We were disappointed with Waikiki too, but I think it was because it rained continuously for 4 of the 7 days we were on Oahu. The whole island was flooded. We were able to get away from Waikiki and enjoy some of the outlying beaches that were less crowded and less touristy. We really loved Hanauma Bay for snorkeling, watching the waves and surfers on the North shore at the Bonzai pipeline, Pearl Harbor Memorial, and the Pineapple Plantation.
And yes there is an ABC store on every corner in Honolulu and one or more in most towns on all the Islands.
I would recommend heading to one of the other islands if you ever get a chance. We've now spent time on the Big Island (three two week trips), Maui (one week trip with another 10 days shortly), Oahu (one week), and Kauai (one day). We hope to take the ferry to Lanai on our next trip to Maui. We spend most of our time at the beach (snorkeling and boogie boarding, no sunbathing for these pasty white skinned Northwesterners), hiking, tidepool exploring, and relaxing in our condo. If we really cared about nightlife we would stick to Maui (Lahaina area) and Honolulu (Waikiki area)....but we don't so we don't.
We have a really hard time choosing a
Disney cruise over a vacation in Hawaii. It only took this 15-night opportunity to get us out of our Hawaii vacation rut. These are the reasons why we like Hawaii over the cruise:

No timetable.

Less food temptations.

More active choices (snorkeling, boogie boarding, hiking)

Cheaper for a 2-3 bedroom condo on the water, airfaire, and food

Less socializing for our shy family.

Internet connectivity in condo to keep up with work (a requirement if I want to take a vacation in the next year.....I think I need a new job

)
Forgive my blasphemy....