The New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel is a medium-rise, dated, sleepy, limited-service, unglamorous hotel that is set on a beautiful beach on the quiet, Diamond Head end of the Waikiki strip -- and it is enchanting. Rooms are small, there is no pool, common areas are minimal, and the "gym" is a vendor-operated bare-bones facility, but the service is relaxed and attentive, the whole place oozes with a friendly island vibe, and the hotel's setting on the low-key Sans Souci beach could not be more perfect. It's a great home-base for a Hawaiian vacation, for the location manages to feel quiet and beach-y, yet it is within walking distance of the bustle of Waikiki, and an easy drive to Oahu's top restaurants, attractions, shopping centers, cultural institutions (which are few in number), and outdoor options. If you want to park yourself at your hotel during your visit to Honolulu, go to another place with more amenities, but if you want a comforting place to rest your head in a welcoming and clean, island-style establishment, there is nothing else quite like this place. I highly recommend it.

We were upgraded to a partial ocean view unit that was actually a corner unit. The blue ocean and wonderful sea breeze lulled me to sleep. The sound of the waves throughout the night was soothing and very relaxing. We joined friends for Sunday brunch at the Hau Tree Lanai restaurant and I enjoyed my Crab Benedict with lots of coffee. This stay-cation was much needed. Mahalo to the helpful staff and very courteous valet employees. We will return!

There is no pool, but you are right on the best swimming beach in Waikiki. However, the hotel itself feels tired and dated. Louvered door to the bathroom was rather embarrassing when sharing a room with a friend. Overall, not worth the money

We stayed here for four nights in the run-up to Christmas. It has a great location right on the quiet Sans Souci beach, and a history of having had Robert Louis Stephenson to stay. It is on the site of an old family house, although all that seems to remain is the great verandah. The staff are nice, and the hotel is genuinely pleasant, while being something more than a dreadful modern concrete block. it is also conveniently located - a short, easy bus ride from town.
The rooms were small but workable.
The big problem, at least for a non American, is the air conditioning, Hawaii has a pleasant winter climate, trade winds, nice night time breezes, no need for fans however if you open the window you are assailed by the sound of a hundred whirring machines, it sounds as though you are at the end of a runway with a plane preparing to take off. So that leaves you with little choice but to swelter inside your own room with windows shut or to put on the dreaded machine in your own room. No wonder the US's carbon foot-print is appalling.