Halekulani v. Royal Hawaiian
 

Both of these hotels get generally rave reviews. Can someone spotlight the differences between the two, even if only in ambiance or spirit? There will be two adults travelling, is one hotel more kid-oriented? On Virtualtour.com, it appears that the Royal Hawaiian has a better beach, does that matter?

Actually neither one has much of a beach. The Halekulani's disappears completely at high tide and the Royal Hawaiian's is small and enclosed by jetties so the water has little movement and smells of suntan lotion most of the time. The best beach is just west of the Halekulani, at Fort DeRussy.<BR><BR>The Halekulani is much newer (15 years old vs. 50 years old) and there's nothing like sunset on the beach at House Without a Key, where a beautiful hula is performed by a former Miss Hawaii each evening.<BR><BR>The Royal Hawaiian is attached to a mall and very commercialized as a result.<BR><BR>Just my opinion, of course, but I lived on Oahu for three years and much preferred the Halekulani!

Raised in Hawaii for 33 years, I love the Royal Hawaiian. First, it's unique in that it's pink and stands out. It's part of the luxury hotel collection of the Hawaiian Islands and, in my opinion, is the prettiest hotel on the island of Oahu. It's in the center of the Waikiki strip and has the best Friday night seafood buffet. There is a nice beach right behind the hotel. The front of the hotel is the Waikiki strip. In my opinion, the Fort DeRussy beach is not at all that nice. It was our hang out on the weekends for partying -- of course that was approximately 18 years ago. <BR><BR>Go with the Royal Hawaiian.

I have been to Oahu a lot (traveling for business - probably have been there 40 times in the past 8 years) and have stayed in many hotels. In my opinion, the Halekulani can't be beat. It is magnificent - the rooms are beautiful, the bathrooms elegant (bath products are fabulous - I still have some) and the service impeccable. When you arrive, you are escorted immediately to your room and in your room is where you provide your credit card, etc. If you are early and the room isn't ready, they have a private area for you to stay while you wait.<BR><BR>This is one of my favorite hotels in the world. If you like being pampered - this is it!

thumbs down on the Royal Hawaiian too institutional. Have breakfast on the lanai one morning but I found the service lacking and the access to beach annoying. Lived on Oahu for a few years and travel back annually. Friends on the island agree that the structure is charming but the hallways/lobbies are empty and not very warm (hospitality). Always use to visit this hotel until I stayed now I am not impressed. <BR><BR>Have not stayed at the Halekalani but have always understood it to be more higher end than Royal Hawaiian. I can remember listening to Jazz and enjoying smoked Scottish salmon and scotch at Halekelani on Friday nights. All three of these things are just hard to come by in Hawaii. It was our little piece of NYC when we were homesick. Having said this most people do go to Halekelani to experience the graciousness of old Hawaii. I would got to Halekelani if I had to choose.<BR><BR>Sheraton Moana Ocean view would be my second choice to the Halekelani. <BR>

The Royal Hawaiian has a much larger and nicer beach ! I was last in Honolulu some 5 years ago -- I was in the Halekulani. The Halekulani is a lovely Deluxe hotel. It's very "Polished" and the service though good, alittle uptight at times. Just my opinion ! The Royal Hawaiian is a Gem, It retains The Old Hawaiian Style with Friendly Service. The Public Spaces are more Comfortable. The Royal Hawaiian is a great first class beach hotel, The Halekulani reminds me of a Deluxe Big City Property. Either would be fine, But I prefer the Royal ! Have Fun !

My husband and I stayed at the Royal Hawaiian Last year for our 25th anniversary. I think that it is a beautiful hotel. Not only elegant but a very friendly staff. The food was very good even the buffets were great. The beach was very nice in my opinion. It got pretty crowded in the afternoons. It is a public beach , The mall that is attached to the hotel was very nice and upscale. I didn't mind it a bit!! I remember the wonderful smell of the flowers when we went out at night. You can walk down the beach and see all the restraunts and hotels. It was really nice being right on the ocean and having the view and the sound of the waves! I want to go back!!!!!! The Royal Hawaiian is the only way to go!!

The royal Hawaiian Shopping center is not actually attached to the hotel..It is built between the hotel and kalakaua avenue, so it more or less blocks the view of the Pink Lady from the street. the Royal was, with the Moana, one of Waikiki's original 5 star resorts. It has been updated over the years, but has that laid back, not trying too hard to impress feel about it. Some may say the glamour is gone, but I find it very charming. Rooms are clean, but not really huge like new hotels. Service is good, and usually very friendly. Halekulani is beautiful and modern, with excellent service, adn even better food. You can walk between the 2 beach areas, and all are open to the public.