What does "not over the top" mean in $$USD? It might not be the same for you as it is for me?

How upscale do you want? (Are you more Ritz-Carlton, or Marriott, or Courtyard by Marriott).

Do you plan to stay in Waikiki for an entire week to 10 days?

Do you want to be in the middle of the action, or is "away from it all" (but driving distance) okay?

There is no resort style hotel in Waikiki that is not a high-rise. Actually the Hilton Hawaiian Village is the only property that could really be called a "resort". Everything else is just nice hotels.

I can't tell from your post how budget you want the hotel to be. If you mean truly "budget" then I like Waikiki Sand Villa, White Sands, Royal Grove, Queen Kapiolani, and The Breakers (all in the $80-150/night range).

If you want a resort, I'd go to Maui, instead and look at the Honua Kai condominium complex, or the Grand Wailea or Hyatt hotels.

I would suggest you go to Maui and/or one of the other islands if you want to experience more of the real Hawaii. Waikiki is a man made beach.

The beach in Waikiki gets replenished with new sand periodically, but I think it is incorrect to say that it is a man made beach. At any rate it is an area that many people enjoy and a good base for seeing the many historic and cultural sites in Honolulu and the rest of O'ahu....which are also the "real" Hawai'i.

aloha, you are correct in that there are many cultural sites on Oahu. Each island has its own attributes and personality but cultural sites aside, I found Oahu the least "Hawaiian" of the islands.

Just my opinion, of course, but I think anyone who spends all of their time on Oahu is missing some of the beauty of the real Hawaii.

All of the islands have beautiful spots. Oahu has Maunawili falls, the Olomana trail, Lyon Arboreteum, Hoomaluhia park, the North shore, the windward side beaches, the Pali, Waahila Ridge, Tantalus, Hanauma Bay, Sharks cove, in addition to cultural sites such as the Iolani Palace, Bishop Museum, Pearl Harbor and such.

Other islands may have less people and more tourist type stuff, but Oahu is as Hawaiian as can be.

Oahu is a beautiful island. I don't get the "least Hawaiian" comment at all. I'm sure all the Hawaiian people living on Oahu would be real surprised to hear this!

Why I think Maui is a good suggestion in this particular request is that they specifically want a "resort" property. Those are much more plentiful on Maui than on Oahu.

Visitors with at least ten nights can enjoy stays on two different island, although the OP and her large party will probably be arriving and departing Honolulu, so just staying Oahu may prove the best plan. They *might* want to split a stay on Oahu between Waikiki and the North Shore -- some 'city' and some 'more rural'.

Thank you everyone. We have decided 4 nights Maui and 5 nights with our extended family in Oahu. I'm sure that we will love aspects of both islands. We have found accom. on both islands that suit our needs too. I know we will love Hawaii.

Sounds like a nice trip, jayne.

ChiSue, Why I never recommend seeing 2+ islands when people mention budget restraints, is simply it costs more than just staying on 1.

Good choice. It's always fun to visit another island.

Obviously, my opinion bothered a couple of people. Too bad.