Affordable Accomodations

Question

My boyfriend and I are planning a last minute trip to Waikiki and I'm stressed to find an affordable accommodation.

We won't be renting a car so it would be nice to be at least in walking distance to a beach, some restaurants, grocery store. We would like to get a rental/hotel with a kitchen so we can save some money by cooking our own meals.

A basic and clean hotel is really all we need, we are pretty easy. Our budget would be about $800 for 1 week, mid April.

Any and all help is really appreciated! :) Thanks!

Answer

Finding affordable accommodations in Waikiki, especially last minute, can be challenging, but there are options that fit a modest budget and offer kitchen facilities to help save on meals. Given your $800 budget for one week in mid-April, here are some practical choices and strategies.

First, consider small condo-style rentals or budget hotels that offer kitchenettes. Staying within walking distance to the beach, grocery stores, and restaurants is very doable in Waikiki, which is compact and pedestrian-friendly.

Vacation Rentals / Condos: Websites like Airbnb or Vrbo often have studio or one-bedroom units with full or partial kitchens. Look for properties labeled “studio” or “efficiency” in central Waikiki. Staying in a building a few blocks inland from the main beach strip can save money while still being within a 5–10 minute walk to the sand.
Budget Hotels with Kitchenettes: Some hotels in Waikiki offer rooms with kitchenettes or small kitchen facilities. Options worth checking for mid-April rates include:
- Aqua Aloha Surf Waikiki – Simple, clean, and some rooms have kitchenettes; close to the beach.
- Ilima Hotel – Offers efficiency rooms with small kitchenettes; walking distance to grocery stores and restaurants.
- White Sands Hotel – Basic accommodations with a kitchenette in select rooms; good location near the south end of Waikiki.
Hostels / Budget Inns: If you’re comfortable with a simple setup, some hostels offer private rooms with shared kitchen access, such as Hostelling International Honolulu. These are often well below $800/week and allow you to cook your own meals.

Additional tips to maximize your budget:

Book as soon as possible; last-minute rates can fluctuate, but some rentals drop prices for unbooked dates.
Check for weekly discounts—many vacation rentals offer a reduced rate if booking for seven nights.
Focus on rooms slightly inland from the main beachfront; they are usually cheaper but still walkable to the beach.
Read recent reviews carefully regarding cleanliness, safety, and actual kitchen facilities to avoid surprises.

By targeting small condos or budget hotels with kitchenettes in central Waikiki, you can comfortably stay within your $800 budget while still enjoying proximity to the beach, restaurants, and grocery stores for self-catering. Early booking is key, especially for mid-April when Waikiki can start getting busy.