Waikiki Marina Resort at the Ilikai

We stayed there the first week of March and would like to go back. Superb location; excellent condo.

Nice job refurbishing 450 to 500 sq ft hotel studios. Brand new, reopened in May 2005. Full- size oven, frig, microwave, single sink and no dishwasher. No dining table but narrow breakfast counter with two bar chairs. Comfortable king- size bed, pull-out double couch, living room chair with ottoman, cocktail tables and a work table. Armoire has decent size tv with expanded channel selection including HBO family of channels. Overall, a bit too much furniture in the space. Limited closet and drawer space for stays of more than a few days.

Shell Vacations has 80 units in the Ilikai, vast majority being lower floor units with street view (Hobron Lane). Decent size lanai with two chairs and lounger. Ocean view units are great if you can get one.

Bathroom has shower only and only counter top space for toiletries (no cabinet or drawer). Iron and board in suite; pay laundry on every floor.

Ilikai opened in the 60s but is well maintained. Two average sized pools don't seem adequate for 1000 unit complex but could not truly assess because weather was rainy. Six person hot tub is definitely in heavy demand.

Three restaurants (all good) on site plus pool bar. In area, Nick's Fishmarket restaurant is an institution not to be missed. More quirky is Fox & Hounds across street. Run down place but great fish and chips - one order easily serves two.

Located at quieter end of Waikiki Beach, next door to Hilton Hawaiian Village. Marina is directly in front of resort/hotel but it's just five minute walk to Waikiki Beach and probably ten minutes to Ala Moana Beach Park. Don't know where "pristine white sand beaches" referred to above are located, but the brown sand beaches we frequented are large and are groomed each night.

Enjoyed our stay and have already booked next visit. Definitely recommended as a 4.5 star studio.