Hawaiian King 501 Studio, Pool and BBQ Grill, Sleeps 4

The location worked well for a casual beach trip, with everything walkable and the beach nearby. Just know this is more like an Airbnb stay, with no room service, which I hadn’t realized when I booked. We went for a wedding, and the setup made getting ready tricky: there was no iron, nowhere to hang our outfits, and no full-length mirror. There was also a bad smell coming from the air vent. If you need a late checkout, request it when you make the reservation.

Right in the heart of Waikiki, it’s two blocks from the beach, on the bus line, and across from International marketplace. The vibe is great, and there’s an elevator and washing machines. David at the front desk is really nice and knows a lot about getting around the area. The place is a bit run down, and if homeless people make you uncomfortable, this isn’t for you. It’s not high-end, but if you’re after an affordable place that meets your needs, this could be the one.

The pool, laundry, elevator, and patio were all very clean, and the front desk staff were helpful and courteous. They don’t rent units to walk-ins, though. Each unit has a different owner and is rented through places like AirBnB or VRBO, so cleanliness can vary by unit. We booked through an AirBnB owner and had a great time. It’s one block from the International Market and two from the beach. The faded exterior hides a VINTAGE GEM, with a feel like stepping back into the 1960s. We loved it and will return. Thanks Hawaiian King.

David, the property manager, is excellent and trustworthy, and the security access is good. The apartments are dated, and there’s a bar downstairs that can get noisy in the evenings. The unit I stayed in was well stocked, including snorkeling and beach gear. There’s a pool, and the price is reasonable given how temporary accommodation around Waikiki keeps getting more expensive. The location is excellent, just a short walk to International market and Waikiki beach.