We are vacationing in Waikiki July 28-August 4 and have reservations at the Aston Waikiki Beach Tower Condos. We are a family of 5... 3 daughters ages 12,14 18. First, has anyone stayed at the Beach Tower Condos? What was it like? It looks very nice in the pictures but sometimes a picture doesn't tell the whole story. Also, anyone with suggestions about places to see and things to do with 3 teen girls? We are planning on doing the usual things such as Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor, luau etc. Our oldest is not really a beach kid so we are looking for things to do that will also interest her. Suggestions anyone? Thanks!

We just came back and stayed at the Aston Waikiki Sunset and we were very happy. However, we got the best rate from AAA Discount Hotels Hawaii (http://www.discounthotelshawaii.com/) phone number 808-394-2112. Their rate was $139 for a 1BR Condo w/full kitchen mountain view, the best rate the hotel gave us was $169. My teenage girls loved the luau and show at the Polynesian Cultural Center, the Atlantis submarine, the Star of Hawaii Sunday Brunch whale watching cruise and the show.

I think if you do a search here for "Oahu" you'll get lots of ideas for activities.

Here are some thoughts: Ala Moana shopping center is a large mall with diverse stores--everything from Sears to high-end stores like Versace, so it is fascinating for anyone who likes to browse. I'm sure you can find their web site if you do a Google search, to see exactly what stores are there now. Ala Moana is not far from Waikiki and easy to get to by car or bus. In Waikiki there are also many many shops--ranging from "3 for $10" t shirt shops to Tiffany. I am obviously assuming that your daughters like to shop!

Please come back and let us know what kind of activities your girls like--there are museums, art galleries, snorkeling, hiking, Honolulu Zoo, sea Life Park, Waimea Falls Park, Waikiki Aquarium.....

My kids are a little younger but we had a great time taking the bus to Chinatown and Iolani Palace. One of my daughters wrote a short piece for her school journal called "Five gross things my parents made me look at in Chinatown." (All were somewhat unusual food items.) We bussed to Chinatown, then walked to Iolani Palace, the only royal palace in the U.S., stopping on the short walk to buy leis at great prices on the way out of Chinatown.
Another really fun thing to do is go to the movies on the beach. They run movies on Saturday and Sunday nights on the beach near the Mariott. There are chairs set up and food vendors selling dinner. It was really fun and definitely an "only in Waikiki."

Good location, nice hotel , not fancy but nice. Spend 1/2 day or more at hamanuma bay ( not spelled correct) it is great snorkle and safe for all.Your oldest will love the area, lots to do besides swim. You can take the bus the hotel will direct you its easy. every night near the bronze surfer statue there is a free hula show, very nice , a cant miss. then from the show walk down in front of the hotels very active and safe , with lots of dinner choices from expensive to fast food. Another nice outing is to walk down the side walk beach side toward hilton head lots of sights along the way and parks. Last drive arround the island visiting the dole pineapple store and all the scenery the island offers. have fun nick