Can someone help me with pros and cons of these two hotels. Staying in Oahu for 3 nights last days of August. Need feedback on both please. Better beach, less crowds, better location, etc. thanks.

Both hotels are beautiful and have great service. Both are well loved by their regulars and have many who come for months, year after year. Both have great dining places.

Halekulani is on Waikiki beach. Lots of people. It is next to other tall hotels and you can walk to all the shops and restaurants in Wakiki and walk along the beach. There are catamaran rentals, and surfing rentals and lessons along the beach.

The Mandarin is in Kahala, about a 10 minute drive east of Waikiki. It is also on the beach, but in a residential area. You couldn't walk to any shops or restaurants.

The hotel has more "grounds" with dolphin pools, fish and penquin pools and there aren't many other than hotel guests on the beach.

I would choose Halekulani if I wanted to be in the action..walking around, people watching, going out at night; the Mandarin if I wanted to veg out more.

Thank you for your reply. I guess my worry would be that the beach would be wall to wall people at the Halekulani. We are not up for much night life with my son but we usually do go out for dinner at night. I think there is a free shuttle from the Mandarin downtown. If that is the case then I would probably think the Mandarin would be a better choice for us. How is the swimming in the ocean at the Mandarin. And as far as swimming pools, do they both have nice pools? Are either better than the other? Thanks for your help. Janine

The pools are about the same...just pools, nothing exciting. Waves are probably equal at both beaches, maybe a bit better in Waikiki.

how old is your son?? if he's a toddler and wall to wall people is a big negative to you, then there's no question. Stay at the Mandarin. If he is between 10 and 20, he'll have way more fun in waikiki.

Mandarin=quiet & restful
Waikiki= lots of people & activities

Thanks. I think I'm going with the Mandarin. My boy is 6. We will be in Maui for 6 nights prior to these 3 days. I think I'll want quiet time. Thanks for the info.
janine