Honolulu Summer 2005
 

OK, I know it's a bit cliché-- but we're gonna do Hawai'i next summer (unless I can convince my honey about Puerto Rico-- where I lived as a teenager-- or England, where my firm has its main European office). As it's my first time, we'll probably spend the whole time based in Honolulu. I'd like to start the budget process early (WAY early as you can tell!) and work on my short list of hotels. Frankly, doing a search on this Forum hasn't yielded any usable answers to my questions, so here goes:

-- Best beachfront lodging in Honolulu, money no object?

-- Best beachfront "bang for the buck" in Honolulu? I.e., comfy, clean, reasonable amenities, good location....

-- Is beachfront even necessary? Maybe a view would be sufficient. Discuss.

We're so far from even establishing travel dates that I will refrain from asking about things to do/see, places to eat, etc. I'm really just trying to get a feel for what my hotel choices will look like as well as rates. Any input is appreciated!! :)

What is cliche about summer in Hawaii? Most of my trips to Hawaii have been in the summer. We just got back from 10 days in Kauai. The weather is hot and the ocean swimming and snorkeling/diving can be awesome. And if you know where to go it does not have to be a mob scene.
Question #1: The Halekulani
Question #2: The New Otani Kaimana
Why base yourself in Honolulu? Spend a few days on Oahu and then visit another island or two.
And planning a Hawaiian trip a year out is not early in my opinion as the best rooms in the best hotels and the best vacation rentals often are taken that far in advance.
-Bill

Thanks for your input, Bill! I'm inclined to stay in O'ahu because I'm a fan of staying in one place on vacation and really learning about it, plus changing hotels, hopping to other islands, etc. doesn't attract me. I may change my mind once I'm there, but that's for subsequent trips.

Again, thanks for your ideas!

Oh, and no or very few kids. We want this fun and maybe just a bit romantic, and shrieking kids doesn't rock our boat. We love children, but....

rjw, if there's a resort in Waikiki/Honolulu without many children in summer, I'm not aware of it, but maybe someone else is!

Agree with iamq on the New Otani Kaimana. Get an Oceanview Jr. Suite there.........as high up as possible. The most magnificent panoramic view of ocean, city and mountains from those, and the ocean/beach out front is like a warm, sloshy bathtub. And the great Hau Tree Lanai restaurant is there....... no pool, but you don't need one with the ocean right there.

rjw, open the link below, then click on "lanai tour" by ocean view jr. suite, and you can do a virtual tour of your view from the New Otani suite. At night, it is breathtaking!

http://www.kaimana.com/Accomodations/accomodations.htm

bonnie: Looks really nice! It's on my list. Anyone else...?

aloha rjw...

Is a split between the north shore and honolulu out of the question?

I love to do that split on O'ahu... just when I've had enough bustle of city life in paradise, I head to the north shore to chill and experience the "other side". I have a fav beachfront... literally ON THE BEACH bungalow that I call "home" up there.

It is such a diverse island and it is a joy to dive in to both worlds.

In Waikiki we enjoyed the cost effective and spacious Aston Waikiki Beach Tower. 1-2 BR oceanfront condo w/ breathtaking views... w/ Entertainment Book paid $268 per night (50% off rack).

On north shore we love Ke Iki Beach Bungalows... clean, simple and on the beach.

((R)) Aloha and happy planning...

If you like to be pampered, I recommend the Kahala Mandarin Oriental. For total privacy you could rent a beach house:
http://www.hawaii-beach-house.com/page0002.html

or

http://www.hawaiivac.com/hawaiirenta...ront/index.htm

Just a rec. to rethink....get away from Honolulu asap...head to Maui...do Pearl Harbor and then hook it out of there...flying to another isle is very easy, and you'll be soooo glad you built in the extra hrs. to do it. Honolulu is basically any large city with a very crowded beach...and i mean very crowded...you will not capture the true hawaiian experience..i promise. This goes double if you don't have children along with you. PPPPLLLEEEZZZZ reconsider

Okay, I just have to reply about the advice to get out of Oahu asap. I'm a little tired of people who seem to think of Oahu as being only Waikiki/Honolulu, and then advise people to avoid the island or leave as soon as possible because you can't get a true Hawaiian experience there. All I can assume is that they've only been to Waikiki/Honolulu, and never taken the time to drive around the rest of the island, so they have no idea what the island is really about and shouldn't advise people to avoid it. Yes, Waikiki/Honolulu are CROWDED, but what about the North Shore? What about the west side of the island with the Ko'Olina lagoons? What about the east with Lani Kai beach? What about Turtle Beach, with the huge sea turtles that lumbar right up next to you on the sand? Have they ever even been to these places before advising people against going to Oahu??? My husband and I have been to Kauai, Maui and Oahu. Although Kauai and Maui are beautiful, we (and a few of our friends) all agree that Oahu is the best island of the three islands. IF YOU GET OUT OF WAIKIKI/HONOLULU, Ohau really has beaches that are just as if not more beautiful than the those three islands, and it has more of them. The beaches are breathtaking, and the sheer variety of things to do on Oahu is fantastic. Kauai is great for people who want peace, beauty and quiet ONLY. Maui is great for those who want beauty, peace, but a little action, too. Oahu gives you all the beauty and serenity you could ask for PLUS it has a jumpin' city you can drive into for a day if you want to, not to mention Pearl Harbor and Hanauma Bay.

Sorry to rant, I'm just tired of Oahu always getting bashed as being "just a big city on the beach" by people who, it seems have never left the city!!

rjw -- if you like action, a large choice of great restaurants and shopping, then definitely stay in Honolulu as you've planned. But definitely rent a car and drive out to see the North Shore and other places I've listed. You will hget the real "Hawaiian experience" and will fall in love with Oahu. Then visit other islands on your next trip, so you can also fall in love with Maui, etc.

BTW, I recently saw the Travel Channels "Best of Hawaii" show, and they listed the Halekulani Hotel as the best retreat hotel, and it looked gorgeous! Might want to file under your "Beachfront lodging in Honolulu, money no object" category!

JUANITA1989, I AM STANDING AND CHEERING YOU ON!>:o

You said it all so well! I get really frustrated with people spending a few hours on Oahu to see Pearl Harbor, on their way to or from another island, and then passing judgment on this glorious island when they really know nothing about it. I've spent part of several vacations in Waikiki/Oahu, and everything you say is true! I think, overall, it has the best weather, best entertainment, best restaurants, all the great historical sites, and is downright gorgeous........ and I could on and on. I love the place, as well as all the other islands. Thanks for expressing it so well for all of us who love Oahu!((f)) ((f)) ((f))

DITTO!!!

Thank you all for your nice words about my island. Over the years, I've had many friends come from the mainland to vacation. After we get them out of Waikiki, they usually decide that O`ahu is their favorite island...you can find everything here...historical stuff, the best beaches, shopping nightlife, hiking,super restaurants, and yes, even great places to play tacky tourist! Oahu has Bishop museum, Iolani Palace, Kamehameha school, Diamond head, the Arizona, and a huge number of hula halau, Hawaiian performers, and several spots to see Hawaiian flora.

We have an exact replica of a japaneses temple, there is a whole Bon Dance circuit in the summer, and if you check the paper, you can often find real luaus going on at churches and schools.

So which island is the best? That's like asking are apples better than oranges, or is blue better than green.

You will have a fun time if you choose your trip according to your interests, but please don't feel that any one island is "best" or another "junk".
I love Kauai for a quiet, natural vacation, love the Big Island of Hawaii for it's resorts and the geography, and Lanai for a super relaxing retreat. Maui is pretty, but a bit crowded and I can replicate many of its attractions (except Mama's!) elsewhere.



And as far as which island is most Hawaiian... they all are.

I thought of this thread today as I drove my mom out to a luau in Waimanalo. I live in metro Honolulu, near Ala Moana Shopping Center. The gateway to tthe hustle & bustle of Waikiki!

My mom was grouchy and grumbling about having to drive so "far." Driving toward Hanauma Bay, the water on the passenger side was a combination of blues and greens. As I got out toward Makapuu, as I rounded the bend by Halona Blowhole, I was greeted by an endless panoramic view of sparkling, sapphire blue water. My mom stopped grumbling and was exclaiming how beautiful it was!

Oahu really has it all--shopping, dining, tons of activities and attractions. Just drive 30 minutes east OR west outside of metro Honolulu and you can easily escape the urban-ness of Waikiki.

Thanks for backing me up, guys! After hearing a few snooty negative comments about Oahu from "friends" ("You love Oahu?? Oh, no, Maui is way better..., etc.), I couldn't contain myself after reading another Oahu-bashing post! I just love Oahu and hate to see it judged so unfairly, and so erroneously. If you don't care for Oahu, that's fine, but all I ask is that you have your facts straight! Ohau is so much more than "any other big city on the beach".

We leave in 5 days for Oahu, after a year of planning. We're SO excited to get back to this beautiful island and all it has to offer. We're bringing a large group of friends (one of whom made the comment above), and I can't wait to show them what they've been missing. Aloha!

I love Oahu too! Have been a couple of times so far and we still haven't seen or done everything. I want to see all the Hawaiian islands, so far split one trip with Oahu & Maui and went back to Oahu a couple of months ago. We plan on adding time in Oahu everytime we visit one of the islands. It really is a shame that so many people don't explore all Oahu has to offer.

rjw...you can visit Oahu for the whole trip, and do as Makai1 suggested, split the time between Honolulu & North Shore. Turtle Bay Resort is a great option for time on the North Shore, it's wonderful. Every room is oceanfront, beautiful views and close to lots of windward & northshore adventures.

I've been to Oahu a few times for a few days before heading out to the other islands. We haven't seen everything and feel that we still have a lot to discover. We never made it to Ko'olina lagoons, Kaneohe Bay, Iolani Palace, Bishop Museum, Tantalus Drive, etc. Last time we were there and had a chance to go to Lanikai & Turtle Bay beaches. We thought they were beautiful beaches. We will try to make it to Waimanalo & Ko'olina lagoons next year. My son wanted to do the maze at Dole Pineapple Plantation again.

rjw...Also, get the book "Driving and Discovering Oahu". It has great maps and directions to everywhere, known & not so well-known. It tells you how to get to it by car or bus. What I liked best about that book compared to the Revealed series (Oahu edition comes out in fall) is that it includes much more beautiful pics of the island. Once you see it you'll know that Oahu is not just a crowded island with crowded beaches and that you can indeed get a real Hawaiian experience.

rjw, go to 'alternative-hawaii.com' and look at all their photos of Oahu. You'll see what a treat you are in for!

Aloha((r))

HI all. I also love Oahu. It has it all.

Bonnie, I looked up the New Otani Hotel. Can you tell me where this is in relation to say, HHV? I am not placeing where it is. Is it far to walk to the action? It is a beautiful hotel and seems pretty reasonable compared to others.

Heavens, it is all the way down at the other end of the "Waikiki Strip", not technically Waikiki. Right across the street from Kapiolani Park, nestled at the foot of Diamond Head, so to speak. It is upscale but not super-luxurious. The cheapest, standard rooms are tiny, and I wouldn't be happy in one but what they call their suites, especially oceanview jr. suites, are wonderful, with terrific views. The building itself is average, the lobby, etc. are fine but nothing overwhelming. It's the location on Sans Souci Beach (glorious place to swim), the views from the suites, the quieter location and the immaculate, nicely-decorated rooms that we like. (See their virtual tours of their rooms - spare, slightly Oriental style decor but quite nice.) And the Hau Tree Lanai restaurant, right on the sand.

All their rooms are smoking (and I AM sensitive about smoke, and wouldn't have known it), and they do not have a pool BUT you don't need one with the calm ocean there.

Yes, we walked up to the "action" although you probably shouldn't late at night....... The whole Waikiki strip is, I believe, "about" two miles from HHV to the Park. So it's quieter down there, but you can easily get to the center of things. We really enjoyed the place, and will have a hard time going somewhere else now.

Whoo-hoo, I think I've hit the jackpot here!

Awesome comments by everyone. It's fascinating to see such passions stirred up. Now I'm very much looking forward to this trip!

For those who suggest at least splitting our time between Honolulu and North Shore-- it's a possibility, but we're both fine with headquartering in HNL and having a car to explore the island on day trips. I just don't like checking in and out of hotels and schlepping the luggage around more than I have to.

Again, I thank everyone for their comments. A lot to think about before the reservations are made! And if this helps anyone else in their plans, all the better. Thank you!!!!

rjw,

Happy planning ~ woooooo hooooooo O'ahu!! ((R))

Alohaaaaaa.

If you can possibly afford the Halekulani, book it, and book it now, as it fills up fast. When I was there earlier this year, I stayed in one of the suites overlooking the pool and the ocean--probably the nicest hotel room I've ever been in. The service is impeccable and the food is excellent. It is within easy walking distance to the Waikiki shops. Just be prepared to open your wallet, but they do have some Internet specials on their web site.

rjw:

Congrats on your trip. Count me in on those who LOVE Oahu. It really has it all. We visited last year and just couldn't get enough of the mix that appears to be unique to this island. I literally cried when I had to go.

Waikiki is a really fun city -- it has such energy, diversity, and history. But, it is only one side of Oahu. The starkness of the west coast, the totally laid back feel of the north shore, the majesty of the Koolau mountains, and surreal beauty of the beaches at Lanikai and Waimanalo. It is the only place we have ever visited that has so entranced us that we are going back 2 years in a row.

The routine we settled into was exploring/beach flopping during the day and joining in the spectacle that is Waikiki at night.

Our very favorite spot on the island was Lanikai beach. Heavenly. You just have to see it to know what I mean. Maybe you want to consider renting a beachfront home on Lanikai or Kailua beach for part of your stay. Try to catch a sunrise there if you can.

As for Waikiki accomodations, we did not stay at Halekulani, but did visit and found the public areas wonderful.
Ocean front House without a Key was a perfect place for sunset drinks and had live music. We also visited the New Otani -- the lobby was OK, but the Hau Tree Lanai was especially nice in the evening and is practically on the beach. GREAT sunsets here and the Beach at New Otani is wonderful for swimming and people watching. No pool though if that's an issue for you.

We stayed at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, which wouldn't be a good choice in summer if you would prefer less kids. Do visit though - Friday night is an especially good time with the fireworks and King's Jubilee show. The grounds alone are worth a look see and you may want to catch some live entertainment here. Olamana was especially good -- I believe you can see them on Friday or Saturday nights.

Do spend some time watching the surfing/body surfing at Sandy Beach and snorkeling at Hanauma Bay is worthwhile -- just go early.

Hope you have a blast!

Happy New Year! I'm now seriously looking at Hawai'i for late June. And I have two words to float for comment:

Aston Hotels.

Good properties? Book now? Run away screaming in the night? Of the Aston properties, are any particularly great/awful?

As always, your views are welcome. Love to everyone!

Aloha rjw,

We've stayed at the Aston Waikiki Beachside and the Aston Waikiki Beach Tower. We used the Entertainment card for the best rates for both.

AW Beachside is small, pretty clean, no pool, GREAT location... we had the VIP OF Suite and loved the views. The hotel is nothing fancy, but a good value for the location & $$.

AW Beach Tower has large condos w/ full sized kitchens. We booked OF. I really liked this property, and enjoyed the HUGE lanai w/ 2 walk out sliders. Very spacious, also a good location. Make sure you request a high floor to avoid noise from the rooftops below you. This is a very tall building. The view is spectacular. Clean and again a great value. Pool was ok, nothing special. This place has gotten great reviews on tripadvisor.com.

These are not "resort" properties, if that's what you're looking for. I appreciated the simlicity of both of these hotels, and the staff was very accomodating.

Happy planning! ((R))

Bravo to Juanita and others about Oahu. I LOVE OAHU and I've been to Kauai, Maui, and BI They each have their specialness, but Oahu has it all--gorgeous lush mountains, perfect beaches, coastside villages, gerat food,AND a great, international city!!!
And you know what??--Even if you don't have the time or inclination to leave the Waikiki area, you can still have a marveloous vacation, and learn and experience loads that IS Hawaii!

May I be added to the list of those that absolutely love Oahu? And I have been to the other three islands.

There is nothing, so to speak, that I can add about the beauty and diversity of Oahu so won't, just a waste of words.

But do want to say that I think that those that do not like Oahu have not really explored this paradise island.

And if all works out, I will be there in April! Aloha! ((*))

Add me the list of people who love Oahu! I must have looked so sad when it was time to leave that the woman behind the American Airlines counter handed me a flower. I'm still upset we didn't get to see the Bishop Museum (we did tour the Hilton's branch of the museum though).

Frommer's Oahu, Waikiki and Honolulu is another excellent guidebook that you might want to check out.

Ah, Oahu! I still miss you!

makai1: Thanks for the input. Resort-type properties are NOT necessary; I generally like to get off the hotel grounds and explore-- and don't like having to spend all my time getting my money's worth with the resort amenities. Clean and well-located are my main priorities.

Anyone else with Aston property experiences?

(1) Best beachfront, money no object: Halekulani Hotel. Beautiful rooms and public spaces; lots of service. Second runner up: Sheraton Moana Surfrider, for similar reasons.

(2) Bang for buck: Waikiki Marriott. Has recently undergone renovations, and often has very competitive rates for a very nice property, rooftop pool, etc. It helps that there are A LOT of rooms. I also hear good things about the New Otani Kaimana (although a little out of the way, closer to Diamond Head) and the Waikiki Parc (near the Halekulani.)

Also check, if you are on a budget: some of the Outrigger and Aston properties, although these vary a lot. Read the reviewer comments when possible.

(3) So many of the hotels along Kalakaua Avenue are right across the street from the beach that it's really not necessary to be beach-front -- the street is not that difficult to cross, but you'll need to brong your own beach stuff.

We loved Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach when we stayed there last August. We paid about $200/night through AAA. They upgraded us 2 categories, from City View to Ocean View, and the view was awesome. It was recently renovated, and all the rooms are new. Staff was extremely helpful and friendly, and the hotel is in amazing location -- smack in the middle of Waikiki Beach.

Add me to the list of Oahu lovers too!

Oahu has it all, it's my favorite island. Oahu has the best beaches, the best shopping and the best nightlife and activities. I've been to 5 islands in Hawaii and each one lacked something I was looking for except for Oahu.

Sesamee

Another Oahu Lover!!!

For those people who continue to malign and denigrate Oahu, I have one question: It's nickname is the Gathering Place, and with good reason. Do you honestly think that people would have continued to visit Oahu for so many, many years if it didn't have a lot to offer?

Topping to see if anyone else has comments on Aston Waikiki properties. I'm looking at airfares bouncing around like ping-pong balls in a clothesdryer, and want to pull the trigger and reserve something soon. BTW, for those anxiously awaiting updates on this developing soap opera, we WILL be renting wheels after all. So we <i>will</i> be getting out of Honolulu at some point! ((R)) ;)

My daughter and I are leaving for Oahu in one week. I was so excited to find this long thread and read all the wonderful comments. We will be at the JW Marriott at Ko Olina. Please offer suggestions for a wonderful time. I have really enjoyed all the comments on this post.

I'm shutting down this thread myself. We've had a change of plans due to our need to do major renovations on our house. We can't leave the state for more than a few days with all the work that will be going on, so.... :(

Thanks for everyone's comments and advice-- it looks like we'll try again in 2006. We'll probably spend a few days in San Diego and Vegas to make up for no Hawai'i.

Hi Everyone,

Subject: Sleeping on the beach

Ive just been reading through really interesting posts.

We are travelling to Honolulu in October, but we were wondering what the laws *if any* are regarding sleeping on the beach. We are due to board a ship the day afer we arrive, but we were really hoping to cut costs and just doze down on the beach the night before and catch the sunset etc. Has anybody done this.

Any Info would be greatfully appreciated.

With Kind Regards

Martin