Hawaii is best known for its elaborate, luxury resorts along the state's many white and black sand beaches. However, while these resorts are undeniably comfortable, it's sometimes nice to stay in a smaller, less commercial property, away from the hustle and bustle of the tourist routes. This is especially true if you'll be spending your days surfing,
Pagoda Hotel in Oahu
This 359-room hotel is located away from the congestion of Waikiki Beach, halfway between the beach and downtown Honolulu. Facilities include a restaurant, a swimming pool, a koi fish pond, a sundeck and high-speed Internet access. Rates are considerably less than comparable Waikiki Beach hotels.
Pagoda Hotel
1525 Rycroft Street
Honolulu, HI 96814-2494
(808) 941-6611
Dolphin Bay Hotel on Hawaii
The majority of visitors to the Big Island of Hawaii head for the pristine beaches and mega-resorts along the island's Kona Coast, on the western side of the island. Those wanting to see a slice of "real" Hawaii, though, head for Hilo, on the opposite coast. This relaxed town of around 40,000 residents is home to a thriving farmer's market, orchid farms and is a great base for exploring Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa volcanoes. The 18-room Dolphin Bay Hotel there offers spacious accommodations, each with its own kitchen. The hotel lacks a pool and restaurant, but dining and swimming are available nearby.
Dolphin Bay Hotel
333 Iliahi Street
Hilo Hawaii 96720
(877) 935-1466
Garden Island Inn on Kauai
The popular tourist areas of Kauai are sunny Poipu Beach to the south and exotic Hanelei Bay to the north. But, that is not all there is to Hawaii's "Garden Isle." Kalapaki Beach, on Kauai's eastern coast is near the port of Kauai and offers simple accommodations near favorite local restaurants and shopping. The Garden Island Hotel at Kalapaki Beach is a small, boutique hotel with just 21 rooms, all with a kitchenette, flat-screen TV, fresh flowers daily, Internet access and complimentary use of beach gear and the hotel's DVD library.
Garden Island Inn
3445 Wilcox Road
Kalapaki Beach
Lihue, Kauai, Hawaii 96766
(800) 648 0154
Paia Inn Hotel
Located on a three-mile stretch of beach on Maui's secluded north shore, the Paia Inn Hotel offers high-speed Internet access, flat-screen TVs and air-conditioning in all rooms. Facilities include an outdoor deck and beach access. Morning coffee and muffins are included in the room rates.
Paia Inn Hotel
93 Hana Highway
Paia, Maui, Hawaii 96779
(808) 579-6000
About The Author
Sandy is a Cleveland Ohio-based writer, blogger, and editor. Among other projects, she writes and edits the Cleveland pages for About.com and blogs about a variety of subjects for b5media. Her first book, "Cleveland's Little Italy" was published in May of 2008.
