Hotels in Waikiki are similar to hotels in other resort and vacation areas. Lots of concrete. Plenty of people. Noisy. Traffic. Waikiki’s hotels are set along Pacific Ocean beaches. Remember Jack Lord and Hawaii 5-0? Which hotel shows up in the opening of Hawaii 5-0? What’s it called today?

One of Waikiki’s landmark hotels is the Ilikai. In the opening of Hawaii 5-0, Jack Lord stands atop the hotel as a helicopter zooms in for a close-up shot. The Ilikai’s been around a long time. Sorta like Dame Edna. And, like Britain’s charming and irreverent other queen, the Ilikai is a grand old lady. Don’t miss the elevator ride to the top. There’s a great view of the harbor, beachs, and sunsets.

The Ilikai is about halfway between Ala Moana Center and Hilton’s Hawaiian Village. Amenities are typical for Waikiki’s larger hotels. Pool. Spa. Great restaurants. Convenient location. The Ilikai overlooks the delightful Ala Wai boat harbor which traces heritage back to another TV show — Gilligan’s Island. The good ship Minnow left the harbor for it’s three-hour tour right here in good ol’ paradise.

You can walk from the Ilikai to the Hilton, to the nearby beach, or a couple of blocks to Ala Moana Center for some shopping. Across from Ala Moana Center is Ala Moana Beach Park; another busy beach.

Just a block from the Ilikai is the Hilton Hawaiian Village. There’s over 3,000 rooms in the complex which can handle over 8,000 guests; which makes the Hilton larger than some small towns. And with more mold than most.

One block in the other direction is the Hawaii Prince Hotel. Like the Ilikai, the Prince has a glass elevator which gives a great view of the view you can’t see at the Ilikai. Mountains. The Hawaii Prince caters to Japanese tourists. The buffet is to die for.

Although the area, considered the beginning of Waikiki, has many other smaller and less expensive “bargain” hotels, the Ilikai, the Hilton, and the Prince are among Waikiki’s best.

Summary: A room at the Ilikai, the Hilton, or the Prince is an excellent choice. Not as pricey as the larger neighbor island resorts, all three offer a sweet combination of good service, excellent amenities (the Hilton wins, hands down), and convenient location.

Pros: Moderately priced for good quality, convenient, excellent restaurants.

Cons: Busy areas. Hilton is shielded somewhat from the madding crowds. The Ilikai is not.

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