Where to stay in Kapahulu Honolulu, Oahu

Kapahulu is a strip of shops and dining establishments that leads to Waikiki, the largest city and entertainment hub of the island. Kapahulu is by no means a paler comparison to the colorful and lovely Waikiki. It is also a bustling corner of Honolulu. With its eateries and restaurants that are a favorite of many locals,it is the perfect place to visit especially if you want to spend the day mingling with its residents.

As for where to stay while there, you have the option of staying right in the heart of Kapahulu since the strip also features a number of rentals and hotels. However, don't think that you are limited to this option because in fact, Kapahulu's location makes other accommodation options easily available to you.

The Waikiki Grand Hotel

If you want to be at the center of all the hustle, stay at the Waikiki Grand Hotel located at Kapahulu Avenue. The Waikiki Grand Hotel features a spectacular ocean view as well as the views of Diamond Head and of Kapiolani Park, all seen from each of the rooms’ newly-renovated lanais. Rooms come with full amenities such as air conditioning, alarm clock, bar, coffee maker, TV, CD player, maid service, high-speed internet access, to name a few. Guests can also expect a full continental breakfast in the morning.

Queen Kapiolani Grand Hotel

This hotel provides a stunning view of two of the most recognizable landmarks in Waikiki: Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head. The Queen Kapiolani Grand Hotel is just one block from the zoo and the Waikiki aquarium and is only a short walk away from Kapahulu’s shops and restaurants such as Lulu’s and Starbucks. The hotel’s concierge is the perfect person to approach for a day trip anywhere on the island. It also has two gift shops in the lower floor that sells swimming apparel as well as an Expedia outlet where guests can make flight reservations.

Although rated as a moderate hotel, balcony views here are still as stunning as what guests would get staying at more expensive digs. The Castle Queen Kapiolana Hotel also features an open-air garden lanai restaurant as well as a pool and a sundeck. Guests can enjoy the hotel’s special buffets in the Peacock Dining room.

The hotel is known for its 19th century architecture and is lavishly decorated with 10-foot chandeliers and plush furniture. The hotel’s budget rooms may be too small for some guests but a quick upgrade to the superior rooms will solve that problem. Superior rooms also boasts of better views and are located in the upper floors, where the noise of the street is less noticeable. The hotel is only 12 miles away from the Honolulu International Airport.

The Pueo Estate

For one of the most luxurious stays on the island that does not involve checking into hotels or dealing with noisy street traffic blowing up to your window, the Pueo Estate is the answer. This is a vacation home that is perfect if you want peace, quiet, comfort and luxury. The house comes with a large, free form pool with a cascading waterfall, and the huge manicured garden is lighted at night for the guests’ pleasure. The estate is built to accommodate ten people, comes with a state-of-the art kitchen, complete entertainment system and even a Roadrunner hookup for computer use. There is also a family-sized barbeque by the pool. Bedrooms are tastefully decorated. The master bedroom is tastefully done in classic white, with a magnificent crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling and a small balcony that opens outside.

The Orchid House

Built from the inspiration of the works of renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright, the Orchid house is an elegant vacation home that boasts of one of the best views of the beach as well as of the Mokulua islands. It also features a beautiful waterfall, a surrounding redwood deck that is the perfect place to enjoy the beach and afternoon barbeques with friends, and is surrounded by lush foliage from all sides. This tropical getaway also comes with a designer kitchen, oak floors, a skylight, and built in living spaces. Prospective renters have the option of staying for one night or longer. A six month minimum deposit is required for those who want to stay for six months or more.

Hale Lanikai

This beachfront vacation rental home with four bedrooms and four baths is a perfect getaway for eight people. With a stunning view of the beach and the Mokulua islands, renters can enjoy their days relaxing under the sun and or snorkeling in the clear waters just a few steps from the house. The rental features a main house and a guest house. It features full amenities including cable, internet access, microwaves, washers and dryers, an oceanfront view and a security system. It also features a sunny living area with large, open windows to let the Hawaiian breeze in at any time of the day.

Hale Aloha

This vacation rental is the perfect place for a family looking for a small cottage with all the amenities for a comfortable stay. All decked out in tropical furnishings, comfortable bedrooms and modern baths, as well as tastefully decorated rooms with king, queen and two twin beds, the cottage also comes with a wide lawn and a patio that is the perfect place for outdoor afternoon barbeques. The cottage comes with all the amenities, including cable, TV, VCR and stereo. It is also located just a few steps away from Lanikai Beach.

The Ko’olina Beach Resort

The Ko’olina Beach resort features its 7-star beach villas for the ultimate Hawaiian vacation. With its history as one of the island’s most private and gated resorts that were once exclusive to royalty, the Ko’olina Resort and Marina is a gated community of plush villas, fine restaurants, a championship golf course, spa services, swimming lagoons, and a private 300 slip marina. Truly a place for the wealthy and those seeking a Hawaiian vacation the best way possible, the Ko’olina Beach Resort is also a mere 30 minutes away from the bustling cities of Honolulu and Waikiki.

Aside from these nothing can beat the plushness of Ko’olina villas, all overlooking the beach and the surrounding areas of the resort. Three-bedroom residences that come with a signature kitchen designed by Chef Roy Yamaguchi, plasma TVs, iPod docking stations, a fitness center, a lap pool, the best in electrical appliances, complete surround sound and entertainment system with HDTV and access to the hotel’s concierge service, all these help give tourists the best deal for their money. A walk through the seaside garden is a good way to spend the afternoon, followed by a dip in the pool. Cabanas, lounge areas and bars also dot the hotel grounds. But perhaps the best view can be found at the beach, where powdery white sand meets clear blue waters as tall stately palm trees dance in the breeze.

Those who are planning on longer stays on the island will find a number of rentals and apartments as well as sublets and rooms for rent on Kapahulu. From one-bedroom and two bedroom apartments, either beach front with great ocean views or apartments that overlook the busy streets of Kapahulu Avenue, one can find affordably-priced apartments and vacation rentals. You can also find a lot of other vacation rentals available online. Online bookings are often the best way to book Kapahulu rentals, as there aren’t that many of them and they can easily get fully booked especially during the peak tourist seasons.

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