Oahu - Hawaii with Kids - page 84

You get the feel for Old Hawaii here, with daily activities like Hawaiian arts
and crafts such as coconut-palm weaving and Hawaiian quilting; be sure to visit
the Historical Room, where a variety of memorabilia is on display. Like all Sher-
atons, they provide a year-round children's program with activities ranging from
excursions to playing on the beach.
One of the best reasons to stay here is the hotel's prime stretch of beach, with
lifeguard, beach chairs, towels, and any other service you desire. The Beach Bar
and a poolside snack bar are located in the oceanfront courtyard that's centered
around a 100-year-old banyan tree, where there's live music in the evenings. The
Beach Side Café is the perfect place for kids; they have their own menu and the
waitstaff is trained to cater to their every whim.
2365 Kalakaua Ave. (ocean side of the street, across from Kaiulani St.), Honolulu, HI 96815. & 800/325-
3535 or 808/922-3111. Fax [phone]. www.moana-surfrider.com. 793 units. $270-$600 double; from
$1,050 suite. Extra person $65. Children under 18 stay free in parent's room. Cribs free, rollaway beds $55.
Ask about special package rates, which could save you as much as 35%. AE, DC, MC, V. Valet parking $15,
self-parking at sister property $10. Bus: 19 or 20. Amenities: 3 restaurants; bar; outdoor pool; nearby fitness
room (about a 2-min. walk down the beach at the Sheraton Waikiki); watersports equipment rental; children's
program (featuring both on-site activities and excursions to the Honolulu Zoo and the Waikiki Aquarium);
nearby game room (a stroll down the beach at the Sheraton Waikiki); concierge; activities desk; car rental
desk; nearby business center (a few min. away at the Royal Hawaiian); very upscale shopping arcade; salon;
room service; massage; babysitting; coin-op laundry; same-day laundry service and dry cleaning. In room:A/C,
TV, dataport, fridge, coffeemaker, hair dryer, iron, safe.
Waikiki Parc Terrifically located just 100 yards from the beach, this hotel
is for people who want a taste of the Halekulani's elegance, grace, and style but
at a more reasonable price. It's tucked just behind the Halekulani and is owned
and operated by the same company. The compact, beautifully appointed rooms
all have lanais with ocean, mountain, or city views; ceramic-tile floors with plush
carpeting; and conversation areas with a writing desk and rattan couch and
chair. Since the rooms are on the smallish side, they really only comfortably hold
three. You can get a second connecting room at 50% off. From July to Septem-
ber, kids 12 and under eat free with every paying adult.
2233 Helumoa Rd. (at Lewers St.), Honolulu, HI 96815. & 800/422-0450 or 808/921-7272. Fax 808/923-
1336. www.waikikiparchotel.com. 298 units. $225-$320 double. Extra person $50. Children 14 and under
stay free in parent's room. Cribs and rollaway beds free for kids 14 and under. Ask about room/car, bed-and-
breakfast, and family packages. AE, DC, MC, V. Self- or valet parking $15. Bus: 19 or 20. Amenities: 2 restau-
rants; concierge; activities desk; business center; limited room service; babysitting; coin-op laundry; same-day
laundry and dry cleaning. In room:A/C, TV, dataport (in some rooms), fridge, hair dryer, safe.
Inexpensive
Aloha Punawai Here's one of Waikiki's best-kept secrets: a low-profile,
family-operated (since 1959) apartment hotel just 2 blocks from the beach and
within walking distance of most Waikiki attractions. The Aloha Punawai offers
some of the lowest prices in Waikiki; if you stay a week, prices drop even more.
And the location is great, just across the street from Fort DeRussy Park and 2
blocks to Grey's Beach—the same great beach facing the luxury Halekulani and
Sheraton Waikiki hotels. The staff is very welcoming to families and happily
direct you to all the activities in the neighborhood. Don't expect the Ritz (or any
interior decoration, for that matter)—just sparkling clean accommodations in a
great location. The apartments contain a mishmash of furniture and come with
full kitchens and lanais. Towels and linens are provided, but there are no phones
(bring your cell) and no pool (hey, the beach is just a couple of blocks away).
Families should book the deluxe one-bedroom with a queen bed, a twin bed,
and a double pullout sofa, all for the low price of $110.

Value