Hawaii Hotels???
 

We are considering several locations on Oahu such as the Hilton Hawaiian Village, the New Otani Kaimana Beach, and the Kahala Mandarin Oriental. Would love opinions - good or bad - about any of these. <BR>On Hawaii, we're considering the Mauna Lani Bay. Any others that are especially enticing? <BR>Deciding on the specific island to visit is very difficult. Can anyone recommend their favorites? (Hawaii, Kaui, Oahu, Maui???)

<BR>I stayed at the Hilton Hawaiian Village last Christmas and have no complaints. It truly is its own little village. Everything you need is right there. Plenty of shops and restaurants and even a doctor's office. Lots to do. Good beach area. May I suggest Kauai for your second island. It is my favorite. Very beautiful. It is pretty laid back and not a lot of "nightlife", but after the hustle and bustle of Oahu, maybe Kauai would be perfect. If you go to Kauai, make sure you do a helicopter ride. I went with Jack Harter Helicopters there. Have fun!

Hullo there -- Of the Oahu hotels you list, I'd opt for the Kahala Mandarin Oriental for it's super setting, outstanding service and delicious, relaxing-in-elegance ambience. <BR> <BR>The Mauna Lani on Hawaii is wonderful. Yet, my choice on the Big Island is the Four Seasons Hualalai -- gorgeous locale, unbeatable service, superb spa (the outdoor massage in total privacy is a treat), so many pools it's always easy to find the right one for the right mood. I love the layout, too, low-profile and distributed. <BR> <BR>You couldn't go wrong with any of the options you cite, however; these are simply my preferences. Hope your trip is wonderful!

The Hyatt on Kauai is really wonderful. It's a beautiful resort on a great beach. There is also a terrifc spa at the hotel, which is a bit expensive but very relaxing. The surf is rough on the beach, but it's a lovely setting.

<BR>Our favorite is Oahu simplys because there's so much more to choose from to do, especially with restaurants. Haven't stayed at the Kahala Mandarin Oriental, but notice that in current Conde Nast, it's rated in top Pacific resorts. It's at the base of Diamond Head (and the Rolling Stones stayed there this past Jan. ) If you do choose Oahu, be sure to try Michel's, a wonderful restaurant at the Colony Surf Hotel, also near Diamond Head. And I'd be happy to give you more info re Oahu.

The Hilton is a huge resort with lots of restaurants/shops, convenient to the beaches and other stores in Waikiki. The New Otani is towards the other end of Waikiki, is a smaller hotel, and would be a nice choice if you want to be close to but not surrounded by Waikiki. It has a nice restaurant(Hau Tree Lanai), and is adjacent to two of the better restaurants in Honolulu(Michel's as mentioned in an above post, and David Paul's). The beach is nice but small. The Mandarin Oriental is the nicest property of the three, with very nice restaurants, a nice beach, and comfortable rooms(just don't get a lagoon view room). The only downside is that it's a definite drive to Waikiki. <BR> <BR>On Hawaii, the Mauna Lani Bay is a nice property, but I think not as well maintained as in previous years. I have to agree with the above post, the Four Seasons has the best service, best sports/fitness facility, and great rooms in a very secluded layout. The only drawback would be that the beach/ocean access is poor, and of course, the price. My wife and I frequently travel to the neighbor islands and like to stay at different properties, but the Four Seasons is one we always go back to in Hawaii. <BR>Please feel free to write with any questions. <BR>