Where to Stay - Honolulu, Waikiki and Oahu - page 135

exactly designer showrooms, but they do offer a homey, comfortable feel and daily maid ser-
vice. Plus, you're sure to forgive the lack of aesthetics when you're presented with the bill. A
large deck on the second floor is a great place to sip early-morning coffee or watch the sun
sink into the Pacific.
235 Saratoga Rd. (across from Fort DeRussy and Waikiki post office, btw. Kalakaua Ave. and Kalia Rd.), Honolulu, HI
96815. www.kaialohahotel.com . & 808/923-6723. Fax [phone] units. $85-$90 studio double; $100 1-bedroom
double. Extra person $20. 2-night minimum. AE, MC, V. Parking at separate pay lot across the street for $16. Bus: 19
or 20. In room: A/C, TV, fridge, kitchenette, and complimentary computer with Internet access available in the office for
guests during office hours.
A HOTEL FOR MILITARY PERSONNEL
HaleKoaHotel ★★ We wish we could stay here—but we're not allowed. This is a very ex-
clusive hotel, for active-duty and retired military, reservists, National Guard, and their im-
mediate families only. It's first-class, right on Waikiki Beach, with the grassy lawns of Fort
DeRussy on the other side. The price structure, which depends on military rank (lower ranks
get cheaper rates), is 50% to 75% less than what comparable Waikiki hotels charge. The hotel
sits on 66 landscaped acres with picnic tables and barbecue grills. The only drawback is that
it's usually booked; some guests reserve up to a year in advance.
2055 Kalia Rd. (across from Fort DeRussy, btw. Dewey Way and Saratoga Rd.), Honolulu, HI 96815. www.halekoa.com .
& 800/367-6027 or 808/955-0555. Fax 800/HALE-FAX [425-3329]. 817 units. Lower ranked enlisted personal rates
$91-$222 double, depending on room views; higher rank $113-$289. Extra person $15. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Parking
$7. Bus: 19 or 20. Amenities: 4 restaurants and bars (occasional dinner shows); babysitting; concierge desk; fitness
room; Jacuzzi; 2 outdoor pools; room service; sauna; 4 lit tennis courts; racquetball and beach volleyball courts. In room:
A/C, TV, hair dryer, high speed Internet access ($10/day).
Mid-Waikiki, Mauka
These mid-Waikiki hotels, on the mountain side of Kalakaua Avenue, are a little farther away
from the beach than those listed above. They're all between Kalakaua Avenue and Ala Wai
Boulevard, and between Kalaimoku Street in the Ewa direction and Kaiulani Street in the Dia-
mond Head direction.
EXPENSIVE
IlimaHotel ★ One of Hawaii's small, well-located condo-style hotels, the 17-story, pale-pink
Ilima (named for the native orange flower used in royal leis) was once a moderately priced
property, but has raised its rates recently, making this property on the pricey side. Rooms are
huge; the location is great (near the International Market Place and the Royal Hawaiian Shop-
ping Center, and 2 blocks from Waikiki Beach). A tasteful koa-wood lobby lined with works
by Hawaiian artists greets you upon arrival. Perks include free local phone calls and a full kit-
chen in every unit; in addition, all the couches fold out into beds, making this a particularly
good deal for families. (Kids will appreciate the Nintendo games in each room.) The one-bed-
room units now have Jacuzzi tubs. The three sun decks, dry sauna, and truly nice people staff-
ing the front desk help you enjoy your vacation. The only caveat: no ocean views.
445 Nohonani St. (near Ala Wai Blvd.), Honolulu, HI 96815. www.hotelwaikiki.com . & 800/801-9366 or 808/923-1877.
Fax [phone] units. $178-$258 double; $230-$280 1-bedroom (rate for 4); $300-$350 2-bedroom (rate for 4,
sleeps up to 6); $560-$600 3-bedroom (rate for 6, sleeps up to 8). Extra person $10. Discounts available for seniors and