Outrigger and OHANA Hotels and Resorts
Outrigger Enterprises is the result of one man's dream and is one of the great success stories in the hotel industry.Today the company consists of two divisions - Outrigger Hotels and Resorts and OHANA Hotels and Resorts.
My two favorite Outrigger properties in Waikiki - the Outrigger Waikiki and Outrigger Reef are both beachfront resorts and offer many of the resort amenities found at the other properties we've discussed. They are family oriented resorts with somewhat fewer amenities than their more expensive competitors. Both properties have undergone extensive renovations and now rank right up there with the other beachfront properties.
OHANA Hotels and Resorts features less expensive hotels located away from the beach, but still within easy walking distance. As part of the company's new Beachwalk project many of their older and less desirable hotels, have been demolished and have been replaced by several new properties. For individuals or families who want to save some money on lodging, the OHANA properties are well worth considering.
The OHANA Islander Waikiki is actually one of my favorite hotels in Waikiki. On many trips I spend very little time at my hotel since I am always out and around the island What I look for is a property that is clean, comfortable, secure and which has a warm, friendly staff. With prices starting at around $150 a night the OHANA hotels are well worth a look. Outrigger and OHANA also work extensively with Pleasant Hawaiian Holidays and offer great air/hotel packages.
ResortQuest
Another set of properties worth a look are the 13 properties now owned and operated by ResortQuest. Formerly known as Aston Hotels and Resorts, many of these properties had, quite frankly, a poor reputation for many years. Many of the properties were old and tired and not maintained very well. ResortQuest has invested millions of dollars into upgrading their Waikiki book of business and those efforts have started to show good results. With prices comparable to the OHANA properties, they are highly affordable for individuals, couples or families who are looking for a good, clean place to stay without many of the amenities found at a more expensive resort hotel.Aqua Hotels and Resorts
A relatively new player in the Waikiki hotel market is Aqua Hotels and Resorts. For those unfamiliar with the Aqua brand, it was formed in 2001 by hotelier Michael Paulin to manage and operate hotels and hotel-condominiums in Hawaii. In the short five years since the company's inception, it has grown and currently manages twelve properties in Waikiki. Paulin is the recognized founding father of the "Condotel" resort concept in Hawaii. He is currently the senior lodging executive in Waikiki, actively involved in Hawaii's visitor industry for over 40 years.Their stylish and exciting Aqua Boutique Collection has everything the smart traveler wants, including an extensive list of complimentary services and amenities, without the luxury price tag. The comfortable and friendly Aqua Lite Line is perfect for the budget conscious traveler.
Hale Koa Hotel
The Hale Koa Hotel on Fort DeRussy Armed Forces Recreation Center is a resort serving members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families. The Hotel was built and financed by service men and women from their own funds and now operates on a self-sustaining basis. For current or retired military the hotel offers fantastic rates and discounted food. Rates start as low as $74 per night. This is one place where lower ranked personnel pay less than those with higher rank.Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, Pacific Beach Hotel and Royal Garden at Waikiki
Three other individual properties which are worthy of consideration. The Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa and the Pacific Beach Hotel are both fine properties located just across Kalakaua Avenue from the beach. Royal Garden at Waikiki is located just off the Ala Wai canal. This boutique hotel features expansive tropical gardens with European elegance and Hawaii's tropical appeal. All three are excellent for families and offer affordable rates with good discounts available.New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel
I'd be remiss if I didn't mention a personal favorite, the New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel which is located near Diamond Head - separated from the rest of Waikiki by the large Kapiʻolani Park. The New Otani is a small, boutique hotel which offers a much quieter setting than you'll find elsewhere in Waikiki. The rooms are spacious and if you're luck enough to get a corner room on the ocean you'll have spectacular 180 degree views. The hotel is located on Sans Souci Beach and is a superb, reef protected beach with calm waters and great snorkeling. The hotel also is home to one of Waikiki's best restaurants, the Hau Tree Lanai.In Conclusion
Wherever you choose to stay in Waikiki, it's unlikely you'll be disappointed. The highly competitive nature of the market ensures that all of the hotels and resorts are continually striving to improve themselves and offer more amenities than their competition. A little research will go a long way in finding the perfect hotel or resort for you and your family. The three things you need to consider are how much you want to spend, what special services and amenities you require, and how important a beachfront hotel or resort is to you.Additional Resources
For links to the hotels mentioned in this article check out our Oahu Accommodations Guide. You'll find links to the hotels mentioned in this article as well as links to our new comparison price partner Kayak.com where you can compare prices available for each hotel or resort from over 100 online travel sites.You may also enjoy a closer look at the properties we've mentioned and for that we have a collection of over 100 Waikiki Hotels and Resorts Photos.
