We stayed for one week - the 7 nite minimum, and paid $570 including taxes for the entire week. One can easily pay that much per night in Waikiki and so we were very happy with every aspect of Polynesian Plaza, from the Aloha Welcome, to the VERY affordable rates, to the fully equipped accommodations! The location is perfect, very safe area, bustling with activity, and just a block from the Beach, and Fort DeRussey Park ( where you will find grassy areas, palm trees, beautiful beach, and best of all picnic tables and grills for a beachside barbecue. Easy walk to this park even carrying picnic supplies.) While it is a slightly longer walk to the more activity filled Kuhio Beach park (where you can rent long boards, or a ride on an Outrigger Canoe) , it's still only 10-15 minutes easy walk down the 'main' street of Kalakaua Avenue. Our studio room (316) overlooked the very pretty pool and palm lined courtyard, with a lanai and plastic patio furniture. The studio was very completely equipped with flat screen tv, table and chairs, comfy sitting chair, dresser, and kitchen. The kitchen consisted of a cooktop range, and microwave (no oven) so plan accordingly. Small apartment sized fridge and toaster, coffee maker. Every item was handy including dish towels, mixing bowls, can openers, pots and pans, dishes, cups and mugs, spatulas, and even salad tongs that we were able to take to the park to use for our barbecue. There was a drink pitcher for making lemonade, and even a whisk, so no complaints in the kitchen equipment department. Iron, Ironing board (who uses those when in Hawaii, though??) and hair dryer. Two beach towels, and a few towels (note: only two bath towels for the whole week) but, with the coin laundry just down the hall, that wasn't an issue. We did clean the room ourselves at the end of our stay (NO maid service) and you DO need to have your own cleaning supplies, but, we bought some laundry detergent as 'soap' and used that for everything including the dishes, and it worked just fine! There is a garbage bin at the end of the hall, so it's easy to just bag your garbage and drop it there daily on your way out to see Hawaii. There are several grocery stores within walking distance, which we walked to, and hopped the BUS on the way back when carrying bags. We made most meals in the room and it was easy and convenient - saved a ton of money and also time -- there is so much to do on Oahu, you'll not want to spend every meal waiting in line for breakfast or dinner. It was not only affordable, but, time-saving to eat in the room or on the lanai, and instead splurge on a few expensive drinks at the elegant Hale Kulani resort, just a 5 minute walk away. The Bus is amazingly convenient all around the island, and just steps outside the door. We took the bus to hike Diamond Head as well as to Haunama Bay for amazing snorkeling, and out to dinner at a local restaurant called Ono Hawaiian foods on Kapahulu avenue (local not to be missed, yum!) Be sure to ask for a transfer ticket when you step on the bus no matter where you are going, and you will basically be riding 'round-trip' for only $2.50/person as the transfer can be used on your return. Officially, this is within a two hour time window, but, when we hiked Diamond Head, and exceeded the two hour window, it was still no problem to use the transfer. The Pool at Polynesian Plaza is on the cool side and during our stay hovered around 74 degrees. On a hot day, this is very refreshing and we used the pool many times. We were happy to see that they also have boogie boards, beach chairs, and even a few sand toys stored near the pool that can be used by tenants to take to the beach! We were very grateful for the beach chairs, which made going to the public beach much more enjoyable and no need to 'rent' a beach lounger. The 'office' is only open 9-5 weekdays, so if you are the type that needs a lot of 'service' from hotel staff, you'll need to re-think staying here, but, we found it to be not a problem at all. Honolulu is easily navigable, and everything you need is at your doorstep, with two ABC stores (of course) within a 2 minute walk. They stock everything from tanning lotion to water and liquor and beer. There is a fun little Tiki Bar / Dive Bar in the alley around the corner from Polynesian Plaza, and beers are just $3 and Mai Tai's and Margarita's just $5 - again a big savings in what can be an expensive destination city. With the most minor planning, staying at Polynesian Plaza will save you literally hundreds of dollars on your stay in Waikiki! The room was very clean, and as stated fully equipped. It's certainly nothing 'fancy' and there is lots of evidence of years of wear and tear - in the bathroom tiles, fading paint, etc... but, this is minor and with the value for the money, if you are looking for a clean, safe and friendly place to 'live' while in Waikiki, you'll be very happy here. Be aware that some rooms overlook the pool and 'back' of the property, and others overlook the street. It seemed the most of the 'street' properties were for longer-term residents, though this is just observation, and not a set policy. You will most definitely want to explore the island beyond Honolulu, the scenery and laid back island life is not to be missed. To do this, there is a daily (or more) car ental just a two-minute walk down the street (on Beachwalk). We rented and older Geo Tracker, top down, for just $50 for the day, and spend just $13 in gas to drive the entire island, stopping at Pipeline on the Northshore as well as Waimea Bay Beach Park, the Dole Plantation, and Byodo-In temple Valley of the Temples. The only caveat with the car rental is that if you keep it beyond their 5 pm closing time, you are responsible for finding parking overnight (can't return it to the rental lot). This seemed a bit dismaying at first, but, we found two public parking lots just a few blocks away for only $15 for the overnight rate, so it was simple and inexpensive. Overall, this property is just great - literally next door to the Hard Rock Cafe, and Trump Towers - not a bad neighborhood! Two caveats - hold on to your sets of keys - a lock-out will cost you $50 if you lose your keys, so not the same as simply getting a new one at your typical hotel, and probably not very convenient were that to happen at night when the office is closed. Our only issue with the room, is that the "King" bed is actually two twin mattresses on a King frame if you choose to have the room configured that way. While the mattress is comfortable, it is not particularly conducive to sleeping 'together' snuggled up as there is a bit of a 'crack' that one or the other always seemed to fall into!! It's a bit of trick to 'bridge' this gap in the two mattresses. This isn't terrible, and with all the other wonderful things about Polynesian Plaza, certainly worth the minor inconvenience. The bed IS comfortable, but, just something to be aware of going in..... We would love to come back, and recommend this property without hesitation!

It seemed like I had stepped back in time to the 1960's Hawaii I knew from the Gidgit movies. I timed it just right to make then annual holiday party. It was a warm fragrant night around the pool with wonderful food at the potluck dinner. There were two excellent women musicians strolling the crowd playing your favorite Hawaiian or holiday song and teaching the Hula.
The location could not be better, you step out the front door and you are in a modern teaming city, Hawaii style. This room has to be the best price for miles around. I felt safe and welcome. Don't expect anything fancy.

Ok, so there are a million choices in Waikiki but I am so pleased that I booked here for Christmas week. The location is ideal, the room was large and comfortable. The price was fantastic. I cannot wait to return! Thanks to Tina for making our stay a wonderful experience.

The location is excellent. The beach is close, the buses stop nearby, and the manager is wonderful. The rooms are well equipped (except for a phone and internet) The rooms at the back of the building overlooking the somewhat cold pool are probably the quietest. The higher floors get more sun and are more private. There is noise at night from nearby restaurants so we slept with the patio door closed and the A/C on. The building is clean but our room was old and worn. Other than a colorful bedspread it was very bare and very plain. The cupboards, sink, closet, carpet and other fixtures are decades old and while functional are just not very attractive. If decor is important you might want to look elsewhere. You have to clean the room yourself before you leave or pay $55 extra. This includes doing the towels and sheets. We spent a few hours on this and it used up most of our last morning. Internet was not included in the price but we found an neighbouring unlocked network accessible from our room so check before you pay extra.