Honolulu Great Values

A recent renovation converted this formerly nondescript hotel into a stylish boutique option with an Asian flair, serene vibe, understated customer service, and lower rates than its sister hotel, Halekulani.

Built in the 1960s on a large stretch of beach near Kapiolani Park, the New Otani has retained its mid-century retro groove: The open-air lobby and restaurants have a minimalist sensibility and let the view do the rest; the comfortable rooms all have lanais.

Oodles of extras – free internet access, continental breakfast, coffee available ’round the clock, Wednesday night wine tastings by the pool, a well-equipped fitness center, a private balcony, microwave, and mini-fridge in every room make Aqua Palms and Spa feel like a high-end boutique hotel; rooms done up in a soothing palette of sand tones livened up with a punch of signature aqua adds artsy allure. Add an in-house spa offering a full range of massages, facials, and other therapies at surprisingly reasonable prices and you just might forget you’re in the moderate category.

Learning to surf needn’t take all day. Head to the Aloha Beach Services stand behind the Westin Sheraton Moana Surfrider Hotel on Waikiki for half-day surfing lessons.

Sophisticated Thai dishes, like fresh ahi with curry and mango and wok-seared prawns, burst with...more

For one of the best grilled ahi sandwiches around, drive around the base of Diamond Head, order...more

Locals have been coming to this Chinatown landmark for over four decades to shop from wide variety of leis (at low prices) for special occasions. Cindy will even ship her vivid, fragrant arrangements to the mainland U.S.

Dim Sum at the boisterous Legends Seafood House in Chinatown is an after-church tradition for...more