alohamom
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Oct 31, 2003
We stayed at the Marriott because I got a discounted rate with points. It’s not beachfront, as along that stretch (where the Duke statue is), the road runs between the buildings and the beach. But it’s beach/ocean view and just a minute or two (literally) walk.
My co-worker stayed at a place down in the shadow of Diamond Head at much less cost for a much larger room. It’s not super-easy walking distance to much, though, like where the Marriott is.
@cgattis has brought up a good point to consider for Waikiki, location.
I dont remember if you said your in-laws have mobility issues or if the fact that they are a little older might hinder how much walking you guys do so location in Waikiki can be an issue.
I kind of like walking the streets that are encompassed in the area but not when I am sandy and wet from time in the ocean so any time we have stayed in Waikiki, we try to stay as close to the ocean as possible.
I realize you asked about beachfront hotels in Waikiki but there are a few that are across the street (Kalakaua Avenue) from the beach but because there are not hotels on the beach side, they feel ocean front.
The issue is that they are usually not cheap but some are more expensive than others so I broke it down with that in mind. This is all just imho based on having been to Waikiki on numerous occasions over the years. Others who live on the island or who travel just to Waikiki on a regular basis may have more detailed info. Waikiki has a compacted feel with buildings jammed next to each other but as you get closer to Diamond Head they do tend to spread out more. Lastly, you asked about hotels that might be comparative to Aulani. None of these are as nice as Aulani but are considered resorts and are close to the water or on the water.
The first hotel that comes to my mind for your travelling party would be one of the two Outrigger hotels that are directly on Waikiki beach. If you join their e-club you will get specials sent to you and they can be ok. Both of the Outriggers charge a resort fee of approx $35 on top of the rate. Both of these hotels offer 2 doubles (or 1 King or ! Queen) so if you are planning to share the hotel room as you are in Aulani, just be aware of this. It changes my mind when I look at what to book for our family of four with two older teens as it can be tight for the four of us with two doubles, my son tends to sleep star shaped.
Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort is in such a fantastic location, it is hard to not like this hotel just for that. Also, Dukes restaurant is located in the base of this hotel and it is very very popular because of the location and laid back vibe. It is kind of a newer version of the old Waikiki of the late 60s/early 70s kitchy tiki bar feel (which sounds horrible when I write it out, LOL) but it really is kind of what Hollywood and TV sold as Hawaii back then and many people have in their mind as "Hawaii". The hotel itself gets decent reviews but again it is where it is in relation to the beach, Diamond head, the shopping and places to eat.
http://www.outriggerwaikikihotel.com/
The Outrigger Reef on the Beach is usually a little less expensive and the beach in front is a little more rocky and reef-y so be aware http://www.outriggerreef-onthebeach.com/
We have stayed a few times at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki and the main reason was location (and my kids LOVE the little roof top pool that looks down onto the main drag and across to the beach and ocean) It is a huge hotel, cant say it was ever particularly fantastic but it is steps to the beach and great places to eat and shop while being priced a little less that the same level of hotel directly on the beach. It also has a hefty resort fee on top of nightly rate https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/hawaii/hyatt-regency-waikiki-beach-resort-and-spa/hnlrw
The Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort is a good option too although it is across the street from the water and most of the hotel faces inside the grid of the streets so ocean views are premium priced rooms. Also has a resort fee of around $35-40 a night https://www.marriott.com/hotels/tra...pa/?scid=bb1a189a-fec3-4d19-a255-54ba596febe2
I would be remiss if I didnt mention the iconic Hilton Hawaiian Village which is situated kind of as you enter the Waikiki Beach hotel zone. If you choose to stay here be aware it is almost its own little town (hence "village") It is imho isolated and although it offers lots of its own shops and restaurants. The beach there is very nice and the lagoon is fun. There is a marina at that end too (the one from the opening of Gilligans Island, I think) The problem with the HHV is that it can be VERY expensive and VERY busy. There is a resort fee of $40 a night and you need to educate yourself on which tower to stay in. Some are farther from the water so although they are cheaper they are not really on the water and can be a bit of a walk to it. Also, if you consider the HHV be aware that bedding situations change per tower, some offer 3 doubles and call them family suites! It is kind of weird but I think it because the HHV absorbed hotels in the immediate area and just branded then Hilton. It has many pros and cons but if you choose to stay here, read, read, read about it http://www.hiltonhawaiianvillage.com/
These are all just hotels I have stayed at, been in and are familiar enough to comment on. If you want something a little less expensive than these, I can suggest others as well but Waikiki is almost a fine oiled machine as far as pricing goes. You get what you pay for.
This is the area that the Hyatt Regency and the Marriott Resort are located in. this is the view form the Hyatt webcam