We're looking at going to Waikiki this summer. Neither of us have ever been to Hawaii before. We thought Waikiki would be the best place to start for first timers, it seemed to be a little cheaper than the other islands. I could be wrong, wouldn't be the first time.
Anyway, would appreciate any and all help.
We're going to go for 10 days. Family of 3. (third member is a 15 year old) We like strolling and relaxing on the beach. We also like to sightsee but that won't be a big thing (doing it daily). I've got some quotes for a hotel in Waikiki called Miramar. Pictures make it look like a nice place. Their rates aren't bad at all. Seems close to the beach (2 blocks) and shopping (for the girls). We weren't sure if we'd rent a car upon arrival or just rent one when we needed it. We like to snorkel. Would like a nice place that might have a small kitchenette or just a frig and microwave cause we were planning on hitting Costco for room food and then going out to dinnner each night. Everyone says do the Polynesian Lau, is that a good one?
Questions? Please ask. Thoughts and/or ideas you might want to share in private? Please let me know and will give out email address.
I really appreciate any and all help we receive and thank you very much in advance.

You might try posting with a catchier title. many people just go by the titles so that they have a bit about what the topic is.

I would spend the extra and stay on the beach. 2 blocks doesn't seems like it is far, but it is. Try the Royal Hawaiian or the Waikiki Outrigger. They are good.

e-mail me if you have further questions.

Here's what I'm doing - I too am going on my first trip to Hawaii with my family. After consulting with a travel agent, I chose the Waikiki Beachcomber. A decent hotel at a reasonable price. And it's across the street from the beach. The places on the beach are certainly very nice but also cost more. For this time, I thought we'd be likely to be out siteseeing rather than being in our room or on the hotel property so it might as well be a less expensive place. But I still wanted it to be close to, well, everything. The WB seems to fit that requirement.

My 2 cents.

Take at look at HawaiianaHotelatWaikiki.com

This is an old fashioned, low-rise, very quiet hotel on a quiet street a short walk to the beach. If you can get one of the recently-renovated rooms here at a good rate, I would highly recommend it. They have weekly rates that are a good value and should be able to offer you a discount for a stay of 10 nights. It has a real "island" feel to it and you will really be getting a taste of Hawaii by staying here.

Miramar is a decent budget place to stay, but really just another high-rise with old, clean rooms. It's in a busy area with a "city hustle" atmosphere. If the rates are comparable and you can get one of the renovated rooms (apparently ALL rooms will soon be re-done)...the Hawaiiana is a better choice in my opinion.

Hey if you want to see the surroundings of the Miramar here's a link to the aerial view:

http://www.wizardpub.com/oahu/ormiramaratwaikiki.html

You might want to pick up the Oahu Revealed guidebook to see what they have to say about your accomodations.
wizardpub.com

I'd agree with clarkgriswold - the Hawaiiana is a wonderful hotel. I spent two weeks there last summer and don't ever want to stay anywhere else. It's older, for sure, but that's where it gets its charm. It is like a slice of heaven nestled in the hustle & bustle of Waikiki. The beach is at the end of the block, Kalakaua (for shopping & restaurants) is only steps away, you can catch The Bus right outside the back gate. They give you a sliced pineapple after check-in and there's complimentary tropical juice & Kona coffee every morning by one of the pools (they have 2). The kitchenette was great and saved me lots of money. I got a discount card at Safeway and Foodland and saved even more.

As far as renting a car - it isn't necessary to have one for all 10 days, just get one when you want to drive out of Waikiki to explore other parts of the island. Parking is expensive and scarce in Waikiki and traffic is no fun either. The Bus can take you all over the place for a really decent fare. You can even get a pass at an ABC store for several days for a lower rate.

Check out the Hawaiiana at their website - [email protected], I believe.

Thanks for all the help everyone. The information was very helpful. I've contacted the Hawaiiana to get a quote.
Here's another question I forgot to ask earlier: would we get the best prices by booking the room and airfare ourselves or would we get a better deal by booking a package, example: through Hawaiin Air or Northwest Air?

When I was planning my trip I checked the packages out, but found that they dealt with larger, chain hotels and I ended up doing better on my own by booking my hotel & air separately. The Hawaiiana was great and I had a terrific weekly rate and got a decent airfare on Continental out of LAX. Just keep trying ALL of the airlines, be willing to adjust where you'll fly out of, like I drove to my mom's in L.A. (from Las Vegas) and saved a lot because the fare was much less coming out of LAX than Las Vegas, but that's not always the case - you just have to be diligent and check them all out. If you have neighboring airports, try different departures and see what you come up with.

You can sometimes get a good airfare-only rate from pleasant hawaiian holidays.

I would agree about taking The Bus. It runs virtually everywhere, is quite inexpensive & is easy to use. We've been to Hawaii twice & haven't rented a car on Oahu either time. (The other islands are another matter). There are also numerous mini-bus tours available -just check any hotel lobby. We stayed at a beachside hotel, but many not beachside are within easy walking distance. Lots to do there - have fun!

Clark Grisvold - do I know that name from somewhere?
Melmg - Waikiki is like a city holday, high rises right up to the beach. I have been there a couple of times and love the atmosphere. You really do not need a car for every day there. There is basic snorkelling on Waikiki beach but Hanauma Bay is an excellent start to snorkelling in Hawaii. Lots of people there though - the earlier you get there the better - bus from Waikiki is available although we did drive there.

Because you will be staying there 10 days, I think the room with kitchen is an excelent plan. Some of the meals in Wacki Wacki can be expensive. Even Breakfast! Some local places off the beaten path would be reasonable for breakfast and lunch once in a while. Enjoy yourselves. That is the most important issue.

I don't recommend getting a car in that area. You can walk almost anywhere and the parking is expensive at the hotels and surrounding lots. I do recommend renting a car at least for a day though to visit the North Shore. It is THE BEST part of the island and your trip would not be complete without doing that. That is a great day to pick up the car in a city location(there are many along waikiki beach)...a convertible is best and pack a lunch. Hit many of the quiet beaches. Don't forget to rent snorkel gear because there are some good snorkeling spots. It is SO beautiful up there....don't miss it!

As far as other areas for snorkeling near Waikiki - try Hanauma Bay. You can take a day tour there including snorkel gear and transportation from your hotel. It is very nice.

As far as getting to your hotel...they have many shuttles that run to all major hotels - I think it costs about $9 per person 1 way. You can ask at the airport upon arrival. It is very easy. Otherwise, a cab can be pretty pricy depending on where your hotel is.

I did not do a luau on Oahu, so I cannot offer advice on that.

Last June I took 3 weeks for 3 islands and booked everything myself saved a bundle doing it this way stayed at the Hyatt in Honolulu for $52 a night got a rental car to $18 a day unlimited mileage. Try everything travelocity, orbitz, expedia etc.... then go to bidingfortravel.com and get an idea on what people are getting for there bids and bid on your car or hotel with priceline etc.. I didn't do airfare that way, but I did have good luck with the car rental and rooms. I got a 4 wheel drive trail blazer for the Big Island for $40. Also check out vrbo.com for vaction rentals so you can look at having a place for cooking.
I ate at local grinds so didn't spend an outrageous amount on food. If you go to the North shore and you like shrimp do not miss giovannis shrimp truck. It doesn't look like much.. its really just a truck you eat outside on picnic benches but oh my god!! its good. As for a luau PCC has a good evening show, skip dinner if you can. Foods not that great. I didn't spend but a few days on Oahu last time, because been there done that before but I think if I was going to stay that many days I would consider staying on the North shore and away from the Hustle and bustle of the city.

If I were you, I would defintely rent a car. With three people, using the bus, as good as it is, at $2.00 per shot will add up to a bunch of money. Besides, renting a car at the airport will save you the cost of transportation to and from the airport, which can be considerable. I am going to Oahu shortly, and I have reserved a mid-size car at Alamo for $260.00 TOTAL for two weeks. The bus will be just as expensive, and the convenience of having a car can't be beat. Waiting for the bus most times can be maddening, and you do not want to blow your vacation waiting for a bus. Furthermore, the Hawaiiana, is a great place, AND THEY HAVE FREE PARKING for guests. There are many places you are going to want to see, and a car is important. I've been to Oahu eight times, and I haven't seen all I want yet. Oahu can't be beat. If you want, I think I can give you some more info, if you put down your e-mail address.