A typically beautiful Hawaiian sunset
Honolulu's sublime weather and golden beaches have made it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. And while upscale resorts have snagged the prime waterfront locations, there are plenty of bargains to be found as well, many of them no more than two or three blocks from the beach. Note that a hotel's website may have specials not available through third-party vendors.
Royal Grove Hotel
All hotels are less than five minutes from the beach
The Royal Grove Hotel is an older, privately owned hotel centrally located in Waikiki. Its laid-back flavor gives a sense of what the old Hawaii was like before the high-rises moved in. Rooms are simply furnished, and have kitchenettes, but maid service is only available twice a week. There's a small pool, an Internet station in the lobby, and laundry facilities. Rates start at under $100 a night, and weekly rates are offered April through November.
Royal Grove Hotel
161 Uluniu Avenue
Honolulu, HI 98615
808-923-7691
http://www.royalgrovehotel.com
Aqua Continental Surf
Waikiki is where most visitors to Honolulu stay
The Aqua Continental Surf is the cheapest of the Aqua Resorts in Hawaii (rates begin at less than $100 a night), with rooms that are more modernly furnished than the Royal Grove's. Rooms come with a coffeemaker, refrigerator and microwave, though there are no dishes or cutlery. There's also an in-room safe. The hotel also has Internet in the lobby, a gym, on-site parking (for a fee), and is located right next to a major bus stop. A number of Aqua's other resorts have rates of less than $100 a night, and their website offers frequent specials.
Aqua Continental Surf
2426 Kuhio Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96815
808-922-2232
http://www.aquaresorts.com
Ohana Waikiki West
The lei: a Hawaiian symbol of love and friendship
There used to be Ohana hotels throughout Waikiki, but many were torn down in 2006 to make way for the Waikiki Beach Walk development on Lewers Street (now home to more upscale hotels as well as a shopping mall). The Ohanas that remain are mostly moderately priced hotels, with rates beginning at under $100 a night. Of these, the Ohana Waikiki West has the best pool, and most rooms come with kitchenettes. The Ohana chain offers its guests a number of perks: free Wi-Fi, free calls in Hawaii and to the mainland, a free beach tote and a free pass on the Waikiki Trolley's Pink Line. "Ohana" is also the Hawaiian word for "family."
Ohana Waikiki West
2330 Kuhio Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96815
808-922-5022
http://www.ohanahotels.com
Hale Koa Hotel
American military personnel can find a bargain at the Hale Koa Hotel
Active-duty and retired members of the U.S. military are eligible to stay at the Hale Koa Hotel, located on 72 acres of beachfront property. Room rates are determined by rank in the service. The beautifully landscaped grounds feature three swimming pools, tennis and racquetball courts, a health club, and numerous restaurants and lounges. Due to high demand, the hotel's website advises booking at least six months in advance.
Hale Koa Hotel
2055 Kalia Road
Honolulu, HI 96815
808-955-0555
Room reservations: 800-367-6027
http://www.halekoa.com
Tags: Hale Hotel, Royal Grove, Aqua Continental, Aqua Continental Surf, Avenue Honolulu