Hofstra,
We stayed at the Halekulani 12 years ago. It was a lovely hotel with great history. I had my 15 month old with us and I was 5 months pregnant at the time. We had dinner at the HHV and I said if we come back with the kids someday, this is the place for families. So, we are finally going back 13 years later.
The beach at the Halekulani is very small. The Royal Hawaiin is a hotel, I think we should visit. I believe they have a luau there. Anyone been to this one?
Dusty, I will look at Barnes and noble for the book on Oahu. I was limited by being pregnant on my last trip. We will be much more active and sightseeing on this trip.
Gail, sorry if I hijacked your post. Hope you have a great trip.

Thanks all for your suggestions and will post back after our trip.

Dusty: got both the Oahu and Kaui Revealed books today!! Ready to dive in! Do you recommend a particular Luau? I don't think we will want to spend the entire day at the one (PCC)on the other side of the island. I think we would prefer one close to Waikiki that has decent food and a fun show. Thanks

girlonthego - I still recommend Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) for you.

You don't need to spend the whole day if you don't have the time.

The Ali'i Luau starts at 5pm and Horizons at 7:30.

Both Germaine's and Paradise Cove are an hour away from Waikiki. So they are no closer to Waikiki that PCC.

Out of all the Waikiki luaus and shows, I would choose Creation: A Polynesian Journey. It is not a luau, but has the same Polynesian dancing and a buffet. Creation is more of a production. Creation has the best dancers on Oahu. Their fire knife dancers are good.

Thanks..Maybe we will make it to the PCCenter. How far away is it from the HHVillage? I have plenty of time to think about it.(April is our vacation). I will read the books I bought and post my own post asking questions!!!!Thanks again Dusty.

OK - Here's my 2 cents on HHV. I am Diamond level with Hilton, so my husband and I go there every year. We only stay in the Rainbow tower, as we are not in the room enough to spend the extra $$$ on the Ali tower. Kalia is very nice, but it's not ocean front. However, it has the Mandera Spa. I highly recommend the "Heaven and Earth" treatment, a scalp, hand, and foot massage...it's awesome! We love it there, but if money is not an issue, I would also consider Halekulani or the Mandarin Oriental. The fireworks show at HHV is cool viewed from your balcony, but if you really want to see fireworks, go to "Thunder over Louisville" in Louisville, KY, which marks the start of Derby Fest (about 2 weeks before the Kentucky Derby). Once you've seen that, all others seem pale by comparison. Anyway, back to Hawaii...there are PLENTY of things to do. As for luaus, the one at Paradise Cove is kind of cheesy, and it's a long drive. The one at Royal Hawaiian is really nice, and I think it was maybe $65 - $70 per person? However, if you eat at one place in Hawaii, eat at Roy's. Yes, they have locations on the mainland, but the one in Hawaii Kai is totally worth it! Food, service, and atmospere are amazing. My husband and I eat there twice each time we go. Make reservations, as they are always packed.
PCC is great, but is an all day event, as it is on the other (north) side of the island.

April - I second Thunder Over Louisville. It's the best in the country! And a good airshow also. I lived in Louisville for several years in the mid-90s and watched it every year. Even though I live in Hawaii now, I've still made it back to Louisville for Thunder 4 of the past 6 years.

Girlonthego - PCC is about 50 minutes to an hour away from Waikiki.

When I take visitors there, we make it a whole day.

We leave about 10am and make stops at Dole Pinapple and several north shore beaches on the way.

You can also go the opposite direction and stop at places like Byodo-in Temple, Haiku Gardens, Chinaman's Hat and Laie Point near PCC.

Of course if you add the stops, it makes the 50 minutes into 2 1/2 to 3 hours or so.

Got2travel2 - I understand your suggestion and it is a good suggestion.

However, I keep adding websites or make changes to the list.

april: We are traveling on points. My husband is diamond, but I am guessing that we will not be automatically put in the Ali. Is Rainbow tower nice? I am hoping for the Ali tower since I hear it is very nice.
I also heard that the food at the Royal Hawaiian Luau was not very good. What was your take on the food? Was the show any good?
Dusty:The only problem with going to PCC is that my kids would drop (They will be 12 and 13 when we go.) by the end of the day when the show finally starts. The six hour time change is a huge difference and I am sure it will take more than a few days to adjust.

girlonthego - Your kids won't drop. I've been to PCC about 15 times (always get an annual pass), some of those times with young kids.

There is always something going on there and they will really enjoy it. They will drop on the way back to Waikiki though.

On a scale from 1-10, with PCC being a 10, there is no other luau that even rates better than a 5 because PCC is so much more entertaining.

I would rate 'Creation: A Polynesian Journey' at Sheraton Princess Kaiulani in Waikiki about a 6 or 7 because they have the best dancers on Oahu. Their show is really good, but the buffet is not luau type food and there is no games for the kids.

Go to PCC. You won't regret it.

No, you will not be upgraded to the Ali tower if you are using points. They will put you in Rainbow or Diamond Head. Call the hotel ahead and have them put a note on your account for Rainbow tower, and to upgrade to oceanview room if available. However, if you are traveling with kids, you may have fewer options depending on the type of room you require. As for the Royal Hawaiin luau, the food was OK, and the show was nice. The show at Paradise Cove is better, but it's FAR!