Aqua Aloha Surf & Spa - Honolulu, Hawaii - Surf-Themed Waikiki Boutique Hotel

Even those who have never surfed can appreciate the way the Aqua Aloha Surf & Spa pays tribute to Hawaii's wave-riding heritage. The walls of the lobby are decorated with colorful Koa-wood surfboards; surfing footage plays continuously on its big-screen monitors; rooms are decorated with ocean-inspired accents; and every Tuesday evening, the manager hosts a welcome reception with a complimentary signature drink called "The Wipeout.''

All of these surf touches were part of a recent makeover, designed to turn the original 16-story hotel - built in 1968 - into a hip, contemporary, boutique-style resort just two blocks away from Waikiki Beach.

The hotel's 202 guestrooms offer views of the Koolau Mountain Range, Waikiki and/or the Pacific. Room sizes range from 220 to 625 square feet, each featuring a private lanai, one or more flat screen televisions, a mini-refrigerator and high-speed Internet access. Unlimited local phone calls, custom Aqua robes, and a daily "Aqua Start'' Continental breakfast are complimentary.

The larger rooms come with additional amenities. The One Bedroom Suite, for example, has a King bed with sofa sleeper, a Queen sofa sleeper, a living area with a coffee table, a wet bar, granite countertops, and a full bath with a separate vanity area. It can accommodate up to four persons.

One very popular feature of the Aqua Aloha Surf & Spa is its small outdoor swimming pool with a sundeck and cabanas. By day, the pool attracts sunbathers and families with children. Then, each evening, the poolside barbeque grill is lit by tiki torches and transforms into a venue for romantic rendezvous. Complimentary Wi-Fi access is available in the pool area, and beach towels can be provided upon request.

Two food and beverage establishments can be found on the premises. The Aloha Bistro Restaurant, located in the lobby, is open 12pm to 2:30pm for lunch and 5pm to 9:30pm for dinner daily, offering Chinese inspired dishes in a casual atmosphere. Meanwhile Edward's Cafy, also off the lobby, is a walk-in style internet cafy, serving coffee with connectivity from early morning till late evening.

The "spa'' part of the hotel's name owes to the on-site AquaSPA, a facility providing facials, body scrubs, and a variety massages, including hot stone, Swedish, sports, and even couples massages. One specialty here is the native Hawaiian technique known as Lomi Lomi. The AquaSPA facilities can be found in the lobby.

Other services available to guests at the Aqua Aloha Surf & Spa include freshly brewed Hawaiian coffee in the lobby 24 hours a day, complimentary local newspaper delivery to guest rooms, and free apples at the reception desk. A coin-operated laundry, same-day dry cleaning, fax and copy services, and an ATM are on-site, too.

Located at 444 Kanekapolei Street, Honolulu, HI 96815, the Aqua Aloha Surf & Spa is part of the boutique hotel collection of Aqua Hotels & Resorts, which includes the Aqua Bamboo & Spa, Coconut Waikiki Hotel, Aqua Palms & Spa, Aqua Waikiki Pearl, Aqua Waikiki Wave, and the Equus. Guest parking is provided, including spaces for handicap vehicle parking.