Waikiki is right in the heart of Honolulu, which is why I suggested you do an extensive search before signing up to stay there. It’s a lovely place, but it would not be my first choice. There are some excellent hotels in Waikiki (The Pink Palace, where US Submarine officers used to stay after returning from patrol during WW2, for instance), but Honolulu has grown so much it’s just not what I consider a “tropical paradise, getting away from it all” sort of place. Definately go there and spend some time, but visit at least one other island.
You will not find the huge American style malls in Hawaii, except for Honolulu. In many ways the Hawaiian islands resemble the UK, in that you have many villages connected by small twisty roads. I believe Oahu has the only dual carriageway motorway in the islands. Most of the villages have a high street, where you can find excellent shopping and restaurants. Very relaxed, with a nice slow pace. Plenty of t-shirts and painted coconuts, but also excellent art galleries. And be sure and visit a coffee plantation. The coffee is the best in the world.
We tend to spend a great deal of time in the pool, or on the beach, or in between. Do this for a couple of days, do a bit of exploring, then back in the water. A most excellent place.
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