I will be traveling to hawaii with my wife and 9 month old daughter in ocober. We have reservations to stay at the halekulani for 3 nights and then travel to mauii to stay at the four seasons and then to hawaii to also stay at the four seasons there. I have read many good things here about the kahala mandarin and am wonering if we should change from the halekulani. Any thoughts would be appreciated; especailly if you have been to both properties. Thanks!

No such thing as better or worse - they're a tradeoff, but you don't say what your priorities are. Surely you can tell basics from their websites, but I can underline the distant isolation of the Kahala vs Halek being in middle of things.

We stayed at the Halekalani in July. Without hesitation we highly recommend it. First and foremost it is in the middle of Waikiki area and at the same time separated from the noise and traffic area. The service is first class and the staff are there to answer any questions and help with reservations or any service needs. The highlight every day is sitting right off the beach watching the sunset and having cocktails while listening to Hawaiian music and watching the most exquisite classical Hawaiian dancer. Enjoy it!!! We have also stayed at the four seasons both at Mauii and Big Island. What a treat you have in store;especially the one in the Big Island.

Thanks for the replies.
The idea was since we will be relaxing at the other properties, we would try to stay more in the middle of things in waikiki. The only reason that I started questioning the halekulani was because I have read so much more on here about the kahala mandarin.

Stick with the Halekulani and be sure to request a Diamond Head view which will actually be much nicer than either view on Maui or the Big Island (unless you're getting an ocean front suite on Maui)!

I was wondering the same question. I'm glad I did a search!

How do the two differ, besides the location?

What are the pros & cons of each?

Halekulani by far.

I stayed at Kahala in July and don't think I would recommend it. Especially not with a child. The kids pool and regular pool were TINY and didn't seem especially clean. The room was beautiful but overall I just didn't think the property was worth what they charge. Without having personal experience at Halekulani, I think you probably made the right choice. I also thought it was a little stuffy.

Halekulani doesn't receive as many posts because it's a smaller, discreet hotel. Agree with your approach Richard, we're relaxing on Maui and want to be in the midst of things on Oahu. Although the Kahala Mandarin isn't more than 15 minutes out, it's still not in the middle of things. Friends stay at the H every year and can't say enough about service and location.