64 rooms, pool, restaurant, kitchenettes, bbq, lanais on upper floor. An old-time, two-story low-rise that has lots of character. It's pretty inexpensive and has a fairly tranquil, Japanese feel and has changed very little over the years. It's in one of the denser sections of Waikiki, and the rooms are comfortably sized. Most of the staff goes back a long time. Parking is free but limited. (7 stalls, first-come, first-serve each day.) Local calls are 50¢. No permanent non-smoking rooms. Free coffee at the front desk. There's a Japanese tea house on the premises, and tea services take place Wed. and Fri. Hey, anyplace that is clean, two blocks from the beach, has kitchenettes and a slow pace has a lot going for it. Units facing the pool are best. No elevators. Rooms (360 sq. ft.) are $120-$135. Suites are $165-$245. (Suites 480 sq. ft. aren't worth the upgrade.)

Take Me There...