Waikiki Hotels: 7 Things to Know Before Booking a Hotel in Waikiki, Hawaii

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

If you’re new around here, welcome and thanks for joining us! Don’t know where to start on our channel? Here’s the link to our top 10 Hawai'i vacation videos kzbin.info/aero/PLAtd_s8w8KUV8410dQlYC8ugQqIBoP1EH Don't forget to subscribe for more Hawaii vacation videos! We enjoy learning about and traveling around the Hawaiian islands.

[@taviar5392]

When I went me and my kids stayed at ilima hotel, has a kitchenette, free parking, no resort fee. One block away from the city, we always walked where we wanted to go. We drove to Walmart for snacks and stuff we could cook. I was very pleased. And I rented car locally from lucky owl which saves $, the hotel saved us money also. We explored as much as we could with respect to locals.

[@georgebuscay8511]

I like vacations in busy areas since we live in a more rural area. I lived on Oahu as a kid and then lived on the mainland most of my adult life. My husband always picked the vacation destination because he only got one week of vacation, and I had a lot of vacation weeks and could go more places with my mom or friends. He always picked Oahu. We love it. In the beginning, we would rent a car for one day to get around to areas further away. We usually would walk or take a bus, especially later on when we went to Oahu.

[@Diana-lo6cx]

While Waikiki has its charm when I went to Oahu I was in love with the North shore. So beautiful and peaceful, also loved the East side of the island. What a trip!

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

agreed! we love both those places too. The North Shore has Turtle Bay to stay at which is amazing and newly remodeled but also comes at an increased price. We hope we can stay there someday.

[@imagewavesurfphoto4567]

North Shore is closed. Try no come.

[@kristenabbate9446]

Where do you recommend on the north shore? I don’t think I can afford turtle bay ocean front?

[@reggiedelarmente5445]

Thank you for making our Hawaii vacation the best vacation ever! Everything we did was based on your recommendations. We used the guides from the website and tips from channel. It was all on point! From Waimãnalo beach, to Sharks Cove to Giovannis food truck and many more. Just got back from Oahu last night and can’t wait to go back.

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

That is great to hear Reggie! Thanks for coming back to leave a comment. Hop you can come back soon, perhaps another island next time!

[@chrisaddison4691]

Great job as always guy’s 👍❤️😎🇨🇦. Keep up the good work

[@lqmgsta]

you both seem so niiiice and genuinely excited about your love for Oahu and your desire to pass on what you know so that others can also have a good experience. I really enjoyed watching this. Thanks for the videos!

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

thanks so much!

[@chrisaddison4691]

Love Waikiki been there many times ❤️ Great information guy’s especially for thoses who have never been there before . Keep Up the great work 👍🇨🇦😎❤️

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

Mahalo Chris!

[@Mr2blue2]

I like the way you say "The WIFI!" at about 1:17. Sounds so exciting! :)

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

Haha, exactly! We love it when they say the resort fee includes WiFi and kurig in the room. Wow, so luxurious

[@jdejong3125]

Just came back from Hawaii. Waikiki was so crowded. We stayed in Kailua. Just a short 25 minute drive from Honolulu and so peaceful and quiet.

[@joerampley1562]

Great video. So helpful. Maybe your best video.

[@r.p.3419]

Love your videos! Great job as always

[@Jo-vu1me]

I went to Waikiki in September and already planning my next trip 😻

[@noman266]

Such great video, thanks for the tips.

[@gailthacker6364]

I love the IIikai Hotel Condos😀

[@thomasw5430]

My first trip to Hawaii, Long before they jammed the hotels around it, I stayed at the Royal Hawaiian, and I fell in love with the hotel. The location, and like you said listening to waves crash on beach as you drift off to sleep, it can’t be beat!! When I stay in Waikiki, I always book there. Being from NY, when anyone asks me about Waikiki, I always tell them it’s like Manhattan, it just doesn’t have the car horns blowing, and you actually want to swim in the water! While I enjoy the area, most of my stays on the island are either on the north shore or east side of island, as I enjoy peace and tranquility of being away from the densely populated areas. Great video, lots of great trips for first timers. Especially when describing he dreaded resort fees! I wish Hawaii would make the properties just add it to price and not have it sort of hidden in disclaimers, like some other states have, it’s annoying.

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

Good choice to book The Royal. It is our favorite beach hotel in Waikiki. Such a gem. I agree, they need to put the fees into the nightly rate for transparency.

[@Nwadiogo]

I’m looking for the quieter places to stay. Do you mind sharing some recommendations please?

[@robBears96]

My girlfriend and I just got back from our trip to Waikiki and it was awesome, and we enjoyed using your videos for suggestions! We also Got to see some of the north shore, sandy beach sunrise, Pearl Harbor and more🌴☀️

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

Thanks for coming back to leave a comment after your trip! Glad you had a wonderful time!

[@mattcramer9187]

New to the channel. Thanks for the great videos, so helpful!

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

Welcome to the channel!

[@ReynaldoVelasquez]

I can’t wait, but I needed this video. I wanted to go again. Watching it right now

[@larrymag3]

Very informative. Thank you

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

Thanks for watching!

[@kennytam864]

We reserved a Hui car to avoid parking fees and we booked our resort via Costco which included resort fees

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

thanks for sharing! have a great trip to Waikiki.

[@yaya2221]

J adore vos vidéos, c'est tellement beau nous y allons en juin 🤩🤩

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

Have a wonderful trip in June! I'm glad you found our videos for your trip planning!

[@lxvxfilms]

def will download your Oahu itinerary for our trip next year 🎉

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

That is great to hear! we update them every 3 months to keep them fresh.

[@travelknighterrant]

Great tips, thank you👍

[@buckaroo3589]

With an eye towards self-improvement, trying to fix the waa-ki-kee I picked up from my dad (family stationed in Hickam in early sixties). Why-ki-kee seems to be common, but why-kee-kee seems even more correct, plus sounds cool.

[@HookemFishing]

I had Hilton rainbow tower booked, but saw the fees! Cancelled and went with the free parking with Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club. Wedding trip, going to play some golf and hit beaches friendly for a 3 year old. Any suggestions on this?

[@KimofCoventry]

We usually patronize Marriott properties. Stayed at Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort and Spa last Feb. Should have done our homework! Paying $45 per day to park, when staying almost the entire month, added up quick ,AND we sometimes had to drive in and back out and around to even get a spot as it was full! Put 1600+ miles on the rental car. Resort fees are a joke. Lines at the elevator, ugh. We literary just slept there. Rooms and shower (loved🚿) were clean and comfortable, why we like Marriott. Love their beds. Had beautiful ocean and Diamond Head view. Housekeeping was great. Tip your housekeeping staff, please people! This Feb we are staying in the North Shore, should have done so last time. Another Marriott but using points for 2+ weeks. Looking at options now for the other 2. Just want a clean room with a bathroom. We are up and gone. By the time the crazy taxes (and fee for this and that) are added to most places it practically doubled any "deal" you think you find. I'd rather sleep on the beach and/or in the car. Love the hikes, that gorgeous water and respite from New England winter though!

[@rosemarykingpate7832]

We're used to the resort fees and parking fees being in L.A. and having visited San Diego and Las Vegas numerous times. It's kind of normal for hotels in these areas.

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

Well said! We've paid resort fees at hotels that are clearly not resorts around america. It is starting to be par for the course and part of the governments desire to enforce transparent pricing.

[@logicreason2736]

I go to HGV in Waikiki. There is a rental car company on site. I saw a guy who rented a car a day at a time to avoid the parking fess. Not a bad idea if you really need a car.

[@kristenabbate9446]

Love this video! We just booked flights from NYC (direct!!) for April 2024. Coming to HNL for 9 nights! It’s for my daughters sweet 16 trip. If we went to split up north short and south shore- and want to splurge in ONE spot and find an affordable accommodation in another - where should we splurge? Waikiki or north shore?? We want one Ocean front. Also should we start north shore then do South shore so we end near the airport ? We have a red eye home? Thanks!

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

There is only two places to stay on the North Shore. Splurge at Turtle Bay thehawaiivacationguide.com/stay/turtle-bay-resort-review/ explore out where to stay directory on our website for more ideas.

[@angiehenderson393]

Definitely chk out Turtle Bay! Stayed there for my honeymoon & it’s amazing. North shore is so much more peaceful & plenty to do up there. Can still drive around island & to Waikiki area as desired.

[@DBDCeaser]

so excited. planning a trip with friends to Hawaii in April for my birthday and you guys videos are helping alot

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

So good to hear. Have fun on the birthday trip. Happy birthday!

[@lanadever5954]

Can you please do a review of Alohilani hotel in Waikiki?

[@jesusdiazdeleon1121]

Thank you!!

[@stargazer5073]

I would like to spend a month in April or May in Waikiki because I don't want to rent a car for the whole trip and will rent to explore other parts of the island on a daily basis. Any ideas on where to stay????

[@gumerzambrano]

I had this recommended after I got back from my trip 😂

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

haha, the algorithm failed you!

[@brendatagadtad3791]

Hello new subscribers here from Toronto 🇨🇦❄️ thank you for your tips👍👍👍 we’re coming down on December 21,2021 😊 We can’t wait to visit 🥰❤️😍

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

Thanks for subscribing! Have a wonderful holiday in Hawaii and thanks for watching!

[@ez-nj9bf]

Which hotel is on or closes to the beach thanks

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

Royal Hawaiian, Hilton, Sheraton, Moana Surfrider, and Halekulani

[@commonmandenver7370]

We had a great stay at the new Marriott in laie on North shore. Next door to the Polynesian Center. $190 per night.

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

that's a great price and one of the few places to stay on the North Shore. Thanks for sharing!

[@laurengabrielle18]

How is waikiki in January?? Weather and busyness wise??

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

January is a rainy month but still sunny days. Average crowds in January. Temps in the 80s

[@J10-f4s]

@@TheHawaiiVacationGuide hello! How about during veterans weekend in November? Great video by the way 🥰

[@aaimginggraphics2411]

TY SOO MUCH....but hey.....is there E BIKE rentals??....

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

Yes, they are some in Waikiki. And app scooters available

[@TheJodo2010]

Yeah the parking fee at my hotel was $35 a night and they didn’t have a lot of space for parking. Luckily for me the front desk mentioned a parking garage across the street which charged much less so I parked there for the night and saved a few bucks.

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

That’s a good hotel.

[@reginaolsh4678]

Hi,may I ask you which parking did you use for less money. Thank you!

[@samanthawise5478]

Rented a suburban for my family of 7 and my hotels garage had height restriction. Had to park blocks away. Call the hotel for garage height restriction if you're renting a large van or SUV.

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

that's a good tip!

[@chris2302]

Given that resort and parking fees are a given at pretty much every hotel in Waikiki, I NEVER stay at hotels and book a condo that includes free parking, a private balcony/lanai, and a kitchen where I can cook a vast majority of my own meals as well as grocery shop at places like Costco and Sam's Club (as well as local farmer's markets if I can) to cut down on the expenses for food in addition to accommodations while I'm on vacation. Other than that, I rent a fuel-efficient car to get around in so I can get out and explore the island on my own.

[@janeaverage7848]

I’ve stayed in Waikiki twice and I think I’m over it lol. The traffic and parking is awful!!!! The parking garages at the the condos are sooo packed. It’s some creative parking lol

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

That's fair! It is a great place to start and then find your favorite place after that. We like it as a central location to explore the island while having stuff to do in the evening.

[@janeaverage7848]

@@TheHawaiiVacationGuide Definitely a great place to start! I’m going to the Big Island in February. It will be my first time so I’m pretty stoked to see what it’s like compared to Oahu. I’m renting a cottage rather than a condo this time. Overall as a solo traveler I think Hawaii is PERFECT for me!

[@katemiller7874]

Don’t drive around stay at Waikiki Hawaiian village. Everything is right there

[@janeaverage7848]

@@katemiller7874 I go to Hawaii to hike so I always get a rental. And honestly I feel only being in Waikiki is a waste when there’s so much more to see. It’s such a beautiful and historical place.

[@J-wz8ed]

Is the trolley still running in Waikiki ?That was a great way to get around in Waikiki.

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

They have the trolley running again! A great way to get around, thanks for mentioning that. Too bad the light rail trolley of long ago is gone. They should bring that back.

[@JuanWayTrips]

When we stayed in Waikiki we used Hyatt and Hilton points. No need to pay those resort fees when booking award reservations! And you get all of the same benefits too. Edit: I will say, for how busy and popular Waikiki is, we were surprised how clean and calm the beach was. It wasn't the most pristine, but the water was still clear and a nice place to relax.

[@RestlessOnTheRise]

Love the videos keep them coming I wish more people did research about hawaii instead of writing it off because they think it’s too expensive and go to Mexico. I am ussually able to book my flights for 5-800$CDN round trip and hotel in the Waikiki area for 700-1100$CDN FOR 7-10days or an air bnb for 500-1000$ that’s 1000-1900 total. I can’t go to Mexico for less than 21-2600$ so it’s actually very similar in price if you ad food and drinks I’m not dissing Mexico I love it just as much I just think that many people don’t even consider hawaii because they think it’s crazy money and they really should

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

Thanks for sharing. A big trip always adds up. Someone gets a cheap flight or hotel and they think that’s the cost.

[@Enchanteralle]

I am not familiar with Hui rental car. Is the location for that close to the airport or hotels? Do they run out of rentals quickly? I will visit Waikiki for the first time for about a week, but also plan on hiking at Diamond Head trail and prob visit Lanaika Beach. Might not use a rental car all 7 days of my stay.

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

Download the app to see their availability. they have cars all over Honolulu, and inside the hotel parking lots. There is another competitor too now on the scene, but I forget their name.

[@Lamp28631]

Little too late on booking in Waikiki but I appreciate the heads up and tips. Thank you!

[@RodSwansmad]

Hi Everyone, Great review ofWaikiki and agreed with everything. I’ve been there in May of 2015 and Dec -Xmas 2018 (wouldn’t recommend Dec) Just wanted to know , do they still do the Friday Night Fireworks down near the Hilton Hawaiian Village ? I’m planning to go again in April or May 2023

[@josephshearer1734]

Yes I just came back Saturday and they did Friday fireworks on a barge of the beach

[@beingtheirmom7320]

If you want to save a bit more book with Airbnb. You get more space & since your saving money you can stay longer. Aloha😍

[@shaliniahuja408]

Hi! You’re videos are super helpful for hopefully future trips! Do you think it’s worth it having an Airbnb compared to a hotel? Which one would you suggest for our first time trip to Hawaii?

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

I would recommend a hotel for your first trip. Then you can explore and figure out where to stay for a second trip. Waikiki has condo vacation rentals but for the price, I think a value hotel is better. We have a video on the pros and cons here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rZjKkGeph72JaLs

[@gumerzambrano]

I was just there and was honestly glad I went with a hotel. Not having to clean your room by checkout is godsend

[@stephengray13]

I'm thinking about booking Club Wyndham Royal Garden at Waikiki for a vacation. Will this hotel be great choice?

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

I’m afraid we haven’t stayed there or toured it. I’m sure you checked the reviews, look for guests’ room pics.

[@dsfkbarbosa2384]

Hello how do I find out which hotels have evening luaus?

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

Check their websites, the larger resorts have luaus like the Royal Hawaiian. You can find our favorite Oahu luaus here: thehawaiivacationguide.com/activities/oahu-luau-reviews/

[@Agustus824]

Does beachcomber have any resort fee?

[@johnny1963ify]

How did you get on Ford Island to see the Aviation Museum?

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

There is a shuttle that picks up right outside the PH memorial entrance.

[@johnny1963ify]

@@TheHawaiiVacationGuide Thank you!

[@theroadrunnerjarhead4109]

If you’re retired or disabled military best place to stay in Waikiki is the Hale Koa military hotel.

[@pitchie04]

We are booked to go there this Feb but Im not sure if we should go because of Omicron? How are the cases there?

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

We are in the peak of the surge. I will give an update this Saturday in our newsletter: thehawaiivacationguide.com/newsletter/

[@Joe-eg7ml]

Are there any natural waterfalls area to visit. My wife always wanted to visit Hawaii because of poster of Hawaiian waterfalls she had when she was a kid.

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

Waimea Falls is the safest and you can swim there. Check out our article for waterfall hikes: thehawaiivacationguide.com/best-hawaiian-island-for-hiking/

[@juliecarter905]

My grandkids might be going to Honolulu the first week of March. Any suggestions for family fun activities and hotel?

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

thanks for asking, here is an article on our favorite family friendly hotels: thehawaiivacationguide.com/where-to-stay-oahu-with-kids/ and here is a video on things to do in Waikiki with kids: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mGLYZ5Suh81qnbM

[@pbasnya]

Yes the resort fees add up … there are a couple that we use that still dont charge … public bus for us … avoid parking fees and bus is just $2.75 from airport to hotel… even if stayed at the hyatt or halekulani or one of the ohia chains yes still take the bus to go around…yes waikiki is our fave area to stay

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

thanks for sharing the tips!

[@MikeyzFunLair]

Go to maui or kauai as first trip to Hawaii

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

Maui is my vote.

[@okamicookie]

Can anyone direct me to the best beach accessible hotel deals in Waikiki? I've been looking for a couple months and still find the rates to be very high for early November. Thank you.

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

just keep looking on Expedia and the such! Hotel rates come down in the fall.

[@melaniebreedlove3933]

Any thoughts on Airbnb's in Honolulu? That's what I've been looking at...

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

A good option in Waikiki as they are legal there. Outside of Waikiki, hard to know if legal. Watch those fees!

[@lianamoreno2375]

love your videos! Been watching since last year bc I plan on going for my honeymoon. Very grateful for all the tips you both provide

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

thanks for watching for so long! We have a honeymoon things to do video coming out in January. Congrats!

[@thezfamilia8120]

Just called the Hyatt Centric Waikkiki $42 per day parking fee and $75 per day in resort fee's, Crazy!

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

Ouch, that is crazy

[@erinlp3279]

I wish I had seen this earlier. I would have picked a different time to travel and hotel prices are too high for terrible reviews

[@sandraparadise-johninson5803]

Hey guys, thanks so much for the information. We will be there in February. Interested in island hop;ping.

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

Erica has an article on island hopping advice: thehawaiivacationguide.com/hawaii-island-hopping/ Have a great trip!

[@cdez8486]

Trying to plan a last minute trip do you guys have any thoughts on the beachfront property Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort, i think it’s less 300$ more for a four night stay?

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

That’s a great deal. Great location on the beach and central Waikiki. Rooms are getting updated but we’d stay there again

[@erikh9991]

Parts of that place is like the Vegas strip. I was embarrassed in front of my family when a "lady" came up to me and asked if I wanted to party.

[@atrain84]

Not even staying in Waikiki next trip, but I love your videos!

[@cathrynm]

Waikiki reminds me of Las Vegas kind of.

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

It does to us too. Has that vibe but not nearly as intense as the strip.

[@cathrynm]

@@TheHawaiiVacationGuide That's okay, really. Sometimes it's okay to 'just be a tourist' and see the major attractions, I feel like. At least gives me something to do. Las Vegas, Waikiki, I can take them for what they are.

[@MikeyzFunLair]

I've been to Waikiki several time. Other than the nice but small beach, its not as exciting as it used to be. Im from so cal, so its sorta similar.. thats why now I prefer maui or kuai.. more of an island vibe without the crowd

[@IbeSyke]

Like your videos, but you guys always have your kids. I'm trying to get away from kids 😅 any recommendations for more adult activities and hotels

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

We have a lot on our website! Search for our things to do articles. We have a directory of hotels too. Here is an article for adults: thehawaiivacationguide.com/hawaii-honeymoon-things-to-do/ Have a great trip!

[@kimberleyike2168]

I live about 1 hr from NYC and there's zero comparison expect for homeless people.

[@joseholguin661]

Knowing what you know now, would you stay in Kapolei with a rental car?

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

No, I’d stay in Ko Olina with a rental car but Kapolei is a residential city full of box stores. Not quite a Hawaii vacation

[@joseholguin661]

@@TheHawaiiVacationGuide so here is the mindset got the room for 180 Hawaii vacation during the day. Sleep good and cheap at night but if on wrong side of island don’t want to always fight traffic?

[@bilguana11]

I haven't stayed there since 1993.

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

Probably not a lot has changed. The International Shopping Center is all new but I don't think that is your cuppa tea when you're in Hawaii!

[@jendiaz4718]

How is it traveling with children in Hawaii?

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

Lots of family friendly hotels and things to do. Popular for families. Watch our videos as we always have our son with us.

[@hom296]

We all know that the resort fees are a scam that the properties get away with. It irritates everyone; and I have a hunch the fees will be going away (they'll just build their fee into the base price of the room)

[@1badtubeman]

After visiting Kuaui and Maui, I wouldn't go back to Waikiki even if my vacation was free!! Waikiki (and Honolulu in general) is a congested tourist trap with lots of people AND traffic. If you want a little peace and quiet, don't go to Honolulu!!

[@homounsapiens1287]

It seems you moved from a universal healthcare country to Hawaii....my question is How does healthcare work in Hawaii? I think a video on this is important....unless of course Americans dont get sick

[@LassNoive]

Give it a break. You dug up those low hotel rates from the early covid years, 2021. And mentioning November as a shoulder rate is ridiculous. The rates are hiked up for Thanksgiving.

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

This video was published on December 4th 2021. The data is old. See a newer video for fresh data. Early November is well known as a quiet time to visit.

[@candy.yankovska]

Why wear a mask outdoors? Ive never seen that before.

[@LuLu-sy8oz]

Just came back about a month ago, NEVER AGAIN!!!! Homeless people everywhere, very unsafe to walk the streets there.

[@kattt8001]

I am tired of this musium.I understand you are paid for this advertising,but please …..

[@frostyjim2633]

Last time I went, the whole room price was $50. It's been a minute...

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

You can now park your car overnight for $50 😂