Hubby and I will be in Oahu for one night after spending time on the Big Island. I've got an ocean view room booked at the HHV, but now I'm thinking about the Royal Hawaiian. We just want somewhere nice to relax by the pool or on the beach. I've researched on this site and others, but I still can't make up my mind. Any thoughts?

I would absolutely choose the Royal Hawaiian if you can afford it! It is truly a one-of-a-kind hotel. Or the Sheraton Moana Surfrider. The two oldest hotels in Waikiki.

The other is just a big normal formula resort, right?

We have stayed several times at the HHV. I love the Royal Hawaiian, but have that on my list of places to stay when I am not as into the pool and beach. Their pool and beach area are much smaller than HHV. That being said the HHV is much more "resorty" and much larger than the Royal Hawaiian. If it were me for one night only, I would choose the Royal Hawaiian. It will be much more intimate than the HHV. I love the "old Hawaiian" feel. I always feel like I am stepping back in time.

Just ditto me to chitowngirl. I love that big pink confection. One of my favorite things to do in Oahu is watch sunset from the Royal Hawaiian. Nothing quite like it.

Thanks! These responses make my decision very easy - switch to the Royal Hawaiian!

hurray!!!! (& aloha)

The Royal Hawaiian with out a doubt!!!!

I'll throw in a dinner recommendation then... the restaurant that is on the wrap around veranda at the old Moana hotel. There's also a more casual bar restaurant below in the couryard with the banyan tree.

I second that recommendation Suze. Next door to Royal Hawaiian and a beautiful hotel. I always manage at least one sunset cocktail at the Banyan Tree bar!

I like hearing the recommendations from Suze and Mary2Go. Next month, I am giving a bride's tea at the Moana Banyan Tree room. Glad to know that was a good decision! Mahalo.

This has to do with 1st impressions and front lobby service and staff, not the hotel rooms at all... I was scouting out a 'fancy' place to have a birthday celebration dinner (traveling solo). Royal Hawaiian was very snobby about my inquiry, with no restaurant information or dinner pricing available in the lobby, while next door Moana was welcoming and gave me a copy of the evening's menu. I had their fix-price dinner with wines, they gave me a fantastic table, complimentary lei and birthday wishes. Excellent service and good food. It really made an impression on me, and I like to pass on a good recommendation when I have the chance.

Maybe the Royal Hawaiian prefers to have only hotel guests in their dining room, which I would understand, and if that's what they were after it worked! Again both hotels look fantastic, so I mean no ill will against either as a place to stay.

Roayl hawwaiin by far. Just the history alone caught me. And it was so cute to have everything in pink!! The cafe outside is adorable. You will be staying at a landmark hotel ....we loved it!