Oahu By Location

Ala Moana Hotel, 410 Atkinson Dr. (☎808-955-4811; www.alamoanahotel.com). A great location within walking distance of the shopping center, bus routes, and Waikiki, this colossal hotel has 36 floors and a sleek design, thanks to recent renovations. It tops all but the best of Waikiki’s hotels, with a state-of-the-art fitness room, pool deck, 4 restaurants, and the popular Rumours nightclub. The enormous lobby features several shops and business center with Internet ($12 per hr.). 24hr. reception. Parking $15 per day. Check-in 3pm. Check-out noon. Doubles $150-190. AmEx/D/MC/V.
Pagoda Hotel and Terrace, 1525 Rycroft St. (☎808-941-6611; www.pagodahotel.com). From Waikiki, take Kapiolani Blvd. west from McCully St. and turn right onto Kaheka St.; take second left onto Kanunu St. to the parking lot on the right. Outstanding rates and promotions make up for an inland location and dated decor. The Pagoda Hotel has standard 2-person doubles in the 12-floor tower and 1-2 bedroom suites and studios with kitchenettes in the terrace building. Terrace rooms can accommodate up to 6 people. All rooms have A/C, cable TV, Wi-Fi ($10 per day), and access to 2 pools. The Floating Pagoda restaurant is accessible by bridge over the koi pond. Parking $7 per day. 24hr. reception. Check-in 3pm. Check-out noon. Standard doubles and 2-bedroom terrace room with kitchenette start at $126 (weekday) and $148 (weekend). Check out “hot deal” promotional rates on their website. AmEx/D/MC/V.
Central YMCA, 401 Atkinson Dr. (☎808-941-3344), across the street from the Ala Moana Hotel. Catering to budget tourists with a fantastic location outside Waikiki, 1 block from Ala Moana Beach Park. College-style dorms with a twin bed, desk, chair, and storage closet. Limited A/C available. Amenities include use of the pool, fitness room, and free access to exercise classes. Internet access in lobby ($1 per 10min.). Parking $5 extra per day. No reservations accepted. Check-out 10am. 18+ with photo ID. Single with shared bath (male only) $40, with private bath (male or female) $54; doubles $61. Building hours M-F 5am-10pm, Sa 5am-7pm, Su 7am-7pm. AmEx/MC/V.

Downtown And Chinatown

ResortQuest at the Executive Centre Hotel, 1088 Bishop St. (☎808-539-3000). From H-1 East, take Exit 21A and turn right onto Pali Hwy., which becomes Bishop St. As the only hotel in the financial district, the Executive Centre Hotel caters primarily to business travelers with same-day laundry and dry cleaning for a fee, free in-room Internet, and 24hr. business center. Rooms are neat, spacious, and comfortable but not luxurious. Outdoor whirlpool and sun deck with a 20m lap pool. Continental breakfast included. Check-in 3pm. Check-out noon. Business suites from $230. 1-bedroom executive suites with full kitchen and in-room washer/dryer from $290. AmEx/D/MC/V.
Nuuanu YMCA, 1441 Pali Hwy. (☎808-536-3558; www.ymcahonolulu.org). From H-1 East, take exit 21A and turn right onto Pali Hwy. Make a U-turn at S. Vineyard Blvd. Simple rooms and well-maintained facilities. Guests have free access to a lap pool and cardio room. Hall phones with free outgoing local calls. No A/C. Key deposit $5. Reception 24hr. No reservations accepted. Check-in 3pm. Check-out noon. Single rooms $33. Weekly rooms $210. AmEx/MC/V.

Manoa And The University Area

Manoa Valley Inn, 2001 Vancouver Dr. (☎808-947-6019; www.manoavalleyinn.com). Take Kapiolani Blvd., S. King St., or H-1 to University Ave. and drive mauka (toward the mountains). Turn left onto Vancouver. Built in 1912, this cozy, Victorian-style inn is a perfect hideaway from the hurried pace of Honolulu; staying here is completely worth the 20min. drive to downtown. Complimentary continental breakfast is served each morning on the breezy veranda. Hot tub in the garden. Free parking for compact cars. 2-night min. Check-in 3pm. Check-out 11am. Make reservations at least 1 mo. in advance to reserve one of the inn’s 8 rooms. Doubles with shared bath $140, private bath $170; cottage with A/C and fridge $145. Reduced rates in low season. MC/V.
Hostelling International Honolulu, 2323A Seaview Ave. (☎808-946-0591; www.hiayh.org). Turn onto Seaview Ave. from University Ave.; the hostel is opposite the UH campus 4 blocks north of H-1. The best-kept hostel in Honolulu welcomes international travelers with tidy rooms in a mellow residential neighborhood. Free lockers (bring padlock). Linen $2. Communal bath, fully equipped and orderly kitchen, coin-op laundry, and comfortable cable TV lounge. 3-day max. for nonmembers, 7-day max. for members. Reception 8am-noon and 4pm-midnight. Reserve 2 weeks in advance. Single-sex 6- or 7-bed dorms $18 for members, nonmembers $21. AmEx/MC/V.

Greater Honolulu

Pacific Marina Inn, 2628 Waiwai Loop (☎808-836-1131, fax 808-833-0851). Take the frontage road from Nimitz Hwy. outside the airport east to Lagoon Dr.; make a left onto Waiwai Loop. Just 5 min. from the airport, Pacific Marina Inn offers no-frills rooms at decent prices but is far removed from the activity of downtown and Waikiki. The closest beach is Ala Moana Beach Park, at least a 25-minute bus ride away. Pool, cable TV, and free Wi-Fi. Free 24hr. transportation to the airport. Limited free parking. 24hr. reception. Check-in 3pm. Check-out noon. Check online for “hot deal” promotions. Standard rooms (one queen or two twin beds) $128-140, 4-person room (2 double beds) $143-160, suites (1 queen and two twin beds; on request only) $170. AmEx/D/MC/V.