Waikiki is loud. If you’ve ever walked down Kalakaua Avenue at 7:00 PM on a Friday, you know exactly what I mean—it's a neon-soaked fever dream of high-end retail, tour buses, and thousands of people trying to find the same Mai Tai. But if you head just a little ways west, toward the "upper" end of the neighborhood near the Ala Wai Boat Harbor, things start to chill out. That’s where you find The Equus an Ascend Hotel Collection Member Honolulu HI. It’s weird, honestly. Not weird in a bad way, but weird because it feels like it belongs in a ranch in the middle of Upcountry Maui or maybe a polo club in Argentina, yet here it is, tucked between high-rise condos and shopping centers.
It’s a boutique spot. It’s family-owned. And it’s arguably the only place in Honolulu where you’ll find "equestrian chic" as a legitimate design aesthetic.
Most people booking a trip to Oahu default to the massive resorts. They want the 1,000-room towers where you’re basically a number on a plastic wristband. If that’s your vibe, cool. But if you’re looking for something that feels like a real place with a real history, The Equus is different. It’s part of the Ascend Hotel Collection, which basically means it keeps its soul while being backed by Choice Hotels’ loyalty program. You get the points, but you don’t get the cookie-cutter corporate carpet.
The Polo Legacy in a Concrete Jungle
The story here matters. You can't talk about The Equus an Ascend Hotel Collection Member Honolulu HI without talking about the Rettenmier family. They don’t just own a hotel; they are deeply embedded in the Hawaii polo scene. This isn't some marketing gimmick cooked up by a firm in New York. The family actually owns and operates the Hawaii Polo Club on the North Shore.
Step into the lobby and you'll see it immediately. There are leather saddles, vintage trophies, and photographs that look like they were pulled from a private family album. It’s cozy. Small. Dark wood and warm lighting. It feels like a library where you're allowed to drink bourbon.
The hotel underwent a massive renovation a few years back to lean harder into this identity. They moved away from the generic "tropical" look and embraced the "North Shore polo" vibe. It was a smart move. In a city where every hotel is trying to be the most modern or the most "Hawaiian-kitsch," The Equus decided to be authentic to its owners' actual lives.
Location: The "North End" Advantage
Let’s be real about the location. If you want to step out of your lobby and have your toes in the sand in ten seconds, this isn't the place. You're about a 7-to-10-minute walk from the beach. Specifically, you’re close to the Ala Moana Beach Park and the Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon.
Is that a downside? Maybe for some. But for others, it’s a massive win.
Being on the western edge of Waikiki means you are within walking distance of Ala Moana Center—the largest open-air shopping center in the world. More importantly, you're right next to the Hilton Hawaiian Village, which means you can sneak over there for the Friday night fireworks without paying their $500-a-night room rates.
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Plus, the traffic. Getting in and out of "Deep Waikiki" (the area near Diamond Head) can take 30 minutes just to move three blocks during rush hour. At The Equus, you’re right by Ala Moana Blvd and Kalakaua, making it way easier to jump on the H-1 highway and head out to the North Shore or Kailua.
What the Rooms are Actually Like
Rooms in Waikiki are notoriously small. Unless you’re dropping four figures a night for a suite at the Halekulani, you’re usually cramped. The Equus an Ascend Hotel Collection Member Honolulu HI manages to feel a bit more intentional with its space, though it’s still a boutique city hotel.
The "Polo Suite" is the one people talk about. It’s got that Ralph Lauren-esque feel. Think organic cotton linens, pillow-top beds, and actual shutters on the windows instead of those dusty plastic blinds you find in chain motels.
- The Lanai Factor: Most rooms have balconies (lanais). Use them. Even if you’re looking at the city skyline rather than the crashing surf, there’s something about that Hawaii air at 6:00 AM that just hits different.
- Amenities: They don't overcomplicate things. You get the essentials—high-speed Wi-Fi, Keurig coffee makers, and mini-fridges.
- The Vibe: It’s quiet. Because the hotel is smaller, you don't have the constant "thump-thump" of a poolside DJ or the sound of 400 people dragging suitcases down the hall at 4:00 AM for their flights.
One thing to note: This is an older building. They’ve done an incredible job with the "Equestrian" facelift, but it’s not a brand-new glass tower. If you’re the type of traveler who loses their mind if an elevator is a little slow or a corner of the bathroom tile has character, go stay at a Marriott. If you like hotels that feel like they have a pulse, you’ll love it here.
The North Shore Connection (The Secret Perk)
This is the part most people miss. Because the owners run the Hawaii Polo Club, guests at The Equus often get "insider" access to the North Shore polo grounds.
During the polo season (usually April through Labor Day), the hotel offers packages or info on heading up to Mokuleia. If you’ve never seen a polo match on the ocean, it’s wild. It’s not stuffy. People tailget. They bring grills. They drink beer and watch horses run with the Pacific Ocean as the backdrop. It’s the "Old Hawaii" that most tourists never get to see because they’re too busy waiting in line for a table at Duke’s.
Why the "Ascend Collection" Label Matters
You might wonder why it's called "The Equus an Ascend Hotel Collection Member." It sounds like a mouthful. Basically, the Ascend Collection is Choice Hotels' way of grouping together "one-of-a-kind" boutique hotels.
For you, the traveler, this is a safety net.
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It means the hotel has to meet specific quality standards. It means you can use Choice Privileges points to book your stay. It means there is a level of professional management that you don't always get with a standalone "mom and pop" boutique. It’s the sweet spot between "independent grit" and "corporate reliability."
Eating and Drinking Nearby
The Equus doesn't have a massive five-star restaurant on-site, and honestly, it doesn't need one. You are surrounded by some of the best food in Honolulu that isn't overpriced tourist bait.
- Wailana Coffee House (RIP) - Just kidding. It’s gone. But in its place and around that corner, you’ve got Cinnamon's at the Ilikai. Go there for the guava chiffon pancakes. It’s a short walk and worth every calorie.
- The Grove: Located nearby, great for an outdoor meal.
- Foodland Farms Ala Moana: Look, don’t judge. This is the nicest grocery store you’ll ever go to. Walk 10 minutes to Ala Moana Center, hit the poke bar at Foodland, grab a cold beer, and take it back to your lanai. That’s a $15 gourmet dinner that beats a $90 steakhouse any day.
- Red Lobster / Outback: Okay, they’re right there too. Sometimes you just want a cheddar bay biscuit after a day of surfing. No judgment.
Is it Worth It?
Let’s talk numbers without getting too bogged down. Waikiki hotel prices have skyrocketed. Finding anything under $250-$300 that isn't a total dump is becoming a challenge. The Equus an Ascend Hotel Collection Member Honolulu HI consistently sits in that "sweet spot" of pricing.
It’s often significantly cheaper than the beachfront giants, yet it offers a much more "curated" experience.
Who is this hotel for?
- The Solo Traveler: It feels safe, intimate, and the staff actually remembers your name.
- The Business Traveler: It's close to the Hawaii Convention Center (literally a 5-minute walk).
- The "Second-Timer": If you’ve been to Oahu before and done the whole "crowded beach" thing, stay here. Use it as a base to explore the rest of the island.
Who is it NOT for?
- The "Resort Only" Crowd: If you need three different pools, a waterslide, and an on-site luau, you will be disappointed.
- The Luxury Purist: If you expect a 24-hour butler and gold-plated faucets, move along.
Myths and Misconceptions
People hear "equestrian hotel" and they think it’s going to smell like a barn. It doesn't. Not even a little. It’s a design theme, not a petting zoo.
Another misconception is that it’s "too far" from the action. Honolulu is a walking city. From The Equus, you can walk to the heart of Waikiki in 15 minutes. You can walk to the mall in 10. You can walk to the beach in 8. If that’s "too far," you might want to consider a golf cart.
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The parking situation is also worth mentioning. Parking in Honolulu is a nightmare. Period. The Equus has valet parking, and yeah, it costs money. Every hotel in the city charges for parking. If you’re staying here, consider if you even need a car. With Uber, Biki bikes, and TheBus (which is actually a great transit system), you might save yourself $40+ a night just by ditching the rental.
Practical Advice for Your Stay
If you decide to book a room at The Equus, do a few things to make the trip better. First, ask for a room on a higher floor. The city views are actually pretty cool at night when all the lights are twinkling.
Second, check the polo schedule before you arrive. Even if you aren't a "horse person," going to the Hawaii Polo Club is a core Oahu experience that feels lightyears away from the T-shirt shops of Kalakaua.
Third, take advantage of the coffee in the lobby. It’s actually good.
The Real Deal on The Equus
At the end of the day, The Equus an Ascend Hotel Collection Member Honolulu HI succeeds because it knows what it is. It isn't trying to be the Royal Hawaiian. It isn't trying to be a budget hostel. It’s a sophisticated, slightly eccentric, and deeply comfortable hotel that honors the family that built it.
It’s a place for people who want to wake up in Honolulu but feel like they’re part of a different story. One with leather boots, grassy fields, and a bit of soul.
Actionable Next Steps for Travelers:
- Check the Calendar: If you’re traveling between April and September, book your stay to coincide with a Sunday so you can attend a Hawaii Polo Club match.
- Join Choice Privileges: Since this is an Ascend Collection member, sign up for the free loyalty program before you book to earn points for future stays or get member-only rates.
- Pack for "Waikiki Casual": You don't need a suit for the polo vibe here. A good pair of linen shorts and a breathable button-down will get you through the lobby and a nice dinner at Ala Moana perfectly.
- Map the Walk: Look up the walking path to the Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon. It’s a calmer swimming spot than the main Waikiki beach and is much closer to the hotel’s front door.
- Skip the Car: Calculate the cost of valet parking ($40-$50/day) versus using rideshare apps. Most guests find they save hundreds by not renting a car for the full duration of their stay.
The Equus offers a slice of Oahu that’s hard to find. It’s quiet, it’s stylish, and it’s actually real. In a world of "manufactured experiences," that’s worth the booking.