What are your favorite places to stay on Oahu and why?

I always stay right in the heart of Waikiki. I love the beach there of course, and the wide range of hotels choices, restaurants, shopping, activities, public parks, free entertainment, public transportation. I don't rent a car and often travel alone so I like the convenience of being right in the middle of the 'action'.

Which hotels on Waikiki would you recommend?

What price range? Do you need to be right on the beach? Have a view? Anything special you're looking for? Price range?

I stay at the most budget places (under $100/night) but I have visited many others (had dinner or drinks and toured various properties) plus spend alot of time on a couple Honolulu forums (Fodor's and Trip Advisor) so can probably help.

What are you looking for?

The Princess Kaiulani is nice. It's across the street from the Moana Surfrider and not as expensive. If I were rich, I would choose the Moana or the Royal Hawaiian. Like Suze, I like to be right in the middle of Waikiki. When going cheapo, we have stayed at the Ocean Resort.

Best hotels in Waikiki right on the beach: Halekulani, Royal Hawaiian, Moana Surfrider, and New Otani

Most resort-ish property: Hilton Hawaiian Village

If you are military or retired military: Hale Koa

Mid-range on the beach: Outrigger Reef, Sheraton, Outrigger Waikiki

Just across the street from the beach (w/ocean views): the Hyatt

Budget classics: The Breakers on BeackWalk, Waikiki Sand Villa, the Royal Grove, Hawaiian King

Thanks for all the suggestions. I'll check them out online.

Where: Waikiki Circle http://wizardpub.com/oahu/orwaikikicircle.html

Why: Just across the street from the beach as you can see in that aerial photo. Rooms are small but well priced for the location, and the views from the oceanfront rooms are priceless. I posted some photos from our 07 trip http://www.worldisround.com/articles/334335/index.html It's very close to the Moana, where I love to go and have a drink in the Banyan courtyard, and the Royal--I love to walk through both of those grand old hotels.

Retied Military can stay in regular base lodging too not just Hale Koa: someimes that is a better deal and better availablity. Some hotels will give military discounts too.

Otherwisr I rec Hilton Hawaiian timeshare thru VBRO..or call the Hotel direct. Same location as HH, can use same amneities, same beach access but seperate concierge, nice full size kitchen villas. Can't be beat as 1 trip to Costco
realy saves on teh food bill & if you have several people or families the avings on a room fees is unbeleivablae.

I prefer the north shore. We rented a house directly overlooking the ocean. There is no hotel that is able to be that close to the water. Having a house affords privacy and you have the opportunity to buy local produce and fish, thus saving money and sustaining the local economy. The cost of renting is surprisingly affordable, especially if you split the cost with one or two other couples.

We have stayed twice at the Sheraton Waikiki and once at the Moana Surfrider. The seaview rooms are very nice at the Sheraton especially on higher levels. The Moana is a building with alot of character.

i'm with Maggi: North Shore vacation rentals are the best!