Waikiki
 

We are traveling to the Big Island for 5 days and then Kauai for 1 week next July. We will have two days in Waikiki for the usual tourist "stuff". I was going to book a couple of nights at the North End of the island (Turtle Bay), but I think for two nights we probably want to be in Waikiki. Two of us want to tour Pearl Harbor and I think the drive would be too much. I am looking for the nicest property I can find for 350.00 a night or less for 3 people. (2 beds). There are so many properties that I am feeling overwhelmed and the ones that seem really nice are way above this price range. Any advice would be appreciated!

The Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach is scheduled for a total renovation that will be complete by July 1, 2012... great location... Dukes reataurant and room prices in that range...
plus a brand new room...

I also recommend the Waikiki Outrigger on the Beach for reasonable prices and great location. The hotel next door to it is my favorite: the Moana Surfrider. Call them to ask about discounts or promotions you might qualify for.
Have fun.

I would look at the Royal Hawaiian, which has recently undergone a big renovation and the Moana Surfrider. Regarding the Outrigger Waikiki - I stayed there a couple years back and liked it a lot but I would stay at the Royal Hawaiian or Moana over the Outrigger if you don't mind spending a little more.

I like the Outrigger Reef hotel (better than Waikiki Outrigger). It's easily within that price range.

The Royal Hawaiian or Moana Surfrider are classic historic hotels.

The Hyatt is a solid choice.

New Otani is further down the beach near Kapiolani Park at the "quiet end" of Waikiki.

I definitely think you want to stay in Waikiki (not the North Shore).

If you have a few hotels you're considering and post those here, people can comment more specifically for you.

aloha

I used to go to Oahu a lot for business and loved staying at the Doubletree Waikiki. It is close to the Hilton, restaurants, but not right in the thick of Waikiki (but very easily walked).

Have you seen this map? This will give you an idea where all the hotels mentioned (and the rest) are located.

Nos. 24, 25, 26, 41, 42, 49, 50 are directly on the beach. The hotels on the other side of Kalakaua Avenue are also "beachfront" but there is a street and sidewalk in between the hotel and the beach itself. Forget the name of the website, which is discounthotelshawaii, because the map shows all the hotels.

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

Thank you all so much! When I narrow my choices down I will post and ask more specific questions.