I stayed here for 2 weeks during Christmas & New Years. What can I say - I like going to the beach on Christmas Day (it sure beats the cold weather on the mainland). I usually go to Waikiki every two to three years and from the reviews I read online beforehand, I decided to try the Bamboo for this recent trip. Of all the hotels I've stayed at in Waikiki over the years, this has so far been the best. I did pay a bit more this time for the room than I usually do, but it was worth it. The hotel is 2 short blocks to the beach, walking distance to everything, and the rooms are updated, compared to a number of other hotels in Waikiki. I was given a room on the 9th floor (and in Waikiki, the higher the floor, the better, due to the noise at street level). The room had an ocean view, which I wasn't expecting, due to it being behind the Hyatt. I originally figured the Hyatt would have blocked the ocean view, but I had a good ocean view on either side of the Hyatt's eastern tower. The staff were excellent on all work shifts. On Thursdays, at 4:30 PM, the hotel holds an informal gathering for interested guests, which included a couple of drinks and a magic show at poolside. For those days when you are trying to avoid the sun for a few hours, the TV channel selection is superior compared to the Ohana Hotel's limited channel selection. I had no complaints with this hotel, but only one suggestion to the owners of the hotel: please trim or remove one or two of the palm trees by the pool to allow in a bit more sunshine. There was a couple of times I didn't feel like walking to the beach, so I reclined at poolside (along with a large rum & coke, LOL). Due to the shade from the palms (and from the east tower of the Hyatt), you don't get alot of direct sunlight for extended hours at poolside. For first-timers going to Waikiki, I'd recommend this hotel, and if you are trying to save a few dollars, then consider staying at the Aqua Bamboo's neighboring hotel a block away (but definitely at this end of Waikiki due to the close proximity to the beach and amenities) and to avoid north east Waikiki due to it's distance to everything, unless you like walking. The rooms are cheaper in north west Waikiki, but I personally won't walk blocks to go to the beach anymore.

We stayed here 3 nights. The location is great, only a couple of blocks from the ocean and all the activity of Waikiki, without the high prices. Our room was clean & in good shape except for the AC units. We had a suite (a free upgrade they gave us) with a master bedroom & twin beds in the main area. The AC unit in the master bedroom made a loud squeeking noise, so we slept in the main room, where its unit was just loud. Our room was on the street, so you heard a lot of traffic all the time. Ask for a poolside room. We also have a full kitchen which meant we could make meals if we wanted.

If you can live with the noise (remember you are in a city), I would recommend the hotel. The pool area is very lovely. They have beach chairs and mats availabe for guest use. Free coffee & tea in the lobby. The staff was very helpful.

If you are on a budget & want to stay near the beach in Waikiki, this is a good option.

Bed was comfortable, however we could not use our balcony as they were working outside, rooms are average, very noisy (even with ac going). Pool area small, but nice. Wifi in lobby is terrible. Property is well located, just very dated.

I stayed at the Aqua Bamboo with my husband for several nights mid-January after reading all of the reviews... and seeing the price compared to other hotels. You are only a block away from all the big oceanfront hotels, so we would walk over there and have lunch or a cocktail, but were happy to retreat back to the Aqua Bamboo.

I requested a courtyard-facing room (looking at pool) and this was honored. I had read many other reviews on Tripadvisor suggesting this and I am glad that I did. The view was great and it was pretty quiet. The renovation noise was pretty distant.

Pros:
Free coffee, tea, ice water and lemonade in lobby
Free newspaper & apples
Beach chairs and beach towels available
Charming pool area
View of ocean from lanai
Wifi at pool

Cons:
The property feels a bit worn and aged despite inside renovations
Wish there was WiFi in the rooms rather than needing a USB cord, but cords are provided free of charge so that's a good thing.

For the price and location, I certainly recommend this room.

Nearby dining suggestion: If you want to the right about half a block there is a great local restaurant called "Ruffage." Excellent smoothies, acai sorbet bowl, and chicken teriyaki bowl all at extremely reasonable prices. Definitely recommend this for some cheap local food!

I also highly recommend going to Roy's if you want to spend more and have a more upscale experience -- best food I have ever had.

Overall, I would recommend Aqua Bamboo for the price, pool and location.