Fodor's Expert Review Ohana Waikiki East

If you want to be in central Waikiki and don't want to pay beachfront lodging prices, consider the Ohana Waikiki East. Next to the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani on the corner of Kaiulani and Kuhio avenues, it's a mere two blocks from the beach and within walking distance of shopping, restaurants, and nightlife. Its location and reasonable rates tend to attract plenty of group travelers. Don't expect any fancy lobbies or outdoor gardens here, but there is a laundrette, coffee bar, and pool. Certain rooms on lower floors have no lanai, and all rooms have showers only. Suites have kitchenettes.

Though there is a resort fee (Waikiki Connection Fee), it is a bit lower than most places at $22 per day, and unlike most places, it’s reduced to $11 for Hawaii residents.

room

Guests can choose between a standard room, studio or 1- and 2-bedroom suites with various configurations of beds and pool, city, standard, or partial ocean views. Rooms are quite small, and suites are a decent size, but not huge compared to other hotels with suites. Each has air conditioning, kitchenette with refrigerator, coffee pot, and free Wi-Fi. Bright and friendly decor and furnishings are a bit outdated.

bathroom

Most bathrooms are quite small, with vanities that just cover the sink and standing showers.

lobby

The large lobby is a bit dated looking, but evokes a bit of old Hawaii with its furnishings and carpeting, as well as decor that includes portraits of Hawaiian royalty. There is plenty of comfy furniture for relaxing, and the reception desk is simple, but large and unobtrusive.

YOU SHOULD KNOW Parking costs are a bit steep at $30 for self parking (increasing to $35 in 2019) and it’s very limited. Try dropping your luggage with the bell stand and finding nearby parking in a public lot if you’re not going to be using your rental car much.

pool

Though it’s not very large, the freshwater pool with attached hot tub is really nice to look at, thanks to beautiful blue tiling that features a cluster of hibiscus flowers. The surrounding sun deck is nice enough, with plain loungers and stone tiles.

gym

The gym at the Ohana Waikiki East is less than impressive. There’s a handful of machines and a yoga ball inside a very plain room. It’s not the worst out there, but it’s far from the best.

dining

Appetito Craft Pizza & Wine Bar serves up Neapolitan-style pizza cooked in a Kiawe wood oven for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Yep, they serve pizza for breakfast! If that doesn’t appeal to the kids in your group, who knows what will! Breakfast includes classic breakfast on a pizza and a fruit salad pizza, and lunch and dinner feature salads and other entrees, in addition to the pizzas.

drinking

The wine bar at Appetito serves up a wide selection of boutique wines by the glass, as well as beer and a focused selection of hand crafted cocktails. Offers two happy hours per day, including one in the morning -- 9:30 to 11 a.m. and a lengthy one in the afternoon from 3 to 6 p.m.