The recently renovated Ohana Waikiki Malia is located in the heart of downtown Waikiki just three blocks from the beach. Here you can enjoy easy access to the beach during the day, and exciting dining and nightlife in the evening. If your crew is raring to hit the beach the first day of your vacation pack some sunscreen and snacks, tell everyone to grab a beach towel, and head out. Scope out the shopping scene during the short stroll to Waikiki Beach for some fun in the sun. But there’s more to Honolulu than warm waters and white sands. Browse the top-notch shopping along Kalakaua Avenue, or stroll along Ala Wai Canal to watch the ships go by. When lunchtime rolls around there’s a plethora of dining options, from casual pub grub to upscale cuisine - keep in mind too that Hawaii is home to some of the best Japanese food you’ll ever have, (Genius Lounge Sake Bar & Grill, right across the street from Ohana, serves quintessential Island-Asian fusion and makes a mean poke). If your crew has a taste for adventure, book a sailboat excursion at Holokai Catamaran and watch the kids’ eyes light up when they spot their first dolphin. Once back on land, pop over to Shore Bird Restaurant & Beach Bar for a BBQ dinner unlike any other. At Shore Bird you cook your own meat and veggies on beachside grills - get the family cookout experience, without the work. Time it so your crew can enjoy the feast while watching the sunset over the Pacific Ocean.

One-bedroom condos are airy and spacious, with just the right amount of tropical touches. Kitchenettes offer stovetops, microwaves and enough counter space for your sandwich assembly line. Save a trip to Starbucks and brew your own morning coffee – those $4 lattes add up fast. You don’t have to worry about missing this week’s episode of Survivor, TVs have premium cable and pay movies. Gather the kids and all of their pillow pets on the couch and get ready for a low-key night in. Enjoy gorgeous views and fresh air from your own balcony. Air-conditioned condos offer a welcome escape from the heat. Plus the resort has daily housekeeping, so you always come back to a tidy crash pad.

Guests of Ohana Waikiki Malia receive complimentary rides on Waikiki Trolley’s Pink line. For the shopaholics in your group, a visit to Ala Moana Shopping Center is a must. It has everything from Forever 21 to Bloomingdales. Treat yourself to a cupcake at Magnolia Bakery, or pick up your next beach read at Barnes & Noble. Explore fun galleries and boutiques (and maybe catch a hula show!) at the Waikiki Beach Walk. Craving something sweet? Honolulu Cookie is known for their pineapple-shaped shortbread cookies in a variety of Hawaiian flavors like Pineapple Macadamia, White Chocolate Kona Coffee and Dark Chocolate Lilikoi. Take a break from the beach and surprise the kids with a trip to the Honolulu Zoo to see their favorite animals - elephants, penguins and toucans, oh my!