by Toni M., Graphic Designer
When it comes to taking a vacation, sticking to a budget is hard enough, but when the destination is Hawaii, it's near impossible.

That's even more true when your planning a family vacation for four plus the grandparents! After factoring in the cost of activities, rental car and those not so cheap airfares, reality sets in and you know that luxury resort you hoped to stay in is definitely out. Oh, and let's not even think about the three daily meals!

Imagine my relief when I found accommodations for four adults and two children reasonably priced and just a short walk (1 1/2 blocks) from Waikiki beach. At the Aston Waikiki Sunset condominiums, we not only found a comfortable suite complete with a full kitchen but also one with a great view.

We decided to rent a car for the week, so that we could explore Oahu at our own leisure. If your family can use a compact to midsize car, rates are pretty inexpensive for a week. We picked up our rental car outside the Honolulu airport and headed towards Waikiki. One way and dead end streets can make driving through Honolulu a bit overwhelming at first and leaving the address to the hotel at home didn't help either, but finally, 45 minutes later, we were checking in at the hotel.

The lobby of the Aston Waikiki Sunset was open and airy, with a very tropical feel. There were several employees ready to assist me. I was prepared to wait because we were checking in an hour early, but thankfully they were able to accommodate us right away. After assuring that we had all the maps we needed and knew where to park, they gave us our keys and wished us Aloha, which is Hawaiian for hello, hang loose and many other friendly expressions.

Parking is at a premium in Honolulu so the $7 per day to park was quite reasonable. The parking area was well lit and the hotel elevators are easily accessible. Sixteen floors up, they have thirty three total, we found our suite without incident. The large kitchen features a full size refrigerator, microwave, cooking and eating utensils and a coffee maker. We had a private lanai, or balcony, with a spectacular view of Diamond Head crater.

The greatest benefit to our budget was the full kitchen. After visiting a local grocer, we had food for breakfast, a few lunches and snacks for the week. Since we were traveling with small children, we were grateful that we didn't have to get them dressed to go out for three meals a day. When we needed something extra, the on-site sundry store, where we also rented our snorkeling gear, was available. When we did venture out for a meal, we were within walking distance of a plethora of restaurants that were easy on the wallet.

The combined dining and living area was nicely furnished and featured a large remote television complete with cable. The children found the cartoon channel right away. A bar that ran the length of the kitchen provided a great place for the children to eat breakfast. The sofa in the living area turned out into a very comfortable full size bed from which you could look out onto Diamond Head from the wall of windows in the room.

Our suite had two bedrooms but only one bath. We were concerned that we would have to develop a schedule for the one bathroom, but it didn't prove to be an issue. We always had hot water and if we needed extra towels, housekeeping responded to our call within minutes. One bedroom had twin beds, a full dresser and a large closet. We also found the iron, ironing board and safe in this room. The master bedroom had a very comfortable full size bed, nightstand and a large closet. Both rooms had a window the length of one wall that provided a great view of the mountains and the bustling streets below.

One of the best conveniences of this hotel is its location. You are just blocks from the beach, shopping, dining and nightlife activities. And in the event you are interested in activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, island trips or luaus, Aston has an activities desk on site. We planned a luau with them, and found the attendant very knowledgeable and efficient.

When it comes to sight seeing, there are tons of activities that are very inexpensive or even free. Having a rental car is definitely an advantage so that you can explore everything Oahu has to offer at your own pace. You can start by visiting the many beaches, which are free to enter, all over the island.

Our favorite beach of them all was Kailua Beach, a short drive from Honolulu, through the mountains, on Pali Highway. The drive was awe inspiring by itself, and if you go you should make time to stop at the Pali Lookout. Historically, Pali lookout is where King Kamehameha (from the Big Island) conquered Oahu to unite the islands under one ruler. Many of Oahu's warriors chose to jump off the Pali instead of surrendering. Pali means cliff in Hawaiian.

When we arrived at the beach, we realized that we had forgotten our swim suits, however our children were dressed and ready for the water. Kailua Beach is almost a mile long and boasts generally mild conditions with a long, gently sloping beach. This is also the most popular beach with sail boarders, kayakers, and canoeists. You can often rent equipment right on the spot, or you can make reservations to have someone meet you here. It's a great beach. Very safe for swimming. Very picturesque.

Another inexpensive way to spend your time in the water is at Haunama Bay. This marine sanctuary is located in the crater of an extinct volcano on the eastern tip of the island just past Hawaii Kai. Its shallow water, calm conditions and myriad varieties of tropical fish, coral and marine life create the ideal environment for even the novice snorkeler. There is a nominal fee to enter the park and you will want to arrive early as parking is limited.

If it's land activities your interested in, you'll love the hike to the top of Diamond Head. Did I say love?? The trail is a stiff walk with a number of switch backs that lead to fortifications that date from the Thirties. Part of the hike goes through the old tunnel system and gun emplacements, so it's wise to bring a flashlight. You'll hear mention of the 99 steps on the top of the trail, but what you don't hear is that there are three additional flights, including an encased spiral staircase! The reward is a breathtaking view along the South Coastline and all of Waikiki. Try to plan your hike on a clear day as the rain limited our view somewhat! It's a postcard memory of your visit to Hawaii.

Oahu has been described as a bustling urban community, and that's true of Honolulu and a few surrounding towns. But if you take the time to explore the island, you will find deserted beaches, lonely hiking trails and views that are magnificent and humbling. An island worthy of many visits.

Read what other travelers are saying about Aston Waikiki Sunset!

Photography by Toni M.
*Hotel photos courtesy of Aston Waikiki Sunset