Looking for some help please. Recommendations for 4/5 star hotel on the beach in wakiki close to restaurant/bars - luxury hotel preferred. Also being from the UK - who are the best internal airline to travel from San Fran to Hawaii then back to Las Vegas to finish our trip. Thanks

The Halekulani is often mentioned as "the" luxury hotel on the beach but the term "luxury" can vary from person to person.

In terms of the airlines...you might try using a serach engine such as Expedia to check out who flies where but both United and Aloha fly the routes you mentioned. However, Aloha flies out of nearby Oakland rather than the San Francisco (SFO) airport.

www.alohaairlines.com

Oops, sorry..Aloha flies Hawaii-Las Vegas non-stop. On United you'd probably have to connect in Los Angeles.

The Halekulani is indeed one of the TOP hotels in Waikiki. I grew up on Oahu and have eaten at their restaurant, it's NICE! I also like the hotel's casual lounge, Room Without a Key. However, it's on the end of Waikiki, not in the center, not sure if that is bad or good. My personal favorite, and an equally high-class hotel, is the Sheraton Moana Surfrider. The hotel's classic white columns, majestic back-desk trees and lazy opulence might be just what you are looking for. If you'd rather get out of Waikiki altoghther, you might try the JW Marriott Ihilani at Ko Olini, a newer luxory resort on the island's leeward side.

On booking a trip to Hawai'i last year we found that by routing otherwise than via the west coast, we saved about £200 each. We flew Manchester -Atlanta- Maui then returned Oahu-Atlanta -Manchester. The bucket shops were pushing United so hard that I asked if they had a special promotion and they admitted that they did have!

The Halekulani probably best fits the term "luxury hotel" of all the hotels in Waikiki.

If you're looking at the whole of Waikiki, the Moana Surfrider is closer to the center. If you are considering only the areas with hotels and shops, the Halekulani is more "central".

The Surfrider is closer to the Diamond Head end of Waikiki, which has Waikiki, Queen's and San Souci beaches. The distance between the two hotels is pretty small, though.

However, the Surfrider is right on Kalakaua Avenue (may or may not be a good thing), whereas the Halekulani sits back a block or so off the main drag.

Also Hawaiian Airlines flies nonstop between Las Vegas & Hawaii, and both only flying nonstop from Honolulu.

Right on Waikiki Beach, a big YES for Sheraton Moana Surfrider. It's elegant but "laid-back" whereas Halekulani, while in the luxury class, is a bit TOO posh for me. However, whether you stay there or not, definitely have a drink outside at Halekulani's House Withoyut a Key--GORGEOUS ! The beach is much nicer in front of Moana Surfrider. MS also has its own little area of beach roped off, if you prefer that. That portion of Waikiki is known for having the softest sand and indeed, in my feetsies' experience, that is so.The sand in front of Halekulani/Outrigger Reef is less fine, slightly rougher texture, whereas the sand in front of Moana Surfrider/Outrigger (Main) is soft and velvety.
The city of Honolulu periodically adds sand to the beach, so hope this is still correct!

The Sunday Brunch on the lanai overlooking the beach at the Moana-Surfrider is absolutely WONDERFUL!

Do you recall the price for the Sunday brunch? We're headed there in April and although we'll probably stay at the Waikiki Parc, I'd love to take my husband to the MS if not too pricey-he loves that hotel.

Sunday brunch at the Surfrider is about $40.

We stayed at the Halekulani in September. It was a great end to a spectacular honeymoon. It was luxurious but relaxing. Outstanding.

I would suggest Hawaiian Airlines...get you in the "Aloha" spirit . They fly SFO-Hono, and Hono-L.V. non-stop.