Which hotel?
 

We are going with a tour package, we have a choice of the following 3, which one should we choose?

1. waikiki gateway hotel this one includes breakfast
2. holiday inn waikiki
3. waikiki beachcomber hotel

In this situation, I would go to www.tripadvisor.com and see how these hotels have been rated by other travelers.

For proximity to the beach go in reverse order also more expensive. Breakfast can be had in many places for under $5 pp or go to Smorgy's on Kuhio and eat breakfast until lunch time for $8.
I haven't stayed in the Gateway but the last I had heard it was getting a very worn look. It's not a bad location and depends what amenities you would like and how much time you'll actually be in your room.

I was on the tripadvisor.... some were happy with one ... some were happy with the other!!! I couldn't tell. If someone who has been there can put a real insight between the 3 would be great!

OH, so its not so expensive to eat there anymore?

Well, I've never been to Hawaii before. I always thought everything was very expensive there.

I don't think everything is expensive in Waikiki. I can eat there very reasonably. Granted, I don't go to fancy restaurants. A simple breakfast from the bakery or grocery store, lunch from the ABC Store & picnic on the beach, dinner at a fun casual place (shrimp truck, italian, mexican, etc.).

I do not know the "Getaway" in Waikiki but generally speaking this chain does not get very good reviews.

We get to choose one day excursion:

Maui or Big Island?

Which should we choose?

The last I saw you weren't able to hike to the lava flow but you may want to check. There is still alot to see on the BI besides the volcano.

Where do I check if I will be able to hike on the lava flow?