We will be honeymooning in September in Maui and Oahu and we are staying at the Ritz Carlton in Maui for 7 nights and spending 3 nights in Oahu after that. I don't mind spending a little more for somewhere nice with a decent view...the travel agent suggested the Alii Towers, but I don't read such great things about the Hilton properties...any suggestions or experiences?

Pete:

I have stayed at both the Halekulani and the Hawaii Prince in Honolulu. Both are excellent luxury properties. The Halekulani is (I believe) the only 5-diamond property on Oahu. The service is excellent; it is on the beach, and their pool is very nice. One thing I will always remember is that when I arrived at the property, they immediately took me up to my room and checked me in there, rather than making me stand at the front desk -- very nice! Every room also has a doorbell for visitors to ring, instead of pounding on the door! If you are into the "little touches," you will definitely find that the Halekulani has them covered.

The Hawaii Prince is also excellent. It is a tall building that overlooks the Honolulu yacht harbor. It is not on the beach, but Waikiki is only a short distance away (within walking distance). Due to its design, every room has a very nice view of the ocean. The service here is also excellent. It is owned by the Japanese, so many Japanese people stay there, and the hotel observes at least some of the Japanese customs (hot towels given to you when you check in, etc.). They also offer a free van service that will take you to various locations in Honolulu. The thing I remember most about my stays at the Hawaii Prince is opening my window (yes, you can actually get fresh air!) at night, and looking at the ocean the night before I had to depart back to the chilly (but I wouldn't live anywhere else!) midwest!

The major difference between the two properties (IMO) is price. The Hawaii Prince is a little less expensive than the Halekulani.

If you stay at either property, I don't think you'll be disappointed! Have a nice honeymoon, and please let us know where you ended up staying!

Have you considered the New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel?

http://kaimana.com

Or the W Hotel Honolulu?

http://www.whotels.com/cities/honolulu/index.html

These have the advantage of being a little removed from the hustle and bustle of Waikiki yet near everything.

And both have excellent views.

Alii Towers (Hilton) isn't among the top 5 hotels on Oahu. Skeptic in me says your travel agent is getting a premium commission for booking people there. Which is why I avoid TA's like the plague.

Pete:
I wouldn't consider the Kaimana a luxury property. The W is quite nice, but lacks a pool. You might want to check the Kahala Mandarin. If you want to get out of Honolulu altogether, the Ihilani on the Waianae Coast is very nice, but is a destination in itself, since it is a 20-minute drive to town.

Thanks for the advice friends...I figured something was going on since nobody ever mentions the Hilton properties when discussing where to stay in Oahu....What about somewhere nice but not 5 star, since we are really going to Oahu to see some sights after a week or so of relaxing on Maui and plan on spending a little more time outside of the hotel/resort ?

We like the Waikiki Parc hotel, which is a sister hotel to the Halekulani (and right across the street) but less expensive. GREAT location for getting out to see things, caters to Japanese somewhat but not exclusively, excellent room service and very gracious on the whole. It also gives you reciprocal reservations at any of the Halekulani restaurants, which is a bonus. Make sure to get an ocean view--worth the extra money. Have fun!

We loved the Kahala - exclusive and beautiful rooms with terrific amenities (ex. bath salts in a coconut) and dolphins on the property. Great private beach. It only took us about ten minutes to get into town. It was very easy to explore the island from that location. Good food and definitely 5 star. We ate at Le Mer in the Halekulani - looked very nice as well (we wanted to stay a little removed) We also went to Roy's in Hawaii Kai(I think thats what it's called) which is on the other side of the Kahala - therefore we loved the location. We had just come from 4 Seasons in Maui and Kauai b4 that. Enjoy

Liz

What about renting a home or condo. outside of Waikiki? The HCVB website (gohawaii.com) has an extensive listing of vacation rentals. Be sure to take a look at these in the Kailua and Lanikai areas: allerstorfer.com and let me know what you think, they look like great values.

We plan to take a couple extra days on Oahu-just to stay a the Kahala Mandarin.
It is on the quiet side of Diamond head, and only 10 minutes from Waikiki.

I would recommend the Halekulani...tops in Waikiki. We stayed at the Prince and is it lovely but more a business class hotel, not on the beach. The pool area is really poor, just some poured concrete on a higher floor. Wouldn't do the Alii Tower. Friends of ours stayed at the Royal Hawaiian and loved it...got a Sheraton special at 35% discount...don't know if that is still on...or if you want a bit cheaper, what about the Sheraton Moana Surfrider?? Hope this helps!

I guess I'm the only one who'll admit to it, but here I go: I stayed at the Hilton Hawaiian Village and liked it. Great room, good service, good location on the beach, good view of Diamond Head. I always see people say negative things about this Hotel, but they never say exactly what was wrong.

Noach, I am making a return at the request of the rest of the posters here at Fodor's to ask you to stop posting. It's clear you've never really traveled, but have instead surfed the internet for countless hours. Please stop posting things you've found online, and start posting real world experiences. Oh, that's right, you don't have any. How can you make suggestions under this post when you've never stayed in any of these places, much less even been to Hawaii. Please stop

I just got back from a week in Maui - four seasons and 2 days in oahu - w hotel I would highly recommend the w hotel in honolulu the service is outstanding the rooms are wonderful perfect for a honeymoon, the hilton is too large and touristy the w hotel is perfect - close to the beach, great rooms and an excellent staff you won't regret it!!

Amanda:

Thanks for your post on the W. We like the Diamond Head Grill very much, and figured the rest of the hotel would be up to that standard. That's the really pleasant end of Waikiki.
Aloha,
k

I also believe that the Halekulani is the best on Waikiki beach. I just thought you should know, however, that on Waikiki beach you won't get the same seclusion you had on Maui. There are tons of high-rise hotels situated right on top of one another. It reminds me of Atlantic City, NJ with a much nicer beach; very noisy and crowded. If you want nightlife, this is the place to be. But if you want peace and quiet, I'd suggest selecting a hotel on the less crowded north shore. I've heard good things about the Ihilani Resort & Spa. Have fun!

Pete-

I too would consider the Shearton Moana Surf Rider. Pretty top drawer quality, right in the heart of Waikiki and is historical. I'd shoot for the main buliding though otherwise you're just in another concrete high rise.

Dining tip for a very nice dinner away from the tourist section- "3660 On the Rise." Ask the hotel concerige to make reservations (not open on Mondays I think) and directions. Totally worth the 10-15 minute drive from Waikiki!