As I researched hotels that are outside of Waikiki, the Ihilani went to the top of the list. If you have visited or seen the resort, please offer any feedback you may have. Thank you.

I was there for Christmas of 2000 but only to use the facilities as friends were staying there. It is far from the hub bub and main restaurant areas. On the map it might not look that far but with traffic it really took a long time to get there. The pool area was nice and the beach is very private with a nice cove type area that is calm for swimming. Really a nice spot that I prefer over the crowds at Waikiki but maybe a bit too secluded. My husband played golf on the course that it overlooks. It is nice but I just really prefer Maui. One can drag a lawn chair and watch the waves crash against the sea wall type rock area that the ocean hits which is a perfect spot for reading.

Hi jj. We enjoy it, especially the fabulous spa. For the full skinny, search under "Ihilani", here.

I think that of the hotels outside of Waikiki, the Kahala Mandarin Oriental is by far the best. The Ihilani is a beautiful resort, but it's way out there and isolated. You have to pass thru a security gate to get into the resort , probably b/c of crime concerns. The hotel itself is very nice so it's fine if you plan on staying there, but if you plan to explore a lot, it's a long drive anywhere. IMO, the Kahala Mandarin is one of the best hotels in the world. The accomodations are wonderful, the service great, and

It's like comparing apples to oranges. JC, did you stay at the Ihilani? We have stayed at both. jj: If you search here under both the Kahala and the Ihilani, you'll get the comparisons you are after.

Kalena, yes, I've stayed at both the Ihilani and the Kahala Mandarin. I used to live in Honolulu so I know the island well. When I return to visit friends and family, I stay at various hotels. I love staying in nice hotels. You're not the only one knowledgeable about Hawaii hotels.

I didn't mean to suggest that I was the only knowledgeable person about Hawaii hotels, by any means. I was suggesting there's lots of posted info here about both hotels, and I just wondered what you were basing your opinion on. I guess I have trouble with "best of" descriptions, because they seem subjective. Granted the Mandarin has a high standard for excellence. I merely wondered if you had stayed at the Ihilani, or based your opinion on something else. Sorry if I offended.

Still, it's like choosing between mangoes and papayas to me. Totally different experiences, and I still love the Ihilani spa.

My personal preference would be the Mandarin Oriental. Although located in a more urban setting, it sits off the Waialae Golf Course in a relatively quiet area. It's also a short drive away for shopping, restaurants and other activities in central Honolulu. While the Ihilani is beautiful, it's a bit too isolated for me.

My apologies for taking offense, Kalena. I get kind of prickly after a grueling week of work. I think I need a vacation! Anyway, I agree that best of's are very subjective. And, yes, the Ihilani is very nice, but I personally like the Mandarin better overall.

For heaven's sake, stop arguing! There's a very simple solution: stay at BOTH as I have, and you will have a very well-rounded vacation on Oahu and give you more time to explore the Western side of the island! It's better to finish off at the Ihilani because it's closer to the airport!