In terms of HNL accommodation. I have stayed at the Moana Surfrider (Westin) which is mega expensive and the rooms are only OK. However it is the location you pay for. Cheaper but not beach front is the Modern. The rooms are a little stark for my taste (all white) but they are well equipped and it has the best pools I think in HNL. You can pay extra for a water view. There is also a great bar there too. It is a little further away past the Hilton at the harbour end. Getting Ubers is a reasonable and quick way to get around but you can walk most places in the centre in less than 30 minutes from the Modern.