A Home Away from Home at the OHANA Waikiki East

People save up for years to travel to Hawaii, therefore, finding value is important to many when vacationing in Waikiki.  Even for kama`aina who choose to staycation in Waikiki, things can add up - dining out, parking fees, etc.  Thankfully, the OHANA Waikiki East, with over 400 guest rooms and suites, offers value, convenience, and service with aloha, making it an ideal hotel for both visitors and kama`aina.

I personally decided to stay at the OHANA Waikiki East because I had a lot of events going on in Waikiki over a weekend (including an event with my family), and instead of driving back and forth to my house, I chose OHANA Waikiki East to be our "home away from home" for the weekend.

Upon arrival at the hotel, we parked our car in the covered parking garage ($24/day; kama`aina get 50% off parking), experienced a quick and friendly check-in, and went up the secured elevator to our 1 Bedroom Suite with Kitchenette.

The suite was very spacious, with 2 double beds in the bedroom, and a kitchenette and pull-out sofa bed in the living room.

Bedroom

Living Room

Kitchenette

Bathroom

Although I thought the bathroom was tiny,  the suite itself was huge and provided our family with more than enough room.  There were two televisions, two desks, and a dining table, allowing members of our family to eat, nap, watch TV, or work without being bothered.

The lanai gave us fantastic views of Waikiki!

King's Village

Mountain view

Waikiki lights

Although the building itself is dated, recent renovations, including updated bathrooms, 42" TVs, new mattresses, and tropical style decor, provided all the comforts and conveniences that we needed throughout the weekend.

And talk about value - the price of a 1 bedroom suite with kitchenette is less than what you'd pay for a standard room at many hotels closer to the beach, and an $11.95 daily OHANA Waikiki Connection fee ($6 for Kama`aina) includes some great amenities, such as complimentary newspaper and internet access.

Our favorite amenity was the free access to the Pink Line Trolley.

Simply show your room key and you can ride the trolley all throughout Waikiki and to Ala Moana Center.  I rode the trolley several times to go to events, and our family even rode it once just to "play tourist" (it was about an hour round-trip ride).

The trolley stops are just a short walk from the OHANA Waikiki East, making it easy for us to get to Honolulu Zoo, Waikiki Beach Walk, and other areas throughout Waikiki - no need to find/pay for parking!

Pink Line Trolley

If you prefer to walk, the OHANA Waikiki East is conveniently located in the heart of Waikiki, making it simple for you to get to the beach and other popular spots in Waikiki by foot.

Another way OHANA Waikiki East makes a stay convenient is through their on-site dining options. Kimo Bean offers a variety of teas, coffees and grab-and-go snacks; Chuck's Cellar offers prime rib and seafood for dinner; Keoni by Keo's not only offers Thai food for lunch and dinner, but also great breakfasts (you can read my review on Keoni by Keo's here). And coming soon is Tanaka of Tokyo!

There are also many restaurants within walking distance, and for those who are staying in a suite with a kitchenette, a grocery store is located right across the street, allowing guests to cook up their own meals instead of dining out every night!

The OHANA Waikiki East also has a nice pool, whirlpool spa, large sundeck, business center, fitness center, and more!

Pool

Our stay at the OHANA Waikiki East was everything we had hoped for.  The suite was spacious, the location was convenient, the amenities were valuable, and the service was excellent.

Housekeeping was so friendly whenever we passed by in the halls, and the front desk employees were always so helpful.

Mahalo OHANA Waikiki East for being the ideal home away from home!

Complimentary tote with Connection fee

OHANA Waikiki East
150 Kaiulani Ave
Honolulu, HI 96815
(808) 922-5353

For more information on OHANA Waikiki East, click here.  Kama`aina rates available.

Thank you to OHANA Waikiki East for hosting our staycation.  Parking and gratuity was paid on my own.