Dear All,

My trip is finally coming together. 7 days (3 on Oahu and 4 on Maui). Have the Maui accommodations and car set and am now looking for the Oahu accommodations. Am currently deciding between the:

Aqua Aloha
and the
Aqua Palms

The Palms is slightly more expensive ($453 for 3 nights vs. $399 for 3 nights) and seems to be further away from the beach than the Aloha. However, the Aloha seems to be in a noisier location than the Palms. After reading almost all of the reviews on tripadvisor, I think that it's almost a toss up between the two - that's why I'm asking here. Any thoughts?

Thanks to all who have responded. I'm finding that it is possible to do the trip on a budget (miles and more inexpensive places/car rentals, etc.).

Thanks,

DKG50

bump...

Do those rates include taxes?

Yes, they include taxes....any thoughts?

The Palms is a short walk to the beach, the Aloha is a long two blocks according to "Oahu Revealed." I would go with the former, for that reason, and also all units there, remodeled in 2005, are studios with kitchenettes. They recommend you ask for a unit that faces the back of the building so you'll have less traffic noise. JMHO ... Happy planning!

bump

Thanks for the feedback. About to make a decision - I can actually get the Aloha for 376USD and the Palms for 423USD (both with a AAA discount) for three nights. Any final advice from anyone?

Thanks,

DKG50

DKG50, if you go to wizardpub.com, click on Oahu, and look at the chart of accommodations where you can click on and look at excellent aerial photos of the two places and see how much more convenient the Palms is to the beach, if that matters to you.

Thanks for that site, Elsiemoo, it was great - I have chosen the Palms.

DKG50, you're welcome. When is your trip planned for? I will be interested in hearing your opinion of the hotel, as I may be going to Hawaii again myself soon. Where are you staying on Maui, BTW?

Aqua Palms is about 1/2 block closer to the beach. Hardly enough to pay more for it.

I think Aqua Palms is in a noisier area as it is on Ala Moana Blvd.

Aqua Palms is closer to Ala Moana Shopping Center. You can easily walk there.

Dusty, did you look at the aerials of the two places? It seems a LONG half-block, I think, if it's just a half-block difference ...

We're staying at the Best Western in Kihei when we go to Maui. Although the rooms are reportedly quite small, the location is supposed to be very good. The best deal I found for 2 people - 622 USD for 4 nights with 1 month to go. I called approximately 75 other places that were in my price range to no avail.

Aqua Palms is about 1 1/2 blocks from the beach at Hilton Hawaiian village.

Aqua Aloha surf is about 2 blocks from Kuhio Beach.

If its a little more than that, it still isn't worth paying more.

I think if you are not on the beach or right across the street from the beach where there are no hotels on the beach side of the street, there isn't enough difference.

Map of Waikiki:

http://www.spotlighthawaii.com/Spotl...kiki-2008a.pdf

Are these hotels both out by Ala Moana?

If yes, I'd choose one in central Waikiki instead of either of them.

Is Ala Moana still infamous for...ahem...'Ladies of the Night' and all that goes with the territory?

they hang by the Bank of Hawaii. ironic eh?