Honolulu International Airport (HNL): Approximate driving time is 30 minutes and distance is 9 miles.

Numerous independent shuttles operate between the airport and Waikiki, charging $8-$18. On arrival, shuttle reservations are not necessary, but recommended. On return, shuttle reservations are essential. Taxis are widely available and charge a flat $25 fee for travel in Waikiki (subject to change). Car rentals are available via this Web site.

Best bet: Around Waikiki, guests can walk or take city buses to shows, shops and beach. Most visitors with plans to venture to Oahu's other attractions prefer rental cars.

Nearby restaurants:
Seaside Bar & Grill
Legends (Chinese)
House Without a Key

Amenity highlights: Every Thursday, managers mingle with guests sipping Mai Tais on the 44th floor roof deck of this high-rise hotel. The lobby has several seating areas and opens onto a large sundeck with lap pool, sauna, spa tub, and picnic tables. The famous shores of Waikiki Beach and the bustling shops at Kalakaua Avenue are three blocks away.

Insider tip: Ala Wai Golf Course is across the street from the hotel, with views of Diamond Head and the Koolau Mountains. Golf enthusiasts may want to book their tee times well in advance, as the Ala Wai is among the busiest courses in the United States.

On the sixth floor, a spacious, tiled sundeck borders a lap pool, sauna, spa tub, laundry facilities, soda machines, and several stone picnic tables. Also on the deck, a massage therapy and Chinese medicine center offers various health and body treatments (fee).