Hawaii - Jeff Campbell [99]
By day, have fun in the sun at Queen’s Surf Beach (Click here) and (illegally) clothing-optional Diamond Head Beach (Click here). For gay-friendly hotels, check into the Cabana at Waikiki (opposite), Waikiki Grand Hotel (opposite) or Hotel Renew (opposite).
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Waikiki Beachside Hostel (923-9566, 866-478-3888; www.waikikibeachsidehostel.com; 2556 Lemon Rd; dm $26-35, semiprivate r $67-76; ) Travelers report that security and cleanliness can be lax, but discounts on surfboards, bodyboards, snorkel sets and moped rentals are perks. Rooms are more expensive than at neighboring hostels because each dorm (co-ed or female-only) comes equipped with a full kitchen and phone. Free wi-fi in common areas.
Royal Grove Hotel (923-7691; www.royalgrovehotel.com; 151 Uluniu Ave; r with kitchenette $55-100; ) No frills but plenty of aloha characterize this fabulously pink low-rise motel, a favorite of ‘snowbird’ retirees who return each winter to this home-away-from-home complete with a pet bird and a piano in the lobby. Economy rooms in the older Mauka Wing have no air-con and suffer heavy traffic noise. Weekly off-season discounts available.
Waikiki Prince Hotel (922-1544; 2431 Prince Edward St; r $65-100; ) What ocean views? Never mind the cramped check-in officeeither. This 1970s apartment complex on an anonymous side street is a standout budget option, as some of the two dozen compact, cheerful rooms have kitchenettes. Free lobby wi-fi.
Midrange
Waikiki sits firmly in the lap of middle-class standards. Thankfully, a few boutique properties rise above the generic hotel herd.
Celebrity Resorts Waikiki (923-7336, 866-507-1428; www.celebrityresorts.com; 431 Nohonani St; r $85-130, 1br $105-140; ) With an easy-to-miss sign under a green awning, this low-key, three-story hotel merits a second look. With impromptu pizza nights and sing-alongs by the tropical garden-shaded pool, guests act just like neighbors and old friends. Motel-style rooms deliver rattan furnishings, kitchenettes and noisy air-con.
Aqua Aloha Surf & Spa (923-0222, 866-406-2782; www.aquaresorts.com; 444 Kanekapolei St; r incl breakfast $85-175; ) If you don’t mind being beside Ala Wai Canal, this lively, surf-themed hotel can be a bargain. Although kinda bland, shoebox-sized contemporary rooms each have a microwave, minifridge and coffeemaker, plus free wired internet. Offsite parking lot.
Ohana Waikiki East (922-5353, 866-968-8744; www.ohanahotels.com; 150 Ka′iulani Ave; r $99-329, 1br & 2br available by request; ) Centrally located, this entirely nonsmoking hotel lacks the historical charm and oceanfront setting of nearby hotels, but actual room quality is just as good – and for much less money. Some rooms have kitchenettes. A downstairs coffee shop sells Hawaii-grown brews and snacks. Free in-room wired internet, and lobby and poolside wi-fi.
Aqua Palms & Spa (406-2782, 866-406-2782; www.aquaresorts.com; 1850 Ala Moana Blvd; r incl breakfast $115-175; ) A short walk from the Ala Moana Center mall, this boutique hotel feels more functional than fun, but still delivers bang for your buck. Smallish rooms lack tropical panache but you can’t fault those plush beds, sofas or fluffy robes for comfort. There’s a postage stamp–sized swimming pool and workout room. Free in-room wired internet.
Best Western Coconut Waikiki Hotel (923-8828, 866-406-2782; www.aquaresorts.com; 450 Lewers St; r incl breakfast $115-195; ) Don’t let the chain-gang name fool you: this Aqua-managed property has hip, edgy decor: atomic starburst mirrors in the hallways, and cool mint green rooms, each with private lanai. Designed with business travelers in mind, rooms have ergonomic work desks, microwaves and minifridges. The exercise room is small, but well equipped.
Ohana Waikiki Beachcomber (922-4646, 866-968-8744; www.ohanahotels.com;