I stayed at the Hale Koa with my parents in 2002 (my dad was retired military). It's set back from the beach, but still an easy 4 or 5 minute walk. Great grounds, very reasonable food, no tax and close enough to other Waikiki properties. A nice little walk to Hilton Hawaiin Village. It's the best bargain, and i suggest that you go there. :-)

If it takes you five minutes to walk to the beach from anywhere at the Hale Koa you are a turtle <G>.

Maybe 5 minutes from your room (ooops, where is that key?), to the elevator (mom, I gotta go back and get my raft!), across the lobby (hmmm, these brochures say a tour to Diamond head is $95?), and past the pool (Mom, can I get a hamburger?!?), and onto the sand!

Hale Koa is on the beach....

Bellows Beach is nice as Intrepid says. It is open to the public on weekends.

Waimanalo Bay Recreation Area right next to Bellows has a nice beach also.