Castle Waikiki Shore is the only beachfront condo resort directly on Waikiki Beach. It’s a peaceful oasis in the heart of bustling Honolulu, set beside the calm paths and gardens of Fort DeRussy Park and the Fort DeRussy Army Museum and just minutes from excellent shopping and dining. Grab the sunblock, shovels, and buckets and walk the few steps to the beach. Set up camp on a lounge chair with your latest beach read and get comfortable. Later, work on your sun-kissed look while you judge the little ones’ sandcastle building contest. When it’s time for lunch, look no further than the on-site Subway or Steak Shack.

Generously sized condos are all air-conditioned and have hardwood floors. Condos are individually furnished and decorated giving each one a unique character. Deluxe studio condos sleep two guests and have ocean views and kitchenettes to prepare the basics. One- to two-bedroom condos sleep four to six guests and have park or ocean views. Large living rooms allow you space to relax as a family, and the full kitchens let you cook family meals and save on dining out. Assemble your famous lasagna and let the kids assist with cheese distribution (don’t be surprised if the kids end up covered in cheese and tomato sauce). Put the lasagna in the oven and the kid’s clothes in the in-suite washer/dryer. After dinner, watch a movie on the flatscreen TV; it has cable and a DVD player. Need more space? Upgrade to a deluxe two-bedroom condo.

The Waikiki Beach Walk Shops are just a short walk away from the resort. Browse the over fifty brands of swimsuits at Sunshine Swimwear. For a new pair of flip-flops, there’s Island Sole. High-quality apparel for adults and kids can be found at Malibu Shirts. Treat yourself to a relaxing massage at The Shiatsu & Massage Center. Surprise the little ones with a field trip to the Honolulu Zoo. This forty-two-acre zone is home to a variety of animals including chimpanzees, zebras, Komodo dragons and Asian elephants. For high-end and bargain shopping check out Ala Moana Shopping Center where you’ll find everything from Neiman Marcus to Macy’s to Target. Grab an iced blended at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. Have lunch at Bubba Gump’s Shrimp Co. Forrest Gump fans will recognize the memorabilia from the film, and you can even participate in trivia.