Our family of 5 will arrive in HNL at 9 pm & stay for 3 days before going to the Big Island. While we plan to snorkel & sightsee in Oahu, we're not big beach-scene types, so don't need to stay near Waikiki if there's better value lodging nearby. What hotels/B&Bs would you recommend off the Waikiki hustle & bustle? I'm also considering staying at the airport on arrival night then transferring to another place for 2 nights, but it doesn't seem worth the hassle. Would appreciate advice from those who've been there.

It is not that far into the city from the airport, so there's no real advantage to staying near the airport when you arrive and then have to lug everything the next day.

I would not stay at the airport that first night. Waikiki is barely 1/2 hour drive away, you might as well go to your hotel.

The majority of hotels are located in Waikiki. Not necessarily on the beach. For something a bit out of the way but still convenient stay: back along the Canal, out at Ala Moana, or maybe down towards Diamondhead around Queen Kapiolani park.

Waikiki has the better value hotels.

Just stay away from the beach 1-3 blocks & you can get some good deals.

Lots of Oahu info:

http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...1&tid=34812564

Maps of Waikiki hotels & condos:

http://www.driveguidemagazines.com/oahu_waikiki.html

This one has a good magnification feature:

http://www.spotlighthawaii.com/Spotl...kiki-2007a.pdf

I wouldn't stay by the airport. Dusty has a good list. Or you can try something REALLY out of the way at:
http://manoavalleyinn.com/

manoa valley in would be nice, but when are you coming? The Inn is on the market for sale, so check first if they reserve the right to boot you if sold.

Ahh, that's why I love this site. Thanks for talking me out of staying at the airport the 1st night. I'm considering one of the privately-owned studio apts. at Aqua Island Colony - found thru vrbo.com. I think we'll be pretty tired by the time we get out of the airport at 10 pm or later. This may be a dumb question, but are taxis pretty easy to find at the airport at that time of night?

Yes, you simply exit down outside baggage claim and go over to the 'ground transportation' island mid-street. There's a taxi booth and line up right there. Couldn't be easier. If you are confused, ask someone in a faded 'hawaiian shirt', seriously these are the airport staff/workers. They'll point you.

There also may be a Roberts shuttle in the area directly across the exit from the baggage claim. They once told me it's only $10!! You'll see them. There will be guys yelling, "SHUTTLE!" and standing next to a large Roberts bus.