My parents are staying 5 days in Oahu in August, and would like some suggestions regarding where to stay. They'd like to keep the price point at about $200 a night for a place on the beach.

I've seen posts recommending the Outriggger, and I'm looking for other options. They'll be looking for a quieter, less-kids kind of place, and are both avid gardeners who would appreciate (and pay for) beautiful grounds.

Also - they aren't condo people - they'd rather be at a hotel/resort where there are ample restaurants, etc. Thanks in advance for your recommendations!

Gina -

If your parents are looking for a quieter place, I would recommend that they avoid Waikiki. It's a very touristy and crowded area, and I can't think of any Waikiki hotel which would have beautiful grounds. There just isn't enough space. I also don't think they could find a place on a beach with beautiful grounds for $200 in Oahu. The only possible candidates I can think of are the Kahala Mandarin Oriental Hotel and the Ihilani Resort, both of which are very expensive. Also, although I love both hotels, I can't remember either of them having particularly beautiful grounds.

I think your parents might do better on another island. The outer islands are easy and inexpensive to get to (less than 1 hr flights at about $140 RT). On Maui, the Grand Wailea has beautiful gardens (but is very, very expensive). Also, my mother who is an avid gardener loves the grounds at the Hyatt Regency on Maui. The Hyatt may be closer to your parent's price range. Your parents may also enjoy the island of Kauai which is known as the "Garden Isle." The Princeville and the Hyatt Regency there are both beautiful, but also very expensive. Your parents may get a better deal at the Princeville if they are Starwood members.

I don't know much about hotels on the Big Island (Hawaii), but I'm sure there are nice hotels over there. Actually, although I'm not a big fan of Outriggers, my friends raved about an Outrigger on the Big Island. I don't know which one, though. Perhaps there's only one.

Anyway, good luck. I hope your parents have a wonderful time.

Thanks, I'll check out both places you suggested!

Since I posted the other day, my parents are figuring out they need to "up" their daily rate to get what they are looking for... Now they are looking at the New Otani - can anybody recommend and/or provide thoughts on that hotel? Looks like it doesn't have a pool...

We are also staying at the Mauna Kea on the Big Island for 5 days for a wedding, have heard great things about that resort, too.

In Oahu, I would definetly stay at the Mandarin. They often have specials going. It would be worth the quiet and peace the rooms are amazing and if you have to have waikiki they have a shuttle. Good luch

Gina, I love the New Otani but they don't really have beautiful grounds to speak of. The ocean is so wonderful there that you don't need a pool - really. It's my favorite spot on Waikiki Beach. If they stay there, definitely get what they call a suite - we love the Waikiki View Jr. Suites, where the views are so incredible with wrap around lanais. You can see the ocean, the lights of Waikiki and Diamond Head for less than $250. You think you've died and gone to heaven when the lights come on at night. We had one on the seventh floor, and we could see the lights of Waikiki from our bed! The most beautiful gardens are at the Renaissance Wailea on Maui (better than the grounds at Grand Wailea, even), and much more affordable on the Entertainment Card. The New Otani is definitely on the quieter end of Waikiki, and we love it up that way. And you can go down the street for more excitement when you want it. All the islands are wonderful - the hard part is choosing one!

If your father is a veteran or works for the civil service, the BEST hotel in Hawaii, as well as the whole Pacific, is the Hale Koa in Waikiki. The grounds are beautiful (70 acres), fantastically manicured, they have lovely gardens, three great pools, and the hotel is right on the beach. It's open only for military and civil service employees. The rates are unbelievable, the hotel is lovely, the rooms superb, and the lobby itself is worth the stay. Another great thing is that there is NO TAX on anything you buy at the hotel. That includes the three fabulous restaurants, where the prices and food and service are unmatched. It is the greatest hotel buy on earth.

After I sent my last recommendations, I thought that I should have also mentioned the Renaissance Wailea which Lani suggested above. It is quiet and not as flashy as the Grand Wailea. As others have mentioned in this forum, you can get a discounted rate at the Renaissance by using a coupon from the Entertainment Book. Perhaps close to the rate your parents were originally aiming for.

Don't know much about the New Otani.