Ala Moana vs Waikiki with an infant and no car

Question

I'm traveling to Honolulu with my hubby and infant. We're looking for a relaxed holiday around late May/early June.

We'd like your recommendation on where to stay Ala Moana (near the Hilton hotel property side) vs Waikiki.

Couple of things:

- We don't plan on renting a car

- We want to be at a walking distance to grocery store and restaurants (but mainly will cook at the Airbnb)

- We just want to relax at the beach or push the stroller at some nearby park with the baby

- Trip will be for about a week

Answer

Both Ala Moana and Waikiki are fantastic areas in Honolulu, but they each have their own unique qualities. Given that you're traveling with an infant and prefer a more relaxed holiday without a car, let’s break down the pros and cons of staying in each area to help you decide.

Ala Moana (near the Hilton Hawaiian Village side):

Pros:
- Quieter Atmosphere: Ala Moana is a bit quieter and more residential than Waikiki, making it ideal for those looking to relax without the hustle and bustle of a busy tourist area. It's a more laid-back environment, which might be better for you and your infant.
- Close to Ala Moana Beach Park: The beach park is perfect for a peaceful day out with your baby. You can easily push a stroller along the park's walking paths and enjoy the views of the ocean. It’s a calm and family-friendly spot.
- Convenient Shopping: Ala Moana Center, one of the largest open-air shopping malls in the world, is just a short walk away. It has a large variety of stores, grocery stores (like Foodland), and restaurants, making it convenient for you to get what you need without a car.
- Easy Access to Public Transport: Ala Moana is well-connected to buses that can take you around the island, so even without a car, you can easily get to other parts of Honolulu and beyond.
Cons:
- Further from Central Waikiki: Although it's close to the beach, Ala Moana is not in the heart of Waikiki, which means that you’ll need to walk or take public transport (or a short taxi ride) to reach Waikiki’s famous shopping streets, nightlife, and major tourist attractions.

Waikiki:

Pros:
- Closer to the Action: Waikiki is the heart of Honolulu’s tourism scene. It’s filled with restaurants, cafes, shops, and other attractions. If you want easy access to a bustling area with a lot to do, Waikiki is the place to be.
- Famous Waikiki Beach: If you're interested in enjoying one of the most famous beaches in the world, Waikiki Beach is right at your doorstep. It’s great for lounging, strolling, or just enjoying the ocean views. While it can be crowded, it’s very accessible and easy to get to with an infant.
- Walkable to Amenities: Waikiki offers an abundance of grocery stores, restaurants, and shopping within walking distance, so you'll have plenty of choices for meals and essentials without needing a car.
- More Family-Friendly Activities: Waikiki has more organized activities like hula shows, surf lessons, and cultural performances that you might enjoy during your stay.
Cons:
- Busier Atmosphere: Waikiki is known for being crowded and busy, especially during peak tourist seasons. It may not be as relaxing or peaceful as you might want for a holiday with an infant.
- Higher Cost: Accommodations in Waikiki tend to be more expensive, especially in prime locations close to the beach.

Recommendation: Given that you are looking for a relaxing holiday with your infant and prefer a more peaceful experience, I would recommend staying in the Ala Moana area. It's quieter, offers easy access to a lovely beach park (Ala Moana Beach Park), and is close to shopping and restaurants without the chaos of Waikiki. While you will need to walk or take a short ride to get into the heart of Waikiki, the tranquility of Ala Moana makes it a great base for a more relaxed stay. You’ll still have access to everything you need, but with fewer crowds.

If you prefer to be right in the middle of the action and don’t mind the crowds, Waikiki is an option, but it can be more hectic for families seeking peace and relaxation. Either way, you’ll be able to walk to grocery stores and restaurants from both locations, but Ala Moana might offer a more peaceful and relaxed environment for your family.