Hi...
I work for Marriott but never been to Honolulu before?? Looking at 2 properties..Waikik Beach and JW Marriott Ihiani at Ko Olina? Has anyone been to one or both?? We have 7 night..someone said maybe 4 nights in Waikiki to shop and party,and see the sites and 3 nights it other to just relax and be pampered?? Any advise?? Also is Pearl Harbor worth seeing? Anyone know the cost?? THANKS SOO MUCH!
Monica

I thought the Ko Olina was in an awful area - 30 km away from town.If I had made a reservation, I would have checked straight out again. The internet pictures do not show the place fully at all! The beach is supposed to be fine, so if you want to wear blinkers and live a resort ghetto like existence - those that go to all inclusive resorts often seem to want to do that, maybe OK. . Nearby small towns are dumps. It is surrounded by its own very large estate - golf course etc - and next door to that there are industrial chimneys - not sure whether still opearating or not. One person wrote on my negative comment that he hated Waikiki and that the area of Ko Olina was being redeveloped - yes, its a massive area around which is being developed into a soulless housing (I assume) estate. If you like that go for it. If you prefer to be in a busier area where far more to do and not 30 km away, then go for Waikiki. Some seem to dislike Waikiki as it is built up and has some crappy areas, give me it anyday over soulless resort hotels with chimneys as a view, (at least for some rooms).

The Ko Olina Marriott was voted one of the world's best spas by conde naste. It was also mentioned in Travel and Leisure's top hotels ( I think it was January's issue)

My family and brother's family recently stayed at the Waikiki Marriott and would stay there again. It's in Waikiki area, but not right in the middle. We enjoyed our stay there and will be staying there again in December on our way to Kauai. There are lots to do in the Waikiki area and if you just want to hang out at the hotel, there is plenty to do! Beautiful rooms, wonderful staff, both pools are great. It's across the street from the beach, close to the zoo and aquarium. Our teenage girls loved it ... I highly recommend this hotel...you can shop, and party...and relax and be pampered right there. Have fun!

Are you limited to Oahu or can you look at other Islands. Maui has 2 great properties and affiliations with the Outrigger in Wailea.

The Renaissance Ilikai on Waikiki is a beautiful hotel and well located. Very near some famous shopping center and walking distance to the Hilton, which is really a destination in itself.

Also, if you can go to other islands we stayed 7 nights at the Kauai Marriott & Beach Club, which was great....the new Marriott timeshare property in Poipu is also pretty nice looking.

This post is an example of just how different people's taste runs. I loved the Ihilani at Ko olina. We were there last June. The Hawaii of my long awaited dream was absolutely NOT an overcrowded built up beach area like Waikiki. For us, a day spent there was enough. I enjoyed the beach at Ko Olina, and spent much time there. We were there when it was fully booked, but yet, the beach was not overflowing with people. We loved driving around the island, exploring many small, relatively secluded beaches. We did that for two days, one around the southern loop, and one around the north shore, by way of Pali Lookout and Byodo-In Temple. And, regardless of where you stay, and even which island, if you want to explore some of the many beaches, do so on a weekday, when the locals are at work.

If you're young & want some nightlife, definitely stay at Marriott Waikiki Beach - it's beautiful - recently purchased by Marriott & renovated. I was there October '02. JW Marriott Ihilani is also beautiful, but far from everything. The beach setting is very pretty, but you have a bit of a drive to get to anything else. Pearl Harbor is definitely worth seeing & it's free. Aloha!!

We were in the Marriott Waikiki in December/January. While it is certainly not the nicest Marriott I've been to, it was fine - except the regular restaurants - didn't like them at all...... BUT, we did like the location as one of the other posters mentioned. I think I would take your suggestion and split the time. I've never been to the other one - but I have heard it is beautiful.