We're planning a family trip next June to celebrate our anniversary and daughter's 16th birthday. Our son will be nearly 20 and each of them will have a friend along. I'd like your thoughts and recommendations on lodging options near Waikiki Beach, whether it's a condo or a suite in a hotel. Thanks in advance!!

There are a lot of hotels along Waikiki Beach. You may want to include your budget? I could suggest my favourite hotel in that area, the Moana Surfrider, but it could be out of your price range.

Good point kssthesky, and thanks for your assistance. I guess maybe something in the $200 - $300/night range. Obviously less if things like that are available, but I'm just not familiar with the area. I might be able to go a little higher, depending on the location and any packages that might come with it, but I'd say the above range is a decent start.

One of the hotels you might want to look into are the Outrigger Hotels. They have a few around the area, but there is one located pretty much right where the main Waikiki Beach is.

The Hilton Hawaiian Village is a nice place to stay, but it isn't right where the beach is. Maybe a 10 minute walk? There are other big brand name hotels right in the area. Hilton might actually have a second one there, but the name skips my mind at the moment. I know that there's also the Sheraton and Hyatt right in the area too. The Sheraton is across the street from the beach though, so if you feel the need for an ocean view room, the Sheraton won't be the best. They have rooms with good views of Diamondhead, though.

Also, I just saw you were going in June of next year. I've noticed how busy Hawaii is in June (high school and college grads), so prices might be a bit higher during that time.

Need to correct and add a couple things:

I forgot to add the Royal Hawaiian and Embassy Suites. Royal Hawaiian might be out of your price range, but I thought I'd mention it since it is one of the first hotels right with the Moana Surfrider. I think with Embassy Suites, there is a short walk to Waikiki Beach, but it's closer than the Hilton Hawaiian.

Corrections: There are a couple Sheratons in the area that are on the same side of the street as Waikiki Beach. Maybe I just can't think of the name of the big chain hotel that is across the street. Definitely look at the map before booking if you prefer ocean view rooms.

One more thing and this is more of a personal preference: Waikiki Beach can get way overcrowded. It's very enjoyable to stroll down the area both day and late evenings/night, but there are some hotels that have their own section of the beaches, so you might also want to look into some hotels that have that available like the Hilton Hawaiian, which is a 10 minute walk away, but might (possibly) be a little cheaper.

If you want your hotel to be directly ON the beach at Waikiki, there's only a few choices (less than a dozen).

If you want something classy and traditional look at the Moana Surfrider or the Royal Hawaiian.

If you want a "resort" feel then Hilton Hawaiian Village.

Outrigger has several beach-front properties (Waikiki and Reef).

Embassy Suites is fairly new, not on the beach, but offers suites and breakfast included.

The Hyatt and the Marriott are both across the street from the beach, too.

This map might help:

http://www.discounthotelshawaii.com/waikikimap.html

Hilton Hawaiian Village is right on the beach, though not all towers.

Rainbow Tower & Ali'i Tower are right on the beach. The other towers are right behind these two.

http://www.wizardpub.com/oahu/orhilt...anvillage.html

For other properties:

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

Lots of info:

http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...trip-to-hi.cfm

Hilton Hawaiian does have a beach section, but it isn't part of the main Waikiki Beach area. It's more west and past the military hotel, about a 5-10 minute walk.

The beaches run the entire length of Waikiki except for a short area at Halekulani Hotel.

The beach in front of Hilton Hawaiian Village (Duke Kahanamoku Beach Park & Ft. DeRussy Beach are two of the best beaches in Waikiki.

The beaches on the opposite side of Waikiki Beach (Kuhio Beach Park & Queen's Surf are equal to the one at HHV.

Waikiki Beach actually is the beach between Outrigger Reef & the Police Substation near Duke's Statue. This beach is mostly taken up by chairs & umbrellas from the hotels.

http://www.spotlighthawaii.com/Spotl...aikiki-web.pdf

By the way, most consider Waikiki Beach as the entire length of Waikiki.

By the way, most consider Waikiki Beach as the entire length of Waikiki.

I understand that, which is why I said that it isn't part of the main section. If the OP were to book a place for Hilton Hawaiian and truly had their heart set on being smack in the middle of everything, they'd be disappointed. Hence, why I feel it is necessary to point out the short walk distance instead of just letting them think that the Hilton is closer than it really is.

I, for one, was surprised at the distance to the Hilton complex (from the Moana, where I was staying that time). It seemed like more than a "short walk" to me! I prefer the main section of Waikiki, from the Royal Hawaiian up to about the Marriott.
Well, I REALLY prefer the North and Windward sides of Oahu. But if I do stay in Waikiki for a few days I'd just as soon be in the thick of the action instead of at what seems more like a self-contained destination resort. My recommended hotel would be the Outrigger Waikiki. Prime location on the beach, and rooms are a good size.

Wow!! You all really provided me with some good information to consider, and that map is very helpful. Thank you all VERY much!!!

I agree with barbara as far as location goes. When we were last in Oahu we parked near the Marriott and walked as far as the BeachWalk. It seemed it would have been quite a bit longer to walk all the way to HHV. Same experience last time we stayed in Waikiki, which was at the Marriott.

We stayed at the Royal Hawaiian. A suite on the first floor with a great view of the ocean. The service superb. It was a great relaxing trip. You will love it.

Oahu is home to more residents than any of the other Hawaiian Islands. Known as the "Gathering Place," Oahu is known for its friendly atmosphere and varied places of interest. West of Honolulu lays Pearl Harbor, the center of the terrible attack that brought the U.S. into World War Two.

http://paradisecopters.com/oahu.php

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