.

The Paniolo Bar & Cafe is open daily from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm. Get an early start with hand-crafted artisan coffee and pastries served from morning till noon. Come back for happy hour with creative cocktails and drinks at night. Enjoy live music every Friday starting at 6:00 pm.

All guestrooms are appointed with cozy pillow-top beds, flat screen TVs, refrigerator with freezer, Keurig coffee maker with organic coffee, and complimentary full property WiFi. The friendly staff offers the kind of personal assistance delivered with Aloha.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

*Check-In: 3:00pm | Check Out : 12:00pm

*Stairway Access Only

*Valet Parking

*Provide Arrival Time - for luggage assistance

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Property amenities
Paid private parking on-site
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Pool
Bar / lounge
Boating
Diving
Taxi service
24-hour security
Parking
Wifi
Pool / beach towels
Outdoor pool
Coffee shop
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Complimentary Instant Coffee
Complimentary tea
Happy hour
Outdoor dining area
Snack bar
Hiking
Snorkeling
Canoeing offsite
Fishing
Walking tours
Baggage storage
Concierge
Non-smoking hotel
Outdoor furniture
24-hour front desk
Dry cleaning
Room features
Air conditioning
Housekeeping
Private balcony
Safe
Coffee / tea maker
Refrigerator
Cable / satellite TV
Bath / shower
Seating area
Telephone
Wardrobe / closet
Clothes rack
Iron
Private bathrooms
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Flatscreen TV
iPod docking station
Complimentary toiletries
Hair dryer
Room types
City view
Landmark view
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
4.0 of 5 stars
HOTEL STYLE
Quaint
Boutique
Languages Spoken
English

Location

1696 Ala Moana Boulevard, Honolulu, Oahu, HI 96815
Getting there
Great for walkers
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travelers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Grade: 96 out of 100
96
Honolulu Intl Airport
6.5 mi•
See all flights
Molokai Airport
48.6 mi•
See all flights
4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles2,251 reviews
Reviews summary
This summary was created by AI, based on recent reviews.
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The Equus hotel emerges as a favorite for its prime location, nestled conveniently near convention centers, shops, and attractions, which travelers regularly commend. The cleanliness of its rooms, complete with cozy beds and quality linens, is often highlighted, although a few guests suggest there's room for improvement. While the rooms are generally seen as comfortable and well-furnished, noise from thin walls has been a point of concern for some. Guests frequently praise the value offered by The Equus, noting its reasonable rates in a competitive location. The hotel's atmosphere is described as charming and inviting, with decor that adds to its quaint ambiance and friendly vibes. Service at The Equus stands out, with staff members earning accolades for their attentive and personalized approach. Amenities are sufficient for a comfortable stay, despite some guests desiring more on-site options. Street noise has been mentioned by several guests, though not all found it bothersome to their rest.
Location
Convenient
Atmosphere
Charming
Rooms
Comfortable
Value
Reasonable
Cleanliness
Mixed
Noise level
Mixed
Service
Friendly
Amenities
Satisfactory

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Detailed Reviews
Henedina J wrote a review Nov 2024
5.0 of 5 bubbles
The Equus Hotel was a convenient location from my business convention, which was taking place at a well-known Hotel in Waikiki.
Everything I needed was within walking distance from Equus, such as: going out to eat, buying groceries to stay in, going shopping at Ala Moana Shopping Center and fun activities.

The accomodations were very comfortable and clean. They provided fresh linen and a comfortable bed and comfortable room temperature and bath supplies for people who left home without them.
I would recommend this Boutique Hotel to anyone that is looking for friendly staff, a safe environment with comfortable accommodations.
It was a great location without the high Waikiki hotel prices!

Aloha, Henedina J.
Read more
Date of stay: November 2024
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled on business
Room Tip: Bring an umbrella and walking shoes for Waikiki strolling. It is a wonderful city for walking in...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Kris White, Guest Services / Front Office at The Equus
Responded Nov 25, 2024
Mahalo for your kind words, Henedina. Your support means the world to us and we're thrilled to hear that you loved our friendly staff and convenient location. We look forward to welcoming you back in the future. Aloha
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Penelope K wrote a review Mar 2024
4.0 of 5 bubbles
There were many nice things about our stay at
The Equus. The price was reasonable. The bed was very comfortable. The location was convenient for walking to restaurants in the area. The air conditioning worked fairly well. All staff were very polite and helpful. We enjoyed the little Paniolo Bar & Cafe, though they had limited food offerings.
On the down side: The room carpet and bathroom floor were not very clean. There was an issue with the day 3 cleaning that was remedied the next day and we were comped 2 free breakfasts for the inconvenience. The room was not well insulated from the often very loud street noise. TV was difficult to operate as it often did not start with the correct input. We had to adjust it to HDMI2. The instruction and channel list sheet provided was incorrect. Arrival & departure was dangerous on a busy street and one has to navigate stairs to get to the lobby. Overall this hotel would benefit from some upgrades and deep cleaning.
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Date of stay: March 2024Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A lot to digest? Read an AI-generated summary of recent traveler reviews.
Brian A wrote a review Jul 2024
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Comfortable hotel in a great location, staffed by the most welcoming and helpful people I’ve encountered at a hotel. During a solo trip to Oahu, I chose to stay at The Equus due to its being a family owned hotel a short walk from the best surf spots in town. I’m a bit of a light sleeper, so I was wary of the street noise mentioned by some of the other reviews, but I figured I’d give it a chance anyway. I’m so glad I did. My room was quiet and comfortable, and the hospitality of the staff was unmatched. Lincoln was particularly helpful, moving mountains to make sure I could stay in my room when I decided last minute to extend my trip. Mahalo Lincoln and everyone at the Equus; see you again soon!
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Date of stay: June 2024
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
4.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Kris White, Guest Services / Front Office at The Equus
Responded Jul 8, 2024
Thank you for your fantastic review! We're delighted you had a comfortable stay and found our staff so welcoming, especially Lincoln. We're also happy to hear your room provided a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of Waikiki. We appreciate your support and look forward to welcoming you back next time you're on Oahu.
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angarone wrote a review Jan 2024
Hamilton, New Jersey
5.0 of 5 bubbles
This was my second stay at Equus. Equus is a small boutique hotel, and in such you feel like you are the only guest. The people there know your name. The room was comfortable and clean, the noise from neighboring rooms was minimal and the fragrant scent is memorable. The water was very good: I used the sink in my room to refill my water bottle numerous times. Lanelle, Lincoln, Lori and Dwayne were all very friendly and helpful. I highly recommend this hotel. It is near bus stops (don’t rent a car, get a 7-day TheBus Holo card for $30). And walking distance from the marina, the beach, and Ala Moana Center as well as a handy ABC store and lots of places to eat on Ana Moana Blvd.
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Date of stay: January 2024Trip type: Traveled with family
Room Tip: Parking is minimal and $40/night: TheBus is easy and stress free. I took it all over including...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Kris White, Guest Services / Front Office at The Equus
Responded Jan 22, 2024
Mahalo for your kind words and continual support. As Waikiki's last remaining family-owned and operated boutique hotel, we cherish your loyalty and look forward to seeing you again soon.
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LeahSydney01 wrote a review Nov 2022
Sydney, Australia
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Advantages of this hotel:
Friendly staff, close to Ala Moana Centre and Hilton Lagoon.
Fairly good value.

Disadvantages of this hotel:
We were on the 9th floor and there was quite a lot of road noise, to be expected given the location of the hotel I suppose.
There were 4 of us staying (and this was disclosed to the hotel) yet housekeeping only supplied 3 bath towels and 2 standard coffee capsules per day, I had to ask reception to get top ups.
The hotel is sort of squeezed between 2 adjoining properties so lacks the ambiance of some of the other hotels in the area that enjoy more gardens and outdoor areas.
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Date of stay: November 2022Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ida G wrote a review Mar 2023
5.0 of 5 bubbles
I'd like to send out a huge thank you to the staff at The Equus and specifically Kollett and Rene for the amazing customer service and making us feel so welcomed. Everyday of our stay we were greeted with Aloha and always asked us if we were ok and/or needed anything. The room was very spacious for our family of 4 and AC saved us on them hot days. Housekeeping did an amazing job as well with making sure to replenish our coffee pods, towels and beds nicely made. The best part of the location of the hotel is that everything is in walking distance i.e. store, beach, restaurant and more. Thank you all for making us feel at home. Will definitely book again on our next trip out to Hawaii. Mahalo and Aloha!
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Date of stay: March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jessica K wrote a review Apr 2024
Baltimore, Maryland
4.0 of 5 bubbles
We chose The Equus in order to avoid Waikiki's gigantic resort-type chain hotels and are glad we did. The location was perfect for conference-goers, just a 12-minute walk to the convention center and next door to some eateries and cafes. The beds were large if on the soft side; the AC worked well; the shower was hot and had good pressure, though it was quite small; and the balcony was lovely. As far as complaints other reviewers have made, we didn't notice outdoor noise much and didn't mind that our room didn't look like a resort. It was comfortable and clean. Do note that the elevator can take quite a while and there are only 4 people allowed in at a time.

We especially appreciated the welcome drink, the kind front desk staff, and the warm and excellent service by Ben at the Paniolo Bar. The breakfast and drinks were solid, especially Ben's avocado toast. Also, the price was great compared to everywhere else nearby. We would definitely stay here again.
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Date of stay: April 2024Trip type: Traveled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Kris White, Guest Services / Front Office at The Equus
Responded Apr 29, 2024
Mahalo for your review! We're glad you enjoyed our friendly, comfortable, family-owned boutique alternative to the mega resorts that cover most of Waikiki. We're thrilled you enjoyed the service, especially Ben at the Paniolo Bar—we'll surely pass on your compliments! A hui hou! We truly appreciate your support of The Equus.
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robert K wrote a review Dec 2023
Perth, Australia
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We love visiting and relaxing in Hawaii, and used to stay in 5 star hotels, but since our Aussie dollar has been so low, on our previous visit we decided to look for better value for our dollar.
And that's when we found and stayed for the first time at the Equus, its not a 5 star, but the Location decor and the friendliness of the front counter staff, Rene and Lincoln just made our stay so amazing with all the help and local advise.
This hotel is only a 5 min walk to the Ala Moana shopping centre with a variety of shops and huge food court with lovely food and very clean.
A 5 min walk to a great beach or a 25 min walk to Waikiki. If you don't like walking, the all day HOLO bus ticket is only $ 5 that takes you anywhere on the Island including the North Shore. If this is your first time to Hawaii make sure you see the Rock a Hula show at the Royal Pink Hawaiian Hotel, its on every night and you can buy the tickets on line for $50, Great show and well worth it. This was our second stay at the Equus and will defiantly stay there again on our next visit to Hawaii.
Mahalo, Robert and Halina
Read more
Date of stay: November 2023
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Kris White, Guest Services / Front Office at The Equus
Responded Dec 19, 2023
Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful review! This is sure to put a smile on a few faces here at The Equus! We appreciate your loyalty and can't wait to welcome you back for a third visit. Aloha
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Pacific I wrote a review Jun 2024
+1
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Stayed here for the first time and was absolutely glad I did! A very intimate and personal Hotel in all the best ways. It's the type of place that the staff wants to know you personally and they take the time to make your stay one you'll want to never forget. The rooms are clean and comfortable, not anything over the top but definitely everything you would need. I'd much rather spend my money on a more personal and attentive experience than to have a hot water maker or a tiny microwave anytime. Auntie Renee at the lobby was incredible! She took the time to be sure that any questions or Arrangements I needed was met. Anita, Matt, and Ben, at the were the most awesome bartenders ever. The drinks Were well poured and So friendly and Interesting To talk to It made you want to cancel your flight and stay a little longer. The price, location, and staff, at this hotel makes it an easy choice next time I stay in Waikiki.
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Date of stay: June 2024
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled solo
Room Tip: Don't be afraid to go in the pool it's not as cold as it looks! The water is clean and clear and...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Kris White, Guest Services / Front Office at The Equus
Responded Jun 11, 2024
Mahalo for the review! We're thrilled you chose The Equus for your first visit to Waikiki. It sounds like you experienced exactly what we strive for: a friendly, intimate atmosphere with staff who go above and beyond. Auntie Renee, Anita, Matt, and Ben are all fantastic, and we're so happy they made your stay at The Equus unforgettable.
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Rebecca Watmough wrote a review Aug 2023
5.0 of 5 bubbles
My husband and I got married near Kailua Beach at the end of June 2023, and we booked a room block for our friends and family at this hotel and words cannot describe how beyond incredible our experience was. We were given a competitive discount from the standard price on the website (which was honoured on either side of the room block for our friends and family who wanted to extend their trips); there was limited commitment in the sense that we did not have to put any money down leading up to our arrival and the hotel simply would release rooms that were not booked 45 days prior to our arrival; the communication leading up to our arrival was excellent (including the hotel letting me know how many rooms had been booked and by who so we could make sure our guests booked their rooms before the rooms were released). There are just a few examples that stand out to me of this hotel going above and beyond and contributing to our incredible wedding experience: Two of my family members arrived first after a very long journey, and Rene kept them entertained and let them check in as soon as their room was ready; One of our family members left their phone in a taxi and Rene problem solved and was able to get on the phone with the person who owned the taxi company and have the taxi return to the hotel; My husband and I arrived to our room, which had rose petals on the bed, swans made out of towels and wine for us; and Rene even closed the pool area for us on our last night so we could have a private goodbye get together with about 25 of us. The rooms were clean, the blackout curtains were very appreciated, we did not have any issue with noise being on the top floor, and the bar drinks were amazing. I truly felt very special and our wedding guests raved about their experience at this hotel. I would 100% recommend anyone who is looking for a room block in Oahu for a special event to have it at the Equus Hotel: they exceeded our expectations in every possible way. Mahalo to you all!
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Date of stay: June 2023
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Kris White, Guest Services / Front Office at The Equus
Responded Aug 30, 2023
Mahalo for choosing The Equus to celebrate your special occasion! It's an honor to have been a part of your big day and we hope your wedding party came away with so many wonderful memories of our beautiful island home. We wish you the best moving forward and we hope to see you again someday. Aloha
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…
Answer from Nikki W
122 contributions14 helpful votes
I can't say for certain, but most places I visit have type B.
givemeabrea asked a question Dec 2021
Forked River, New Jersey32 contributions49 helpful votes
Can anyone tell me how many floors the hotel has. ?? Is this is high rise ?? Thank you very much
Answer from Roving49449880329
2 contributions
Yes, it's a highrise but not very high and without the high rise vibe.
Answer from sasnks
Little Elm, Texas174 contributions68 helpful votes
IF I remember correctly, the parking was included with our reservation but it came out to be about $20 a day. Also, ample parking is not what I would call it. There are about 10 spots at the building so if you are early enough you can get one of those. If you aren't (we rarely were) you would park in the building behind (which are privately owned condos). This is the rub. That building does have plenty of parking, but it's ONLY in the corner "stalls" which have walls. So you have to be VERY careful not to damage the car. Worse part. The parking garage is gated so you MUST see the front desk to gain access or to exit the building. Which is a pain.
Answer from Chris S
Grantham, United Kingdom14 contributions28 helpful votes
Our room did not have a living area, but the hotel will answer this for you.
Michael W asked a question Oct 2019
Melbourne, Florida
Is dolphins
Answer from Unrulymom
Portland, Oregon56 contributions56 helpful votes
There are no dolphins as part of this hotel.
…
Kwa wrote a tip Jan 2025
92 contributions6 helpful votes
4.0 of 5 bubbles
"I bit of a challenge to find from the street! "
Read full review
Bryant M wrote a tip Jan 2025
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"ABC stores are great"
Read full review
Erik S wrote a tip Dec 2024
1 contribution
3.0 of 5 bubbles
"Slow elevator operation. Enjoy the Aloha, it’s fine."
Read full review
Henedina J wrote a tip Nov 2024
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Bring an umbrella and walking shoes for Waikiki strolling. It is a wonderful city for walking in the City or the Beach, in the morning rain!"
Read full review
M L wrote a tip Nov 2024
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"There's a free welcome drink at the bar, and the hotel is a short walk from a large 24/7 ABC Store in case you need anything. Amazing value!"
Read full review
…
Not the right property for you?
There are more places to choose from in the Honolulu area.
PRICE RANGE
$170 - $232 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
the equus hotel and marina tower, equus an aqua boutique hotel
LOCATION
United StatesHawaiiOahuHonoluluWaikiki
NUMBER OF ROOMS
67
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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THE EQUUS - Updated 2025

Frequently Asked Questions about The Equus
Which popular attractions are close to The Equus?
Nearby attractions include Honolulu Cookie Company (0.3 miles), Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon (0.3 miles), and Waikiki Starlight Luau (0.3 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at The Equus?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, a pool, and an on-site restaurant.
Which room amenities are available at The Equus?
Top room amenities include air conditioning, a flat screen TV, and a refrigerator.
What food & drink options are available at The Equus?
Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant, a lounge, and a poolside bar during their stay.
Is parking available at The Equus?
Yes, paid private parking on-site is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to The Equus?
Conveniently located restaurants include Tropical Tribe, goofy cafe & dine, and Lappert's Ice Cream.
Are there opportunities to exercise at The Equus?
Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay.
Are there any historical sites close to The Equus?
Many travelers enjoy visiting Iolani Palace (1.9 miles), Shangri La (3.5 miles), and US Army Museum of Hawaii (0.6 miles).
Does The Equus have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the city view available here.
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