Waikiki Malia

This used to be an Ohana resort, but new owners and a warm and welcoming staff have breathed some new—and refreshing—life into it.

Two towers make up this hotel—the Malia Tower and the original nine-story Luana Wing that has the 1/1 units (with kitchenettes). The mid-century-style Hawaiian-accented rooms in the Malia Tower are clean but have ultra tiny lanais—big enough for one, and that’s about it. Luana lanais are larger. Unlike most of the post-Ohana resorts, the showers/tubs are normal-sized (Luana tubs are smaller). There’s a tiny pool and spa sandwiched between buildings. You could never sit and relax there.

Avoid 1/1 units that end in -01—they’re right over a busy street corner. Lots of connecting rooms available. Though there are no ocean view categories, you may be able to catch a glimpse from upper floor, odd-numbered rooms in the tower. Overall, it’s an adequate choice with decent prices. Rooms are 286–331 sq. ft., 1/1s are 510 sq. ft.