Anyone ever stayed at this resort & spa? Any comments?

I just sent a response, and it seems to have gotten lost.... I will try again.

We stayed at this resort last June, and it was wonderful. There are many different views about where to stay on Oahu, particularly between those who love Waikiki and those who feel it's not really Hawaii. I'm more in the latter catagory. To me, one day in Waikiki was enough. It's an exciting area, but not laid back enough for what I wanted from my trip to Hawaii.

The Ihilani has a beautiful beach, beautiful, large rooms, and several restaurants. We loved Azul restaurant. It was one of our best meals while in Hawaii [on both Maui and Oahu]. There's also a seafood restaurant and a Japanese restaurant. We also had an excellent meal at the golf course restaurant just down the road.

We were there when the hotel was sold out, and we never had a problem getting lounge chairs at the beach. The beach is quite large, so there's plenty of room for everyone, but if you desire a more private spot, there's another beach just past it, minus the lounge chairs.

The one negative about this resort is the pool. It's a bit too small, and in too busy an area, in my opinion. However, the beach is so beautiful, it was easy to pass on the pool.

I hope this helped. I thank you for bringing me back to those sunny afternoons, while I look out my window at all the SNOW! Enjoy your trip.

Although It is not credited, I am 99% sure that this is the hotel that is featured in the movie BLUE CRUSH. They call it something else, but the arial shot is the same as all the brochures. Pretty boring movie, with the exception of some great Hawaii scenery.

The movie Blue Crush was filmed there. It does not give you a clear picture of the hotel but I would be looking forward to stay here. I also have friends on the island that make it a point to use the spa facilities a few times a year.

aloha mom I liked that movie. Do you maybe live in Hawaii? Many of us on the outside love any pictures in film we can see. I thought that movie was good for what it was. I was expecting disney when I rented it so I was plesantly surprised.BTW I also saw lilo and stich a few times WITH CHILDREN OF COURSE!

A great movie about Hawaii LVM is "the picture bride"

What is the golf course like at Ihilani??

The resort itself may well be amazing and beach great but driving past it I could not believe the location - it totally sucked with very nearby industrial sites - some rooms I am sure must have horrendous views. If you like to wear blinkers and you want to be 25 miles from down town, fine. This palce would have to have several restaurants as there is nothing around. If I had booked in there I would have checked straight out again.

Although I agree that the location is more isolated and that people should be aware of that before they come here, I disagree with the assessment that it "totally sucked." I have stayed there once on business and am returning for pleasure. Although some may find being 25 minutes from Waikiki a problem, I think it is a benefit. There is no part of Hawaii I like less.

The immediate area around the resort is quite lovely and there some restaurants nearby. The industrial area you mention is part of Kapolei (about 5 minutes away) and is an interesting planned community that claims they will "rival Honolulu in size" one day.

I grant that the location is a problem is you are focused on the nightlife, shopping or people-watching of the major hotel center. However, if you want more of a retreat, this is a nice property. Espicially now, before th entire marina area is filled up with condos, timeshares and sprawl!

Oh yeah, and the spa rocks! It may be the the best one on Oahu.

I just stayed at the Ihilani last weekend. When I got to the room, the housekeeper helped me open the door and I gasped, "The room is so huge!" I think I must have said that 3 more times in a hushed whisper, and she thought that was so funny! hahaha The bathroom is incredible, too. I stayed on a low floor and still had a gorgeous view. I can see why a previous poster would think the views might not be good, but everyone I talked to that weekend could do nothing but rave about the view and all claimed they had the best room!

I loved the food and the service was great.

You have to understand, I'm one of those people that likes lots of activities and I usually pack my schedule full of things to do. But here I was, lounging peacefully under a huge umbrella at the pool, a mild breeze wafting over me as I enjoyed my icy cold cocktail. There was a couple next to me doing the same. The husband turned to me with a contented look on his face and sighed, "This lack of activity is killing me!" hahahaaaa

We stayed next door at the Marriott KoOlina Timeshare which opened Last January. We were told that this are won't be secluded for long with the state of Hawaii approving a new Aquarium on the property and there are three more buildings planned for the time-share. A Rennaissance Resort is planned to be built between the Ihilani and the KoOlina and a new Concert Amphitheater is proposed to be built one exit away.
The rooms at the KoOlina were huge and there were three pools, a hot tub, a exercise center with sauna's and steam baths. The only restaurants were at the Ihilani. There were many people who switched accomodations from the Ihilani to the KoOlina because they were impressed by the resort.
There is a industrial port near the Resort but frankly we were so impressed with the resort it didn't matter (eventually the new aquarium will block the view).
There is a shopping area close by with chain & local restaurants (The time share units had full kitchens). You can walk to the Paradise Cove Luau which is next door to the Ihilani. I thought the ressort left nothing to be desired and the lagoons were never crowded.

Awesome hotel and experience. Stayed on the 10th floor with lanai over pool and facing ocean. Noise was not a problem. Hotel has many scheduled activities as well as short drive to Waikele outlets and resturants. Found the pool resturant to be very good and relaxing. The spa is also wonderful whether you acutally get a massage, utilize the athletic facilities, or relax in the pool.

Booked directly throught the Marriott for the best deal. Tried Priceline with no luck. Stayed in Waikiki the first several nights and ended the trip in Ihilani. Because I did not spend much time in Waikiki...maybe one evening, would not have mind staying at Ihiliani the entire trip. The evening/night drive into Honolulu is awesome and scenic.

Waikiki reminds me a FL beach during Spring break. Lots of people, loud music, street performers, etc. Cool place to hangout for a night or two.