Things to do in Waikiki

5 kilometers of sand and hotels running from Kapiolani Park to the Ala Wai canal mouth, with Diamond Head rising right at its eastern end. Downtown Honolulu and Ala Moana's shops are a 10 to 15 minute drive or bus ride west. Most visitors to Oahu sleep here, and most boat tours, luaus and island excursions depart from its hotels.

Almost every hotel in the neighborhood adds a nightly resort fee on top of the room rate, though the amount varies by property, so check it before booking. Waikiki suits first-time visitors, families and anyone without a rental car: the beach, restaurants and Biki bike-share stations are all within walking distance.