Going to Oahu on business/pleasure. Would like recommendation of 5 star hotels on the beach that are in the city center area.

American Express Platinum Card fine hotels program usually affiliates with the best properties in an area.

In Oahu, their options are the Halekulani, The Kahala Hotel, and the The Royal Hawaiian.

Thay also list the Hilton Hawaiian Village, which is nice, but probably not what I'd call a 5 star. Though I do think their Ali'i tower rooms are a good family spot.

Halekulani hands down. Kahala is not in the city center.

The Halehulani or the Royal Hawaiian are the best in my opinion but opinions vary.

I agree with the other posters' recommendation for The Halehulani or Royal Hawaiian. Just waned to warn you not to expect much beach at either place, but especially not in front of Halehulani. It comes and goes with the tide.

Halekulani..hands down!
Royal Hawaiian as a second choice..more of a 4.5* but a gorgeous resort.

www.halekulani.com

Thank you for your replies. I will check your recommendations out.

Halekulani or Royal Hawaiian I think are the only 5-star choices in Waikiki (which is not exactly the "city center" if you are talking about downtown Honolulu, but rather the resort district where most of the hotels on the beach are located).

also the historic Moana Surfrider (now a Westin) seems to be rated 4-1/2 stars

I am hearing and reading that the Moana is slipping a little. Still a wonderful building and location.