Hotels Hotels....too many choices

Question

Hi and thank you in advance for your advice. I'm usually pretty good at finding something, but there are so many mixed reviews I'm really struggling. We will be 2 nights at a hotel and 2 nights on a cruise boat in the harbor in Honolulu. This will be our 1st time to Hawaii, we will be dealing with a 6 hour time change. That being said we are active 70 year olds and that like to walk the beach and to restaurants, etc. Since we will be in the harbor for 2 nights I would like to stay closer to the Diamond Head side. We would prefer a balcony, not too noisy, clean, updated, ocean or diamond head view, something with a low height options. Our price range is in the $300's to low 4. I was looking at Park Shore (many comments it needs updating?), Queen Kapiʻolani (rooms look a little basic to me), Grand Hyatt, Outrigger Beach Resort. Any other suggestions welcome. Thank you.

Answer

For a first-time visit to Oahu with your preferences—closer to Diamond Head, quieter, updated, with a balcony and ocean or Diamond Head views—there are several good options. Since you’ll only be in Honolulu for two nights before your cruise, convenience and comfort are key, along with the ability to enjoy walking along the beach and nearby restaurants.

Here’s a breakdown of your mentioned options and some additional suggestions:

Park Shore Waikiki: Pros are that it is very close to the beach and moderately priced. Some reviews mention that certain rooms are outdated, though the hotel has been making updates. If you can secure a recently renovated room with a higher floor and a view of Diamond Head, it could be a reasonable choice.
Queen Kapiʻolani Hotel: This property has a more modern feel and is close to the zoo and Kapiʻolani Park. Rooms can be basic, but higher floors can offer nice views. Good for quieter evenings, though it’s slightly further from the main beach stretch than other options.
Grand Hyatt Waikiki: A luxury choice with excellent amenities, beautiful updated rooms, and balconies with ocean or Diamond Head views. It tends to be more expensive, potentially on the upper end of your budget, but it offers a quieter, refined atmosphere and convenient beach access.
Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort: Central location, excellent beach access, updated rooms, and balconies. Can be a bit busier since it’s closer to the center of Waikiki, but if you enjoy easy access to restaurants and shops, this is ideal.

Additional options to consider:

Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel: Smaller property, updated rooms, close to the beach, often quieter than the larger resorts. Good mid-range option.
Halekulani: High-end, exceptionally quiet and refined, beautiful ocean views, excellent service. Likely at the top of your budget but highly recommended for a first-time, comfortable experience.
Hilton Hawaiian Village (Diamond Head Tower side): More resort-style, but the Diamond Head Tower rooms offer quieter accommodations and lovely views. Easy beach access and walking paths, though slightly larger property may feel busier.

Tips for booking:

Request a room on a higher floor facing Diamond Head or the ocean to avoid street noise.
Balcony availability varies—confirm at booking to ensure you get the type of room you want.
Since you’re dealing with a time change, consider a hotel with easy access to the beach or park for morning walks to help adjust to local time.

Overall, if quiet and comfort with updated amenities are most important, the Grand Hyatt or Halekulani (if budget allows) are excellent choices. If you prefer convenience to restaurants and central Waikiki activity, the Outrigger is ideal. Park Shore and Queen Kapiʻolani are more budget-friendly, but room selection is key for updated features and views.

Hotels Hotels....too many choices

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