The Imperial Hawaii Resort at Waikiki - Honolulu, Hawaii - Boutique Condotel near Waikiki Beach

The Imperial Hawaii Resort at Waikiki is situated in the middle of the Waikiki Beach Walk area, less than a hundred yards from the district's world-renowned sands and surf. This is where Duke Kahanamoku, legendary throughout the world as "The Father of Surfing,'' once made his home.

Today, the Imperial is a boutique-style condominium hotel, featuring 48 rooms and emphasizing warm, friendly service. Condo owners rent their units to visitors throughout the year, typically for a week at a time, under the management of the Imperial Hawaii Vacation Club (IHVC).

Five different types of suites are available, ranging from studio-type Ohia Suites for one or two persons up to the two-bedroom Hala Suites, which accommodate as many as five. Even the smallest studio with a pull-down double and queen sofa bed has a mini-kitchen with a microwave, toaster and refrigerator, as well as a full bath and/or shower and lanai. The units with separate bedrooms feature queen beds and full kitchens.

All units come with a 37" flat panel television and DVD player, hairdryer, iron/ironing board, in-room safes, telephone with message light, alarm clock, and a coffee maker. Rollaway beds, cribs and other items are available upon request.

For enjoyment of resort patrons, the 24-hour front desk offers rentals. These range from DVD movies and Playstation II games to sports equipment, such as golf clubs, tennis racquets, snorkels and diving masks, for nearby recreational activities. There is also an outdoor swimming pool on the premises for guest use, along with a Jacuzzi.

The Imperial's exercise room, which features a sauna and massage therapy as well as training equipment, was recently renovated. Located on the 3rd floor, it is open from 5am to 10pm daily for guest use, but limited to those aged 18 years or older unless accompanied by a parent/guardian.

Other on-site amenities include an airport shuttle, laundry and dry cleaning services, a small shop for souvenirs and gifts, a jewelry store, fax/photocopying services, an ATM and wireless Internet access available in the public areas free of charge. Guest parking costs $25 per day.

On the lobby level of the Imperial Hawaii Resort at Waikiki is the Island World Tickets and Tours concession. It offers information on things to see and do in Hawaii, while selling tickets for optional tours, Monday through Saturday, 7:30am to 6pm and Sunday from 9am to 2pm.

One of Waikiki's favorite night spots is also located at the Imperial. Called "The Cellar,'' it is a dance club that caters to college-aged students, open on Tuesday through Saturday until 4 am. There are themes each night, such as $2 Tuesday, offering $2 domestic beers, standard cocktails and select wines from 9pm to closing.

The Imperial Hawaii Resort at Waikiki is located at 205 Lewers Street, Honolulu, HI 96815. The IHVC resale information center can be contacted by anyone interested in purchasing a condo unit. As of the fall of 2009, Island World Realty had listings in all five Imperial apartment types.