Hawaii - Jeff Campbell [101]
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Top PICKS – WAIKIKI’S FAMILY-FRIENDLY HOTELS
Hilton Hawaiian Village (below)
Sheraton Waikiki (right)
Royal Hawaiian Hotel (Click here)
Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel (right)
Aston at the Waikiki Banyan (Click here)
Outrigger Reef on the Beach (below)
Embassy Suites Waikiki Beach Walk (below)
Ohana Waikiki East (Click here)
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Embassy Suites Waikiki Beach Walk (921-2345, 800-362-2779; www.embassysuiteswaikiki.com; 201 Beach Walk; 1br incl breakfast $209-329; ) Enviably near the beach, restaurants and nightlife, this brand-new chain property has no-nonsense, tropically inspired suites big enough for families. All come with microwaves, minifridges, coffeemakers, flat-screen TVs and radio/alarm clocks with MP3 input jacks. There’s also a professionally equipped fitness room. Free in-room wired internet and common-area wi-fi.
Outrigger Reef on the Beach (923-3111, 866-956-4262; www.outriggerreef.com; 2169 Kalia Rd; r $209-465; ) Forget the hoity-toity attitudes of the Outrigger’s higher-priced beachfront neighbors. Here the Hawaiiana flows from the handmade outrigger canoe in the Polynesian-style lobby through free hula, ukulele and lei-making classes. Rooms are modern and functional enough for a mostly suburban crowd. Free in-room wired internet and lobby and poolside wi-fi.
Waikiki Parc Hotel (921-7272, 800-422-0450; www.waikikiparc.com; 2233 Helumoa Rd; r $215-415; ) Near its more upmarket sister resort, the Halekulani, the Parc is an affordably hip hangout that oddly mixes nostalgic touches like plantation-shuttered windows with minimalist contemporary furnishings. Although the staff pamperings, guest rooms are not as chic as the common areas or Nobu Waikiki (Click here) sushi bar and lounge.
Hilton Hawaiian Village (949-4321, 800-445-8667; www.hawaiianvillage.hilton.com; 2005 Kalia Rd; r $219-850; ) On the Fort DeRussy side of Waikiki, the Hilton is Waikiki’s largest hotel –practically a self-sufficient tourist fortress of towers, restaurants, bars and shops. It’s geared almost entirely for families and package tourists. Expect check-in lines to move as slowly as TSA airport-security checkpoints.
Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel (922-2511, 800-877-7666; www.astonhotels.com; 2570 Kalakaua Ave; r incl breakfast $225-425; ) With cheery surf-themed decor and a rooftop bar lit by tiki torches, this contemporary number opposite the beach is frequently sold out, especially on internet-booking sites. If you get a discount, you too will be a devotee. Free souvenir soft-sided cooler bags can be filled with breakfast goodies to take to the beach. In-room wired internet and lobby and poolside wi-fi costs extra.
Also recommended:
Hale Koa Hotel (955-0555, 800-367-6027; www.halekoa.com; 2055 Kalia Rd; r $87-277; ) Reserved for active and retired US military personnel; ask for renovated Ilima Tower rooms.
Lotus at Diamond Head (922-1700, 800-367-5004; www.castleresorts.com; 2885 Kalakaua Ave; r $189-850; ) Well-worn boutique hotel is still a mod sanctuary by Sans Souci Beach.
Top End
Waikiki’s most historic hotels and top-tier resorts all cluster by the beach.
Outrigger Regency on Beachwalk (922-3871, 866-956-4262; www.outrigger.com; 255 Beach Walk; 1br $245-399, 2br $379-499; ) This sleek modern high-rise is designed with earth- and jewel-toned furnishings, marble baths and bold artwork. Spacious condo-style suites all have full kitchens; some also have private lanai with partial ocean views. Step outside the downstairs lobby, and you’re right on buzzing Waikiki Beach Walk. Free in-room wired internet.
Moana Surfrider (922-3111, 866-716-8109; www.moana-surfrider.com; 2365 Kalakaua Ave; r $265-510; ) Waikiki’s most historic hotel retains most of its colonial character in the common areas, with high plantation-style ceilings, Hawaiian artwork on the walls and koa-wood rocking chairs beckoning on the front veranda. Compact rooms have been recently upgraded with 21st-century amenities. In-room wired internet and lobby and poolside wi-fi