Park Shore Waikiki

Park Shore Waikiki opened around 40 years ago and despite ongoing renovations, this hotel remains fairly staid and even a bit tired when it comes to decor. Even so, when compared to other Waikiki mid-range properties, it's well kept and modern enough. The major draw here is location (and price), and the views of the beach and nearby Kapiolani Park can be had from many vantages throughout the hotel. Common spaces aren't numerous, but the lobby is a laid-back space where guests are often typing away on their laptops or phones throughout the day. Park Shore’s big pool has fabulous views (perhaps Waikiki’s best) of the beach, the park, and -- in the distance -- Diamond Head Crater. It’s also where a free weekly cocktail reception is hosted, adding just a bit of a social scene. Overall, the hotel offers an unfussy, quiet stay. It's also a solid value in a part of town that's often eye-wateringly expensive. Hotel guests come from around the world, including travelers from Asia and the continental U.S.

Situated at the eastern end of Waikiki, Park Shore has easy access to a stunning Kuhio Beach and Kapiolani Regional Park, with Diamond Head views from many spots in the hotel. The beach here is protected by sea walls, making it safe for swimming children. Honolulu Zoo is across the street, while the Waikiki Aquarium is just a bit farther (under 10 minutes on foot). It's also about 10 minutes on foot to central Waikiki's shops and restaurants. Diamond Head State Monument has fabulous hiking trails and is a five-minute drive from Park Shore. Ala Moana Shopping Center, Hawaii's biggest mall, is a 10-minute drive away. There are also cheap and easy-to-use buses that run throughout Waikiki. Downtown Honolulu, Chinatown, and the Iolani Palace (Hawaiian royalty’s former home) are 15 to 20 minutes away by car, depending on traffic. Hanauma Bay -- with its fabulous protected beach and vibrant snorkeling reef -- is a 25-minute drive from the hotel. Oahu’s North Shore and its terrific beaches take an hour to reach by car. Expect a 25- to 30-minute car ride to Honolulu International Airport. 

Park Shore’s rooms are pleasant enough, with modern, generic furniture plus lots of wood-veneer and gold accents, including brown carpeted floors. Layouts are on the small side, but efficiently designed with built-ins and floor-to-ceiling windows so they don’t feel cramped. Expect one king or two double beds plus 42-inch flat-screen TVs that are situated above desk/dresser combos. The balconies are a major plus, and Ocean View Rooms overlook stunning Waikiki Beach and the boardwalk. All rooms have granite-countered nooks with safes, mini-fridges, and coffeemakers (plus free coffee). Bathrooms feature wide granite vanities as well as shower/tub combos, hairdryers, and plenty of towels. However, tall guests might struggle though as the showerheads are pretty low. Hawaiian Tropic branded toiletries include two types of bar soap. Other in-room amenities include irons, ironing boards, and luggage stands. Wi-Fi is included in the property’s resort fee. Thanks to the hotel's location at the eastern edge of Waikiki, traffic and tourist noise is significantly lower here than in the center of the neighborhood.

Park Shore’s amenities are included in the hotel’s mandatory resort fee, though they're a bit limited considering the additional expense. The freshwater pool is -- of course -- the hotel's top spot. It's surrounded by loungers and umbrellas, and overlooks Waikiki Beach and lush Kapiolani Park. The beach is across the street and the hotel provides free beach chairs and towels. This section of shoreline -- known as Kuhio Beach -- is sheltered, making it better for kids and families to swim than Queen's Beach to the east. There’s no fitness center, but free weekday yoga classes are a plus. Three independently owned restaurants get mixed reviews and serve American, Hawaiian, and Japanese cuisine. Room service isn’t available. There’s also a Starbucks. In the lobby, you'll find a surf school, vending machines, a travel and tourism desk, and a mini-mart. Kid-specific features are almost non-existent. Laundry service is available as is valet parking (for a fee). Hotel freebies include shuttles to the Ala Moana Shopping Center, newspapers, and Wi-Fi (although upgraded speeds are available for a fee).