I'm looking into a family vacation in Oahu with a family of 4 (2 boys, 12 & 15). Which hotel would be your choice? All are listed as 3* or 4* and are in a similar price range.

Sheraton Waikiki
Outrigger Reef on the Beach
Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel
Sheraton Princess Kaiulani
Marriott Waiki Beach
Radisson Waikiki Prince Kuhio
Park Shore Waikiki

Thanks for your help & advice.

Well, of the hotels you have listed, 2 of them (Sheraton Waikiki and Outrigger) are directly on the beach, so that puts them at the top of the list. The Marriott is across the street from the beach and it's been recently remodeled. The Radisson is down a couple of blocks. I'd avoid the Princess Kaiulani - it seems to be in the lower end of the quality spectrum. I believe the Aston Waikiki Beach is across the street from the beach also.

If it were me, I'd pick the Outrigger for my first choice with the Sheraton Waikiki a close second. But, you can't go wrong with either!!

Mary

Hate to suggest hotels not on your list but here are my picks.

Hilton Hawaiian Village see if they have any promotions or AAA options. I went with kids and they loved it.

How long are you going for? Ilikai in the main building has condo rentals, very affordable almost ocean front next to Hilton Hawaiian just a short walk to the beach (Marina Front), most rooms have ocean views and the city views are pretty too. Call front desk ask for the number of the condo desk on the second floor. There are owners over the internet but they jack up the prices there considerabley. Remember you want to stay in the main building. I have stayed here 2-3 different summers. There are 2 pools, nightly torch lighting, restaurant, gift shop, convenience store.

All the summers I spent at the ILikai we had a teen girl, boy and 9-11 year old with us. We like this location because we were walking distance to the beach but we were not paying Waikiki beachfront prices. You are also walking distance to AlaMoana Mall, Bishop Museum (Waikiki Annex), Kalekaua ave. Oh and the best part is Parking was always free and convenient that may have changed but being on the edge of Waikiki like this always gave us easy access to getting out of Waikiki.

Sheraton Waikiki or Outrigger RotB.Princess K is across the street.I too recommend the Hilton Hawaiian Village.All you need right there really you would never have to leave.

Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach. why not choose a great central location close to the surf lesson area? Then you can keep an eye on them without being too far away. HHV is too far away in my estimation. Our teenage son much preferred Outrigger last year(We checked out HHV with him).

Thanks for the advice.
While the Hilton Hawaiian is a nicer hotel, I think the cost was about 500-600 more for the week and I'd rather use that $$ for other things on the vacation.
Are there reasonable restaurants in the area around these hotels?

Id stay in either the Outrigger or Marriott. They are both in great locations.

We stayed at the Radisson and felt it was too far from the beach and the nightlife...

BB there are ok restaurants in Waikiki but I really like to go out of Waikiki to eat.

You can always find a cheaper breakfast outside of Waikiki for every day stays. Shorebird at the outrigger (is it outrigger guys?)(on Waikiki beach)has a reasonable buffet but who wants a buffet everyday, weighs me down. There is a thread if you do an archive search called cheap eats on Oahu, for more ideas.

I like the dinner options in Ward Warehouse and Restaurant Row. In particular I am thinking of Kincaides (go online and look at the menu, see if you think this is reasonable). I think Sunset Grille (forget name) in Restaurant Row. Family Style reasonable China town, Italian Restaurant: Auntie Pasto's, Uno's also near but not in Waikiki has very reasonable Hawaiian fare.

There use to be a Boston Pizza in Waikiki but if you are from the East Coast you might be a bit disappointed in the Pizza. I liked it but not when comparing.

A lot of people like Keo's in Waikiki for Thai but I prefer China town in particular "Seafood Kingdom". Seafood Kingdom is Chinese and memorable without the memorable price. I think it is always worth it to bring a Zagats guide. Not bargain basement Chinese food either, perhaps they have an online menu? There are too restaurants, one for seafood one for Vegitarians both are frequently packed.

If you do stay in Waikiki you want to walk the length of Waikiki and visit The Royal Hawaiian hotel and the Sheraton Moana. The Moana is my favorite still has this 20's cruise ship feel to it. The lobby is always busling with patrons coming and going, reading from a selection of papers in the lobby. Just love the deck rockers out front. You have to sit under the banyon facing the ocean on the back lanai too.

Royal Hawaiian has a great lobby also. They have a wonderful (pricey) breakfast buffet not something many people will want to do more than once.
Finally the sunset concerts at the latch without a key (Halekulani) are nice. We use to go to see jazz in the bar here some nights too. Ok now I am a rambling. Hilton has great local music Friday nights and of course you can't miss the free show they do Fri-Sat and sunset. That's it sorry hog your thread.

Thanks to all.
It's great to get advice from someone who has been there.