Why I don't like Waikiki
 

I recently stayed in Waikiki for a week while attending a hula conference -- we got a good rate on the rooms at Ohana Waikiki West -- and I must say I would never stay in Waikiki otherwise!!

If you have romantic notions of the beach, forget it, unless you are staying at a really expensive hotel that is really ON the beach. Otherwise, you are in the middle of cheek-by-jowl highrises, constant heavy traffic, noise, cheap souvenir shops, crowds of people, etc. Our guide book says that on any given day 70% of all the tourists in Hawaii are in Waikiki!! that's way too many!!

Our hotel had an outdor swimming pool on the third floor, with the noise and exhaust constantly rising up from the street. I was astounded that people actually used it! It was a 2 or 3 block walk through a landscape of high rises to get to the beach.

Also, the Ala Moana shopping center is nothing but big-name, big-bucks designer stores that you can find in any big tourist city in the world, and only one place that really offered genuine Hawaiian stuff.

Having previously stayed numerous times on Maui or the Big Island (Hawaii), I would never cosider going back to Waikiki. We are now staying in a rented house on the North Shore of Oahu, and it's much nicer, quieter, and more like the real Hawaii. And the beaches are nice. (In the winter the waves here are wild, so it's not for everyone.)

If you like beach life, try Maui. If you want a lot to see and do, and some beach experience, the Big Island is great.

I don't care for Waikiki either. Too busy, too crowded, too "Disneyland." Traffic in and out of the place is awful.

Too bad pretty much all the hotels in Oahu are in Waikiki, because I LOVED the rest of the island! No, I haven't been to the others. But I'd go back to Oahu in a heartbeat if I could rent a condo or vacation rental and stay somewhere besides Waikiki.

I love Waikiki beach, but don't ever stay there. (We stay in Kailua) If you go looking for a quiet beach experience you will be disappointed. If you are looking for great people watching, riding the waves on an outrigger, learning to surf on the gentle waves, interacting with the beach boys, walking past some amazing old hotels, seeing the sunset, Waikiki is an excellent day trip.

We went as a day trip as well from the North Shore... it is not my cup of tea either - but some love it!

Charnees- I'm not arguing that Waikiki is for everyone, but I have to answer some of your points.

You stayed in one of Waikiki's very budget hotels on one of the busiest corners in Wailkiki. I don't know what you paid, but usually people stay there because of the kitchens, and the great weekly rates. There are hotels much closer to the beach for very little more.

And Ala Moana Center is a big mall, but did you go two blocks beyond there to Ward Center or Ward Warehouse? They are full of local shops. Another 1/4 mile to Aloha tower and you'll find mostly local stores as well.

One hour ago, I picked my friend up from the airport and dropped her at her home away from home at the Waikiki Grand. $50 a night for a one bedroom condo across from the zoo and about 30 yards from the beach. Despite the drizzly skies and the long drive through Waikiki, she just got happier and happier as we approached her building. She loves the energy of Waikiki and always cooses it over other parts of Hawaii.

Despite the drizzly skies and the long drive through Waikiki, she just got happier and happier as we approached her building. She loves the energy of Waikiki and always cooses it over other parts of Hawaii.>>>

Two friends of mine come immediately to mind. One goes EVERY year to Moana Surfrider - they LOVE it there. Another went every year until she passed a few years ago of cancer. It is exactly what you said - the energy. It is not for me... but I sure do agree - some LOVE It!

I love Waikiki, adore it!! I grew up in southern California in the 60's and it reminds me a bit of that. Because I travel solo much of the time I like the energy & action with lots of other people around.

I think the disappointment comes when newbies to Hawaii don't realize the reality of Honolulu/Waikiki and are expecting a deserted tropical beach in the middle of nowhere... this ain't that!

I think the disappointment comes when newbies to Hawaii don't realize the reality of Honolulu/Waikiki and are expecting a deserted tropical beach in the middle of nowhere... this ain't that!>>>>

I think you are right Suze. I knew I did not want that for our trip to Oahu (although we thought about it because we thought that energy might be fun with the 4 children) We ended up out on the North Shore which for us was perfect. This time we are staying at the Marriott (in November)...

Ah, the Moana! I love to go there for tea on the veranda!

Last year, Fodorite HawaiianTraveler and his shy wife booked a room the night of one of our GTGs. They generously hosted a wine reception in their room before the Waikiki Hoolaulea (street party). Oddly enough, we all stayed in the room till the Hoolaulea was almost finished. We were hoping M/M HT would let us spend the night and watch the sun com up, but no luck!

lcuy - I think that this couple has been going every year for at least 15 years -

I might have to have tea on the veranda there when I go in November ;)

I was just about to respond to Charnees, but lcuy did it for me! If I may add....

You're referring to "Waikiki" as if it represents the whole island of Oahu, and recommend people go to Maui. This is not the case. If you read through the threads here, you'll find that most people recommend you spend time OUTSIDE of Waikiki to get the true flavor of Oahu. To spend an entire week confined to a two-mile stretch and proclaim that everyone should go to Maui is grossly unfair.

As a lifelong resident of Hawaii, I'm not sure that I would proclaim the North Shore the "real" Hawaii, either. I just went to the Haleiwa bon dance 2 weeks ago and nearly fell over at all the tourists there! So I went to the Buddhist temple near where I live--which happens to be near Ala Moana Shopping Center--this past weekend for that bon dance instead. That's the one we took Iamq & Marteen to a couple of years ago.

If you want to know where the "real" Hawaii is, just ask. That's what the forums are for.

I can't imagine not staying anywhere but on the beach..deals for 4-5* hotels are pretty cheap..Royal Hawaiian is $199..staying in a 'budget' motel on a busy corner would never sound good to me whether I was in Bakersfield or Waikiki.
Suze hit the nail on the head that some people come to Waikiki for quiet deserted beaches but its a bustling city..some of the best restaurants and a great bus system to get around and who doesn't love snorkeling at Hanauma Bay.

Can't believe the first time I landed in Papeete, Tahiti and here is this island out in the middle of nowhere and it was just like Hong Kong.

If you like beach life, try Maui. If you want a lot to see and do, and some beach experience, the Big Island is great. >>>

I missed this the first time... I actually preferred the beaches on Oahu & Kauai but that was just our experience. I loved Maui as well. Heck... I just love Hawaii! :-D

ksucat: <i>I can't imagine not staying anywhere but on the beach..deals for 4-5* hotels are pretty cheap..Royal Hawaiian is $199..staying in a 'budget' motel on a busy corner would never sound good to me whether I was in Bakersfield or Waikiki.</i>

Different strokes for different folks, I guess. In December 2007, I found a budget hotel that had been acquired and was being renovated and turned into a boutique hotel - and in the meantime was available for a whopping $65/night. Near the Marriott, one block from the beach! Not exactly a nice hotel (in the un-renovated part) but not bad at all, either. I've stayed at worse places. Since I was not there that much and was by myself, spending $200/night on a nicer hotel would have been a huge waste of money to me.

I think so much depends on where you stay in Waikiki. Two years ago, we stayed at HHV, and hated it because of the heavy crowds and added fees for internet, parking, and beach chairs. This year, we rented an apartment across the street from the beach, and for less than two rooms at the Hilton, had lovely accomodations, a great kitchen, an unbelievable view of the beach and Diamond Head, and best of all, no crowds. It made a huge difference and completely changed our view of Waikiki.

I say this with kindness, but it drives me crazy when people talk about the "real Hawaii". I'm pretty sure that it's all "real"(!!) from the astounding natural beauty, to the traffic and high-rises, designer shopping to desserted beaches and isolated towns, tourists and locals... one is not more "real" than the other.

Oh suze, I so appreciate your post.

I always cringe and sort of chuckle when people want the "real" anywhere be it Hawaii, Mexico, Italy etc. Whatever they get it the "real" thing. They may not like the "real" as it doesn't match their dreams..but it is the real life in whatever area they visit.

Andrew..are you the same guy that enjoys the posh Post Ranch Inn?
It's one of our fav's but you won't be seeing it on 'last minute deals' on expedia.
I think you got lucky on the Waikiki boutique hotel for $65 but good for you that you scored a good deal.

ksucat: <i>are you the same guy that enjoys the posh Post Ranch Inn?</i>

Nope.

<i>I think you got lucky on the Waikiki boutique hotel for $65 but good for you that you scored a good deal.</i>

Very sweet deal - but again, it was under renovation. I got one of the "un-renovated" rooms, and it was very plain and basic. I saw pictures of the newer rooms; doesn't even look like the same hotel. I think the price would be 2X higher or more today.

Well, all, I did say Haleiwa is "more like the real Hawaii" meaning it's not a major city with high rises and street lights and noise. But I agree that the real Hawaii is hard to define.

I did say also that the beaches on the N shore are nice, but it is true that in winter the surf is too high for lots of people.

I also said if you want to go to Waikiki you should stay ON the beach. If there are inexpensive places like that, good.

I am trying to warn folks who have never been here that most of their dreams of Waikiki will be spoiled if they stay in a warren of high-rises and traffic. I also wanted to warn folks that the fabled Ala Moana shopping center is not "Hawaiian" in that you'll find more Italian designer stores there than Hawaiiana.

The people at the hula conference from Oahu called Waikiki the "clutter" and there is a strong movement to prevent more of Oahu from being "high-rised". I have mixed feelings about it, because I am a tourist, although a yearly tourist to the BI, and therefor am part of the pressure for more development.

I personally like to stay away from the "clutter" in a smaller place. But then the pressure also is on the smaller places and soon every house is a rental, not a residence for locals, and that's not good. (Look at Venice, where the population has dropped from over 200,00 to 60,000, and practically every building in the city is for rent to tourists. The real Venice has almost ceased to exist.) As I said, I have mixed feelings about this.

But I still don't like downtown Waikiki. If you like "energy" go to it. (Or go to NYC or SF or LA) If you are looking for peaceful, romantic beach experiences, go somewhere else.

ksucat - I believe Andrew8 likes the Post Ranch Inn. :)

Yes, it is Andrew8 and his wife SteelyGirl that enjoys the Post Ranch Inn.

charness, I think your post is great in that it explains the realities of Waikiki. If someone is looking for peaceful beach experience, no I would never suggest Waikiki for them.

But you're right I *do* like NYC, San Francisco, and Los Angeles very much. I also like other "honkey tonk" or "too touristy" places like Key West, Provincetown, Puerto Vallarta, Lahaina.

Again I only try to gently make the point, it's not about what is "real" because if you are seeing it in front of your eyes, it is REAL. Rather matching up peoples desires and expectations to what they will find. That is very valuable. So I say thanks for your post!

<<<Can't believe the first time I landed in Papeete, Tahiti and here is this island out in the middle of nowhere and it was just like Hong Kong.>>>

Us, too. We were going on a cruise and the first night stayed in a hotel that was next door to what seemed like an all-night disco. OMG!

I like the Post Ranch Inn too!

I'd stay in Waikiki again if I could stay at either the Halikulani or the New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel.

Thanks everyone of the clarification on the right andrew8..and of course iamq..you had your honeymoom at PRI..both you and your husband have exquisite taste on hotels around the world!
was steelygirl named after steely dan? hope so.

sf..LOL..disco music was everywhere and all the lights and talk about the culture shock...just not thinking it would ever be like that!
good food trucks at the beach..best farmers market evah..
:)

Anyone stay at the renovated Royal Hawaiian hotel in Waikiki?

After reading warnings about the crowds and traffic etc of Honolulu/Waikiki, I was dreading our week stay there in June - especially as I'm generally not keen on large cities and hate Las Vegas. I imagined Las Vegas with a beach! But I loved Waikiki! We stayed on the Ewa side (condo next to the HHV), where it was very quiet - hardly a soul on the beach that side - and what a beach! I thought the highrises actually enhanced the charm, for some reason. We spent a lot of our time experiencing the rest of Oahu, which was beautiful and charming - but were always happy to return to Honolulu.

Of the 4 major Hawaiian islands, Oahu is the one on which we have spent the least time. In May 2010, we have tickets to Hawaii, and we think we're going to spend the entire 8 nights on Oahu.

We're thinking about staying at Marriott Ko Olina Beach Club. It is not on Waikiki Beach. We've stayed at the JW Marriott next door to the Beach Club a few years ago. It was nice, but a little isolated. My daughter and her new husband just spend their honeymoon at the JW and loved it. They said it was about a 45-minute drive to the North Shore. I imagine that while we're at the Beach Club we'll drive to the North SHore for several day-trips.

We had initially thought we'd spend the first 3 nights in Waikiki but now we're thinking we'd rather be further away. We're also still looking for places to stay on the North Shore but haven't found anything yet. Part of what I love about Hawaii is sitting on the balcony, looking at the beach or the mountains, so that is one reason why I don't think we'd be as happy staying right in Waikiki.

We love all the islands of Hawaii, but we don't know as much about Oahu as the others, and I'm looking forward to exploring the whole island. We think we can explore Waikiki while staying somewhere else.

Waikiki is NOT Vegas on the beach, not by a long shot. In fact, the beach area itself is, to me anyway, quite lovely. I think the OP's point is fair--don't stay several blocks off the beach--if limited.

We stayed at the Hale Koa ages ago--it's next door to the Hilton Hawaiian Village--and loved it.

Samsaf - did you look at Turtle Bay?

MomDD...You mentioned Turtle Bay..remember the guy that claimed staff took his $$ camera equipment?
:))

Oh lordie... Ksucat... LOL!!

I have to say I am always somewhat puzzled by these sorts of threads . . . .not specifically this one, but in the past there have been similar ones complaining about Waikiki. Don't people know what to expect before they get there? Anyone who did even an ounce of research ahead of time would know that the Waikiki area is not a quiet, deserted area. If a sleepy, quiet tropical paradise is what one is looking for then why choose Waikiki at all (I know in this case there was a conference, so likley not much choice) and then complain about it?
I happen to like Waikiki and it really does not matter to me what others do and don't like, but I still find it odd that people in general would opt to book in a location that does not suit their likes and then be dissapointed.

Miramar, the point of these posts is that people do travel research by going to travel message boards like this one, so posting one's experience and reactions may be useful. I did not go to Waikiki without knowing about it. I was booked there as part of a hula conferece, so did not have a choice. For me, it turned out to be even worse that I expected.

I am trying to point out to people who are looking for a peaceful, romantic, "Hawaiian" vacation or honeymoon that Waikiki is probably not the place they want to be.

And I am glad you did. It is good to share our thoughts about places, as it is hard to know what to expect just by reading guide books and seeing travel shows.

That said, I'm happy when these posts occur. It gives others a chance to present different points of view or even point out things that may have led to the disappointing results. What I don't like is when a poster says things like , "I hated ABCity, and you should too!"

My niece came to Hawaii for her honeymoon. She spent a week on Maui/Big Island, then spent a week in Waikiki. Guess what? They loved Waikiki, and thought it was very romantic. Her idea of romantic included dancing, hiking, surf lessons, nice dinners, and cashing in a wedding gift of a couple"s massage overlooking the beach. Waikiki met all their needs.

And I am glad you did. It is good to share our thoughts about places, as it is hard to know what to expect just by reading guide books and seeing travel shows.

That said, I'm happy when these posts occur. It gives others a chance to present different points of view or even point out things that may have led to the disappointing results. What I don't like is when a poster says things like , "I hated ABCity, and you should too!"

My niece came to Hawaii for her honeymoon. She spent a week on Maui/Big Island, then spent a week in Waikiki. Guess what? They loved Waikiki, and thought it was very romantic. Her idea of romantic included dancing, hiking, surf lessons, nice dinners, and cashing in a wedding gift of a couple"s massage overlooking the beach. Waikiki met all their needs.

We did look at Turtle Bay, but I think I like the Marriott Beach Club better, and they have a really good rate for next year because they will be doing exterior painting on the buildings. Still haven't made reservations, though, because the looking is part of the fun for me!

we're on our way to kauai, no wakiki for us this time and i do understand how some people might not like it but there's nothing like standing on beach looking towards diamond head. absoluelty beautiful

I think this is a wonderful thread and thank you for starting it, charnees. Everyone has different things they like, this kind of information will help people know if Waikiki is right for them. Everyone posting basically agrees with the reality of Waikiki (high-rises on a beach, etc.) just that some of us like it, some hate it. Fair enough :-)

Reply to <blue>toncasmo<black>,
Suspect you may find gazing across Hanalei((#))((R)) Bay from the beach towards Bali Hai also an unrivaled experience on your trip to the ((F))Garden island.