The newest hotel in the cheap-chic Aqua chain, Hotel Renewis a block from Waikiki Beach and is furnished with cushy chaises and giant platform beds. It's achingly hip but not at the expense of comfort or quality. Strengths: Accommodating staff; free Wi-Fi; close to the beach. Weaknesses: No pool; smallish rooms; a cramped lobby (808-687-7700; hotelrenew.com; doubles, $230–$310).

Budget-savvy Europeans and young Japanese couples are drawn to the Waikiki Parc, a renovated tower hotel, for its crisply furnished rooms, stellar service, and location across the street from the beach. Strengths: Small pool; balconies with ocean views from several rooms; top-notch concierges; Nobu sushi on the first floor. Weakness: Rooms show wear and tear (808-921-7272; waikikiparc.com; doubles, $173–$251).

The Waikiki Wave, also part of the Aqua hotel group, is the company's best bargain. Rooms are spacious and classically stylish, with cocoa-colored walls, red-and-orange-striped curtains, and new carpeting. If it weren't for the dowdy lobby and location—two blocks from the beach on busy Kuhio Avenue—the hotel would surely command a much higher room rate. Strengths: Free Wi-Fi and great decor. Weaknesses: Lousy views; no pool; limited parking; late-night noise from the club next door (808-943-9291; aquaresorts.com; doubles, $155–$174).

Ke'iki Beach Bungalows, an 11-cottage property on the island's North Shore, may be as austere as a summer camp, but it's situated on one of Oahu's best stretches of white sand. Bungalows are a bit worn although spotlessly clean, with lanais and full kitchens. Five are oceanfront, with picnic tables and landscaped decks. Stock up on groceries at Foodland, just down the road, and make use of the outdoor barbecue included with the rental. Strength: Beachfront location near the North Shore's main sights. Weakness: No-frills interiors (808-638-8229; keikibeach.com; doubles, $135–$230).

Dining
Locals love Yama's Fish Market, a takeout spot near the University of Hawaii: The kalua pig is smoky and fork tender and the pokes (raw seasoned fish) are among the island's best (2332 Young St.; 808-941-9994; plates, $6–$9). The hidden courtyard at Brasserie du Vin, in the Chinatown district, is a delightful spot for earthy pâté de campagne, fresh fish, and a side of golden frites (1115 Bethel St.; 808-545-1115; entrées, $16–$18). Nico's at Pier 38 serves peerless seafood, including the celebrated blackened ahi with a tangy cilantro lime tartar sauce, as well as local favorites such as loco moco—a hamburger on rice topped with gravy and fried eggs (1133 N. Nimitz Hwy; 808-540-1377; plates, $7–$9; closes at 5 p.m.). The Side Street Inncombines a sports bar atmosphere with expert cooking in an out-of-the-way area near Ala Moana. Dine on ample portions of unpretentious Chinese, Korean, and island dishes, such as pan-fried pork chops, stir-fried rice with kimchi, and mountainous salads (1225 Hopaka St.; 808-591-0253; pupus, $6–$25).
Mollie Chen