I am looking to go someplace warm in February where I can swim.
I have been to Oahu twice, one Waikiki and once at Aulani. A friend may go with me and I think Oahu offers the most activities for her (relaxing is not really her thing) if she wants to go off on her own while I lie around reading on a sun lounger and swim.

At my age, I am looking for 'an experience' so am wondering if anyone has stayed at Halekalani.
It doesn't have the fancy pools that many hotels have on Maui but the reviews highlight the service, the quiet elegance. I walked past it, of course, when in Oahu. If you had a chance to stay there, would you?

I have never been to Kauai but hotels appear expensive and other than 'scenery' I'm not sure that my friend will find enough activity to suit her.

I haven't stayed at the Halekulani, but it looked lovely and was one of the grand old hotels there. I'm sure it will be an "experience"

If your friend wants more activities, consider the big island, it is very diverse, lots to do.

The pool isn't "fancy" in that it doesn't have a swimup bar or waterfalls, etc., but it is beautiful, with the tiled flower bottom and being right on the beach.

Go for it! I have stayed there a couple of times and it is the only hotel I would go back to in Waikiki. Very laid back, elegant with a great staff. One pool but there isn't any fighting for lounges which is a big plus.

I would go for a garden view room unless you splash out and are guaranteed an ocean front room with a view of Diamond Head.

I haven't but I've wanted to from the first time I saw it. Just a little out of my comfort zone budget-wise. I have been in the hotel, walked around the grounds, and pool area, had a drink in the lobby bar and have eaten at La Mer. It felt like an oasis in the middle of the craziness of Waikiki. My entire experience there gave me such a feeling of relaxation and serenity. My advice is to go for it.

We had a family get together their about 11+ years ago and it was absolutely beautiful.

Opps, I meant to say we didn't stay at the hotel but had a family brunch there. The grounds and views are amazing.

Stayed there once and it was very expensive and lovely.
I prefer to eat and drink there at House without a Key, Orchards, library, etc.

I love the Royal Hawaiian Hotel or the Sheraton Waikiki.

Rooms at the Pink lady can be had for around $250+ and Sheraton Waikiki oceanfront, for about the same.
If I remember, costs of a room at Halekalani were over $500+!
Crazy, unless a suite at FS..IMO.

Swimming out front of both resorts are perfect for ocean swimming.
No big pools like Maui or Kauai..

Have fun and report back!

I've eaten there several times, and was given a tour of the rooms. The rooms were not impressive. My sense is that one stays there for the quiet and the service.

I have stayed at the Royal Hawaiian and at the Moana Surfrider,.two other hotels right on the beach at Waikiki. Of those, I liked the Surfrider the best.

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How long ago was that? I thought the rooms were renovated a couple of years ago.

It was a few years ago, but Was thinking it was after the renovations. But you raise a good question.