I always hate to recommend places as it is such a personal taste thing. I prefer to be away from the crowds and close to the birds but close enough that I can get to dining etc.

We stayed at the New Otani Kaimana Beach this last weekend and were suitably impressed. Despite some hiccups in the reservation (largely Travelocity's problem), they went out of their way to ensure that we were happy--gave us free rollaway (normally $20 extra/day) and two free full breakfasts each day (a $24 value/day).

It is in a quiet residential area on a good beach (no pool though) surrounded by a municipal park and just a short (fast 5 minute, leisurely 10 minute) walk to Waikiki. Soom rooms are small, but then so are many in Waikiki. Our studio faced the park, had a fridge and microwave with all utensils etc. and was $135/night for the three of us (special deal available via Travelocity). Room was comfortable for two but a little cramped for 3--rollaway was a full bed with a great mattress.

If you want hustle and bustle, lots of shops and a good "private" beach then the Hilton Hawaiian Village looked great.

Rudi and Gisela stayed at the Halekulani, "A Leading Hotel of the World", but I didn't get a chance to see much of it -- great food though. I presume it would be at the top of the places to stay list. In the heart of the action without all the traffic noise and on the beach.

If you don't mind the crowds and the skinny public beach of Waikiki then the Sheraton Moana Surfrider looked good.

There are lots of good places that are not on the beach that offer great value--condos etc.