Expensive - dirty - noisy - crowded - horrible traffic - little parking. Awaken each morning to the melodious sounds of garbage trucks backing up. Imagine if there was a beach in the middle of downtown Newark or Detroit - that is the atmosphere. Also picture the Las Vegas strip in the evening - unbelievably packed with people walking 4 abreast.
Better love Japanese food - I would guess that 75% of the Waikiki restaurants are Japanese. Poor food selections - cockroaches in every restaurant we went to.
And don't forget the homeless - they will be right on the beach at your swanky hotel. And they will hound you for donations.
All this for just a 9-hour plane ride each way.
Have not been to Maui or Kuai - from what I have heard, it is a much better experience. But still too far and too expensive.
Also, our son is stationed there, and he hates it, as do most of his peers.