Aloha, Bruce here form Hawaii Aloha Travel, I am a local based travel agent who specializes in helping people plan Hawaii Vacations. I contribute reviews to Hawaiirama and also have my own blog, podcast and vodcast with lots of information on traveling to Hawaii.
This weekend we stayed at the Aqua Waikiki Wave. Formerly the Coral Reef Hotel.Tthis property is a relic in Waikiki. Prior to Aqua taking it over a couple of years ago the property was in bad shape and in dire need of a renovation. As is the case with most properties in Waikiki owners opt for "renovating" rather than tearing down and starting from scratch. In tune with most of the Aqua boutique line, these renovations went towards modern and away from cliched florals. Thankfully. The picture here shows a very nice room decor indeed.

Back to the past. It's a little know secret but the brainchild of the Waikiki Wave is none other than the Andre Tatibouet, a second generation hotelier who’s family started the Aston chain in Hawaii 95 years ago. He later turned Aston into a Hawaii empire and sold it to ResortQuest about 10 ten years ago. Then they went bankrupt. But he and his wife kept the old Coral Reef, which was originally purchased in 1973 (saving it from foreclosure as part of a Chapter 11 filing) with the intention of someday turning it into a trendy Hawaiian Boutique Hotel. Thus, the birth to the Aqua Waikiki Wave. I know I am going to sound like a commercial here but this little property is one of my favorite "sells' right now in Waikiki because it's newly renovated, in a great location and has a great price. The Wave has an upscale feel but at a affordable price. The renovation at this property was as extensive as it gets. The result is a unique property that doubles as a mini art gallery showcasing the work of Charles W. Bartlett an artist who fell in love with Hawaii after visiting here in the 1900's. You'll find his paintings throughout the hotel and even in the elevator. The lobby has been transformed into a wonderful useful space. While small, it's well laid out. There are a few shops, fresh coffee 24/7 (regular is free, specialty blends $2.00) there concierge desk business center and a pretty good Chinese Restaurant called China Gardens. The choice of colors and decor of rust and gold are harmonious throughout the property including halls and guest roomsThe property has 169 guest rooms and 78 suites. Most rooms are about 328 SF, which is not bad for Waikiki. The first thing I do whenever entering a renovated room in Hawaii is look up, happily no popcorn asbestos ceiling, a true sign a full renovation has been done. I immediately saw attention to little details, like the fabric baseboards and the custom draperies w/ built in blackouts. The headboards on the beds are nicely done fabricated into the walls themselves. The rich chocolate furniture compliments the color theme in the room. In room amenities include panel TV's with DVD players, microwave oven, refrigerator, free coffee safe, and complementary high speed internet access. The hotel a nice continental breakfast on the first floor in the Surfer Room which comes with rooms booked through wholesalers. There is also a modest fitness center and a small pool on the premises. One caveat emptor: the hotels is in the middle of Waikiki and can be noisy at night even with the windows closed up. For the most part, Waikiki quiets down after 1AM. The Wave answers this problem by providing Rocket ear plugs in the room which really do the trick!! With the close attention to details by the Tatibouet’s and the great management from Aqua resorts, this little gem in Waikiki should be considered for budget minded travelers in search of boutique hotel bounty in an off-beach location.

I give the Aqua Resort Waikiki Wave 3.5 Shakas It feels posh but is light on your wallet.

—Bruce F., 02/28/08