We've stayed twice now at pre Aulani hotels for a night (got in late both times).
We stayed at outrigger Waikiki on the beach and really liked how close to the beach and shopping it was. Dukes great too
it was just me and my husband then so we got the king room but it had a pullout.
Last time we got in so late and were leaving in the am we didn't really care so we stayed at hyatt place Waikiki. It was great! Inexpensive and free (hot/buffet) breakfast which saved money too. We got the 2 queens and it was great as we took a bed, my daughter took a bed and my soon took the pull out couch. There was even a pull out chair we didn't utilize which I thought was great for larger families. It was recently redone so I liked that. It was maybe 5-10 min walk to the beach so not too bad.