I would choose the Marriott because of its location; aerial photo here http://www.wizardpub.com/oahu/ormarriottwaikikibeach.html
This is the Kuhio park section of Waikiki, which i really like. You are close to Kapiolani park which is quieter than the commercial areas. There are several restaurants in this area that i like. This to me is the quieter part of Waikiki, compared to the Alana /Hilton area. We stayed near where the Alana is in 2000 and it was a long walk to the beach. I've never stayed at the Hilton, only been there to listen to music. It is upscale but crowded and HUGE, depending on which bldg you are in, it could still be a long way to the beach.

You can find aerials of the Alana and Hilton here http://www.wizardpub.com/oahu/oahaerials.html

Thanks, aloha. I was leaning toward the Marriott. Do you know if it's been updated recently?

The Marriott used to be something else. We stayed there on our honey moon when it was something else. It was a beautiful hotel in a great location. We went back a few years later and it was still a really nice hotel. I would totally pick that one.

I don't know anything about the interior of the hotel. I did eat at one of the restaurants in the building, but otherwise have not been inside it.

Haven't been inside the rooms, but the location of the Marriott is in a much nicer end of Waikiki to be on. Quieter, great park of the beach which isn't as crowded right across the street.

We just returned Subday from 8 nights at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. We absolutely loved it. We weren't positive would enjoy Waikiki, but we very much did. This was our 5th trip to the Hawaiian Isands, but we previously had only spent about 3 nights on Oahu. We used points for our 8 nights.

Hilton Honors members receive complimentary breakfasts (cereal, breads, fruit). We were upgraded to a corner room in the Rainbow Tower. The Rainbow is the only tower that has wireless. Internet is usually $16.95 per day (horribly expensive), but for Hilton members it is complimentary.

We chose the HHV because it is on the end of the beach, and the beach is widest there. It is also an easy 8-10 minute walk to restaurants in the "heart" of Waikiki. The pools and and landscaping are really lovely.

We are 50 years old, and I am recovering from knee surgery, and I still didn't feel like the HHV was too far away from things. In fact, as we walked around Waikiki, we both kept remarking how glad we were that we were staying at HHV.

I don't think I would enjoy Waikiki as much in the summer. We'd definitely like to go back in the spring or fall.

Please let me know if I can help you with any more questions.

Did you ever go to Charleston?

No, we 'ended up' in New Orleans and Paris instead! Charleston is up next or soon. I got great advice about that destination, too! Thanks so much everyone!

I much prefer the location of the Marriott. Have the mac nut-banana pancakes for breakfast at Lulu's just across the street from Kapiolani Park.

thanks!

You will need to go to Lulu's for breakfast twice, so you can also have the crabcake benedict http://www.luluswaikiki.com/breakfast.html
It is big enough for two, or serves as breakfast plus lunch for one person!

Lunch and dinner there are good too.

I took a look at the Marriott and the HHV on Oyster.com to compare. HHV is not going to be the right place for us; it looks like Disney World. The Marriott's beach seems a little 'sad' but I think I can make do. I'm not considering the Doubletree at all.

You ARE peripatetic, for sure.

We do love to wander, that's true! Many of these trips are work related and often tend to be last minute.

Have fun planning! And I agree that Lulu's is great!

What's sad about the beach across from the Marriott?(just trying to understand, so I can make recommendations for your Other-island visit).

It is a very small beach. While we were there last week, they were "restoring" the beach, but then the machinery was gone one day and we were told they were finished with the restoration.

If the beach directly in front of your hotel seems lackluster, just walk in either direction until you find a spot you like better
Failing that, the rest of O'ahu has so many beautiful beaches.....Sandy, Makapu'u, kailua, Lanikai, Waimanalo, the whole north shore esp Sunset Point......

Waikiki is reminding me a bit of Miami! Is this assessment correct?

sf: It's just that it's a small beach with little surf and a concrete wall as a barrier. Is it prettier than the photos make it out to be? I guess there aren't great views here. We'll explore other beaches on Oahu, that's for sure.

How's the pool at the Marriott? Anyone been? The public places nice enough? Truly, I suppose we'll be touring a bit on Oahu so won't be at the hotel all day, every day, as we would in a resort.

sf: I do want to take some day trips if we land in Maui. I've bought 'Hawaii for Dummies' today and will start reading more about each island so I can ask intelligent questions here!

Nope Waikiki is *nothing* like Miami. Well other than there's an ocean, a beach, and hotels (lol).

For one thing central Waikiki is a LOT smaller. You can walk end to end within 30 mins. and 'across' it (ocean to canal) in about 10 mins. I think Waikiki is a gorgeous beach, I love the atmosphere there. There's a reason it's world-famous. But no it's not real wide and maybe you won't think it's so great, who knows?

suze: I think we'll love it. (btw: I love Miami). Where do you stay when you visit Oahu? Thanks.

Bowsprit, if you get a room that has an ocean view from the balcony, you will have a great view. You will be able to watch surfers from there, it is neat to see them from elevation. You can also see them from the beach. If you are going by the marriott photos on oyster, yes it is much prettier than that.

The wall in the water is nice because it creates a swimming pool like area. If you don't want that, just go down the beach a bit. In the summer there is enough surf right on the beach for good boogie boarding.

Day trips are good on every island.

I stay right in central Waikiki at budget hotels. I used to love The Hawaiiana Hotel (sadly since closed). I've stayed at the Hawaiian King and Waikiki Sand Villa. I'd like to try The Royal Grove, the Breakers, and Queen Kapiolani in the future.

http://www.govisithawaii.com/2009/01/14/review-marriott-waikiki-beach-resort-and-spa/
Having stayed at a hotel a couple of blocks away, i think that photo is probably a good representation of the ocean view from the Marriott. If on the other side of the bldg you should be able to see Diamond Head. The pink hotel in the photo is the Royal Hawaiian, which has a beautiful lobby and is nice to walk thru. The Moana Hotel too is historic and is fun to walk thru and learn about its history, and the Banyan Courtyard is a great place for a drink And listen to live music http://www.moana-surfrider.com/dining/banyancourtyard

So, of the three choices, the Marriott would be my best choice? The Moana Surfrider is beautiful; I'll plan a little visit to that hotel for a drink.

There's a great sushi place in the Marriott I see! That's a plus. Thanks for your help, everyone. I'm looking forward to this trip.

I usually stay in the Hale Koa (the military hotel) right next to the HHV. It can BE a zoo, for sure at the HHV and I suspect you'll like the Marriott location better.

I agree with the person who said if you don't like the beach in front of the Marriott walk out and go left or right.

Personally, I like the other beaches on Oahu a lot better, particularly Sandy and Makapu'u and Bellows (the latter is not open to civilians) since there is more surf. The beach at Waikiki can seem like a lake but that's an individual preference.

As to the Moana..if you are there on a Sunday by all means at least consider having the brunch on the lanai...it's a real tradition and great fun but you'll need to call ahead for a reservation during some periods as it can literally be sold out weeks in advance.

Enjoy your stay.

Thanks, Dukey1. Now that I've explored the cost of inter-island flights, I am actually considering extending our stay in a different area of Oahu rather than spending 4 nights on another island.

We stayed at the Marriott. The pool is very nice (not a glitzy reset pool - no slides or anything like that). I didn't love the location of the pool (rooftop?) - we were there in January and it was quite windy at the pool. I like Wakiki, but then I love most of Hawaii! It isn't like Miami Beach. It's more like a quintessential American beach town on steroids.

The Hau Tree Lanai at the New Otani Hotel on the other side of Kapiolani Park is a beautiful place to dine outdoors. We have had breakfast there a couple of times and really enjoyed it. You can Google for a picture of it. It's a nice walk from the Marriott.

If the Marriott's pool is rooftop, I will change my mind and stay at the zoo-like HHV, sf!

carolyn: Thanks for your dining rec. Sounds great!

Turtle Bay would be an upscale hotel on another part of o'ahu to consider http://www.wizardpub.com/oahu/orturtlebayresort.html
I have not stayed there, went to the beach there many years ago, it is a beautiful spot. The N shore is so full of gorgeous beaches, and that is a good base for Getting to them.

aloha: Thanks for the Turtle Bay recommendation. Looks like a beautiful spot.

sf: It would indeed appear that the pool at the Marriiott is rooftop. I have to consider if that's a deal breaker or not.

I'm thinking it would be hot and comfortable with the sun beating down on all that rooftop concrete!

hot and *uncomfortable on that concrete roof.

How much time will you spend at the pool each day, compared to the amount you will spend elsewhere? That is how i would decide. With the beach right there i would not be at the pool much, personally.

aloha: Of course, you're right. We've nearly decided to stay at this Marriott. I'll choose a place with the great pool area for the second half of our trip. We're coming to Hawaii! Yay!

We were sort of expecting the HHV to be a zoo, also, and we were surprised how much we loved it. However, we were told by someone at the front desk that the resort was at only 40% capacity. I'm not sure I would want to stay there in the middle of the summer. Because the beach area was so wide there, it doesn't seem nearly as crowded as some of the beaches closer in to Waikiki.

have stayed a couple of time at the Marriott at Waikiki. rooms are a good size and we had a direct ocean view albeit you are right on top of your neighbor when you are on the lanai. My only complaint (well 2 actually) is that the bathrooms are tiny, tiny, tiny. You can barely move around in it and no bathrobe. haven't been to a nice hotel in years that did not procvide bathrobes. Pool is nice and they have wonderful hawaiian music on thursday nights. even if I am not staying there, I go to listen.

hilton hawaiian village is lovely complex but lots I say lots of kids. the pool area is delightful as is the lagoon. Some of the towers have fab views.....

May I ask: If we decide to stay on Oahu rather than island hop, where do you suggest we stay for a few nights (3-4) after the initial six nights we'll be spending in Waikiki?

I'm thinking we might stay on the other side of Oahu but don't know anything about that area at all. Thanks in advance!

I think you should consider staying elsewhere.

thanks, logandog. Elsewhere than Oahu? Perhaps.

There isn't really an "other side". There's the Kailua area on the east, the "north shore", and the Ko'Olina area west of Pearl Harbor in the north, the only hotel is Turtle Bay resort. Tthere are no hotels in Kailua, just rentals. Ko'Olina has a hotel/condo development, buit around a series of man-made lagoons, including a Marriott timeshare resort, a JW Marriott hotel and the new Disney resort (Aulani). While the resorts are nice, I don't really like where they are located.

I should also have said that Kailua is wonderful as is the north shore, just short on places to stay.

Thanks so much sf7307. You're the best. Back to Kauai for a moment: which is your favorite resort on the south shore?

Lastly: Where would you go for a splurge hotel in Honolulu?

I answered about Kauai in the other thread:

http://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/hawaii-in-september-for-neebies-need-suggestions.cfm#comments-open

I can't really help with Honolulu. In recent years, we've only stayed at the Marriott Waikiki and the Marriott Ko'Olina. Both were very nice (although I don't like staying in the Ko'Olina area), and both were certainly upscale, but neither was what I would call a "splurge hotel". If I had to guess based on walk-bys, I'd probably go for the Royal Hawaiian, the Halekulani or the Moana Surfrider. Actually, I'd just go for anyplace with an ocean view from my lanai!

Again, many thanks, and I did read your post on Kauai on the other thread. Much appreciated.

I think we'll be staying at the Marriott Waikiki for 6 nights; I'm struggling with determining where to stay the next 3-4 nights. The first 6 nights are comped but I didn't want to waste a lot of time flying in/out of Honolulu to another island if the process is cumbersome.

I'm debating whether or not we should leave Oahu at all for the last few nights. I know the other islands are different than Oahau and gorgeous, but I wonder if visiting other areas of Oahu would be evocative of some of the other islands?

Flying to another island is not cumbersome.


Each island is different. After 6 nights on Oahu, 3 - 4 nights elsewhere would be a great combination.

I agree - you have plenty of time in the 6 days you do have on Oahu to make a couple of day trips -- Pearl Harbor, Haleiwa, the north shore beaches, the drive across the spectacular H3 (the highway that cuts across the middle of the island), the Pali lookout, Kaiula, Diamond Head, Waikiki. You can even add the other "cultural experiences" others recommend (not me - I've never done any indoor "experience" in Hawaii), and still have time for 4 days on another island. Changing islands is at most a half-day affair, and it can be less if you leave early and everything goes according to plan.

Thank-you both for your input. It really helps.

How do you feel about the Kauai Marriott Resort?

I'm not familiar with Marriott properties. I traveled using Hilton points. On Kauai I loved the old Hawaii feel of the Waimea Plantation cottages.

We've stayed at the Marriotts on Big Island and Maui and like both.
The Maui one has beautiful views, a fantastic adult pool but is not directly on a beach (beaches are 5 mins walk to the left or right of the resort).

Waikoloa Marriott on BI is on A bay where you can swim with turtles. I've not been since 2006 and the pool area was due to be renovated last time we were there so can't comment on that.

I'd definitely island hop after 6 nights on Oahu.

re: Big Island as a choice for a few days. A Bay is a wonderful beach for swimming, walking along some lovely trails and seeing LOTS of resting/sleeping turtles! Waikoloa is a great area to stay with shops, restaurants too. And it is easy to get to from airport and is a good bases if you want to travel around a bit.

Have you already bought your tickets? If not, look into an open jaw ticket so you won't have to fly back to Oahu, to save you time and allow for a little more beach time.

Thanks everyone. This trip is a combination of corporate comps and our own plans so I must fly in/out of Oahu after a stay of some days on another island.

Kauai is where we're headed this time after Oahu.

Again, great information here! Much appreciated.

Sorry, I have not read this whle thread, but...if you don't want to spend time (or money) 'in transit' to another island -- and you are visiting Hawaii in any season other than winter -- you could stay north shore Oahu (Turtle Bay). It *feels* like another island. If you ARE coming in winter, best stay south on Kauai, Oahu, and to some extend on Maui; skip Hilo area on Big Island.

You do not 'need' a car within Honolulu. You do need one everywhere else.

Interisland travel will eat about four hours for each hop: Getting to the airport; getting there early for the TSA nonsense; checking baggage; waiting for your flight; short time in-air; claiming baggage; picking up rental car; getting to your lodgings.

Thanksm ChiSue. What do you think of Kauai's West coast during August?

*Thanks! (not Thanksm!)

<<<How do you feel about the Kauai Marriott Resort?>>>

We stayed at the Kauai Marriott for one night after staying at the Grand Hyatt last October. We are generally "Marriott people" (once you start collecting those points, it's hard to make the break!), but I have to stay I am not a fan of the Kauai Marriott. I thought the hotel was "tired". We took a walk that took us by the tennis courts and the condition was stunningly appalling. Many people like the beach in front, but it definitely was not my favorite -- it just seemed very "lagoon-ish" -- I much prefer Poipu Beach in the south, or many of the north coast beaches - lusher, better surrounding scenery, "thicker" sand. Others think the pool is the best on the island, I think it's garish (think Roman baths) and not very tropical feeling. Definitely NOT my "splurge" hotel (we stayed there to be close to the airport).

No, I wasn't classifying that as a splurge hotel at all. Very good information about the Kauai Marriott; I'll look elsewhere.

Bowsprit, it's really just one person's opinion (well, two, me and my husband) -- if you do a search on this board, lots of people love this hotel.

"What do you think of Kauai's West coast during August?"

I think you mean the east coast, but it makes no nevermind. In August, you should be looking to stay on the north shore.

Ditto what sf7307 wrote about the Marriott. Except for "lagoon-ish". Because when I think lagoon, I think crystal clear, turquoise, reef-protected waters that are good for snorkeling. Kalapaki Bay is none of that.

I know but I too wondered about the garishness and the tiredness of the place after looking on Oyster.

I found good rates (under $400.00) for the Grand Hyatt Kauai. Better choice?

I'm not using points for any of this trip so I can be flexible re. the second half of the trip; the first part is all corporate stuff. I want to be reasonable here and get good value for the money. I will not be happy in a rundown, neglected property.

Yes, I meant East Coast.

Where do you like to stay on the North Shore and why not the South, 22tango?

Westin Princeville?

Because the north shore is more the lush, exotic, tropical south Pacific island you picture in your mind's eye. Princeville and Poipu are the two main areas of the island developed specifically for tourism. So we've never stayed in either, preferring instead the more remote coastline west of Hanalei. But for Princeville, St. Regis, Westin, and Hanalei Bay Resort are all popular. If budget isn't an issue, St. Regis should be your pick.

Hi, Bowsprit! We just returned from Oahu & Kauai. On Oahu, this visit we stayed at the Disney Aulani in the Ko Olina area; in contrast to other posts, we really liked the area. We were there for my niece's wedding. There is a nice beachwalk between resorts, JW Marriot Ko Olina, Aulani, & Ko olina Beach Club villas.

There was so much to do at the resort & it has a really fun pool. We were there mid-late June & never found it overly crowded (yes, of course there were many people, but never had to "reserve" a chair by the pool; there were open chairs everywhere. The main pool was lots of fun with a lazy river, 2 water slides, etc. There was also a quiet/adult pool that we didn't use; more for lap swimming (or just a more serene atmosphere). My sister & her husband spent all of their time at the beach area swimming, snorkeling, & stand up paddleboard. We are all in our 50's & we loved it.

On Kauai, we stayed 4 nights on the North Shore in a condo which we liked very much (a lot of clouds, misty rain, cooler temperature when we were there, but we heard that it was the same all over the island; my sister was staying south in Poipu at that time). Afterward, we headed south & spent 3 nights at the Koa Kea; we really loved this smaller hotel. It was really more geared toward couples. Everyone who was there seemed so happy. We met a couple honeymooning who had spent the previous week at the Four Seasons Maui & even though they said it was a nice resort, they preferred the Koa Kea which is much more laid back, low key, but great service!!!

We had a meal at the Grand Hyatt Kauai & although it was HUGE, it had a lot of nice amenities, so I don't think you'd be disappointed a bit it you selected that hotel. Tidepools restaurant was very nice there.

Hope this helps!

The north shore is lush and gorgeous everywhere you turn, and boasts the cute little town of Hanalei. I love to go up there. The reason we stay on the south shore is that the hotels and most of the condo developments on the north shore are what I refer to as "above the beach", and we prefer to be at sea level If we didn't mind staying on a cliff and walking down to the beach, we might choose to stay in the north (although I'm not a huge fan of the Princeville resort, either, but others aren't bothered by what bothers me about it).

I see. I've read about the distant ocean views of the North shore.

I've read the South shore is uncomfortably warm in August; has that been your experience, sf? Where do you stay on the South shore? Thanks again.

I started another thread (North shore or South Shore in August?) for others who may search for this kind of info in the future, although there are probably a lot of similar threads already on the forum with the same subject.

sf: More questions! What don't you like about the Princeville resort? Are all the choices there condos or apts?

OK; having done more research, I think I'll start narrowing down choices on the South shore. Any favorites?

Princeville is a large development. Within its confines are many things -- golf courses, hotels (Westin & St. Regis), private homes, and different condo communities (Sealodge and others). I think you can get an idea from the Princeville website.

BTW, I wouldn't call the ocean views "distant" -- they're below you, but not far away!

As for the south shore in August, I've only been once in early August and don't remember particularly oppressive heat, but then I like hot weather, especially if I'm under a palm tree

yep, that'll be me: Under a palm tree holding a drink with a staw and umbrella stuck in-between the ice cubes that are covered in pineapple juice and vodka!

Favorites on the south shore?

Still wondering, and curious, about what you meant here:

"although I'm not a huge fan of the Princeville resort, either, but others aren't bothered by what bothers me about it)."

See the first sentence of my 11:25 a.m. post. It's just too "development-y" for my taste (and I like Kaanapali Beach - go figure).

I see. Your preferred spot is the Grand Hyatt. Thanks again.

But then I've never stayed at Koa Kea -- I imagine I would like it quite a lot! (and as I've said, I love Kiahuna and liked the Marriott Waiohai very much, but both have kitchens and I wouldn't want to frighten you like that )

Back to Oahu for a moment. We stayed at the Ali'i Tower at the HHV and really liked it. It is like a hotel within a hotel. Private card key access. Private facilities and its own private pool and bar. Our room had a front on view of the ocean. No doubt that it is a very busy place, but I liked the location of this hotel.

From those 3 the HHV is the only one I see recommended on the Trip Advisor forums. This may or may not mean anything, but I never hear those other 2 even mentioned.

We're staying at the Waikiki Beach Marriott. I'll report back and let you know our thoughts. I opted out of staying at HHV for many reasons: size of the resort and crowds and there's pool construction going on right now, among them. I want a quieter atmosphere.

Truth is, we won't be in the room much so I guess it matters little which hotel we choose! Friends have just returned from the Marriott Beach Resort and enjoyed their stay. One of the towers has been recently renovated and that's where we'll stay.

Have you stayed at any of these hotels, suze? Your thoughts on where you've stayed would be appreciated!

suze: there are 1361 reviews for this Marriott property on Waikiki Beach; nearly all are positive. It's a good mid-range choice. And for us, it's comped, so I was happy to read the positive reviews of the majority of those visiting this hotel! I think it'll be fine.

Should have written there are 1361 reviews on Trip Advisor for the Waikiki Beach Marriott.

Didn't read all these posts - but from the Hilton Village - you can walk along the beach toward Diamond Head - and along the beach in front of Ft. DeRussey - it's not as crowded usually as other places on Waikiki.

You say non-negotiable - and if that's the case fine - but my suggestion would be to check out some of the smaller places on the other side of the park - by the New Otani.

Much quieter and less hectic - and some of the buildings are condos for rent, etc. Just google away if you decide to expand your search.

http://www.agoda.com/north_america/united_states/hawaii_oahu_hi/the_new_otani_kaimana_beach_hotel.html

LOL. Just saw the comment above - Hey - if it's comped - super - and you can get the the less crowded areas one way or another with all of the moolah you have saved.

My hotels would be too low budget for you. But to answer your question I have stayed at The Hawaiiana Hotel (unfortunately now closed) twice, Pat Winston's condos at The Hawaiian King hotel, and most recently Waikiki Sand Villa. The Breakers and The Royal Grove are two I plan to try on future trips.

I don't read reviews on Trip Advisor, my comments were about discussions in the forums section (like here at Fodor's).

suze:What's your favorite place to eat on Oahu? We enjoy Japanese food; do you have a recommendation for a good restaurant that serves great Japanese food?

Tomsd: We're looking forward to this trip very much.

Dang - lost my post getting this list of Japanese restaurants in/around Honolulu, which hopefully gives some good info. http://business.intuit.com/boorah-restaurants/cu/18810/HI/Honolulu/18/Japanese.html

It's been a few years since I/we had some of the locals take us around - who are 3rd generation Japanese-Hawaiians - and have not dined at the Sansei in Hono but did at the one in Maui and loved it.

Also used to love the Willows - but I think that is gone now?

And for take-out Sushi - loved an older place over in Hono - and will have to look up the name. Think it's still pretty good.

As for Princeville - we love it. You can walk around and it's not that crowded - certainly less so than places at Poipu.

And the views from up on the Cliffs are just amazing.

No Kauai for us this trip, Tom! Next time, maybe.

And going waay back - but this should still have the best view overlookiing Hono - is the Natsunoya Tea House - where the ladies/hostesses were in full Kimonos. http://natsunoya.leads.com/ We had dinner there with half of the Hawaii Supreme Court - who had gone to UC Hastings, and Wally Fujiyama was having fun telling a prominent SF lawyer that up there is where the Japanese spies watched the bombing of Pearl Harbor.

Wally (may he RIP), in addition to being a very prominent mover and shaker in Hono - was a great story teller and we could not tell if he was pulling our leg or telling DA Truf.

My favorite places to eat in Waikiki are: ME Korean BBQ, Rainbow drive-in, Food Pantry grocery store to-go, Blue Water Shrimp truck on Kuhio, Arancino's for italian on BeachWalk, and the food courts at IMP or Ala Moana mall.

Nope I don't have any recommendations for Japanese food (not a fan) but there's no shortage of options. Tourists from Japan appear to make up about 50% of the tourist population, so there are plenty of options.

You really should check the Oahu forum over at Trip Advisor if you haven't yet. There's answers to all your questions there already.

Tomsd, No, The Willows is open. I believe maybe it was closed for a period of time, but it's there now:
http://willowshawaii.com/