Has anyone been to the Ihilani lately? Impressions? How did you like swimming in the lagoon?

We have not ever stayed at the Ihilani but the setting is great if you want to be away from everything but still have the big city 30 miles away. We have swum in the lagoons, they're real nice with lots of sand, grass and shade if you need to get out of the sun, and not crowded.

I stayed there about 4 years ago - it is a lovely upscale resort. Every room has it's own lanai [balcony] - I had a mountainview room. Bathroom very cushy - the greatest oatmeal soaps and every night on your pillow you got a little trial-size spa thing - foot cream, herbal eye mask, etc. You will definitely need a car if you go there, since David is right - Honolulu with all the restaurants, nightlife etc is 30 miles back to the east. The spa services are excellent, altho expensive [as you would expect]. The whole body massage ran about $165. The food was lovely, but only 1 or 2 onsite restaurants, so I often made the drive back towards Honolulu to eat.

The Paradise Cove luau is right next door, and I actually thought it wasn't too bad - was the first one I had done. The pool was nice - never got to the beach.

Overall, a luxurious place in a very quiet location.

My wife and I stayed there on our honeymoon for 5 nights. It was probably one of the nicest resorts we have ever stayed in. We got a full oceanview room and we slept with the doors wide open every night. The lagoon was beautiful and deserted. We were extremely happy with everthing and really didn't mind that they had only a few restaurants because we spent sometime in honolulu anyways so we would eat out if we were already in the city. The resort, golf, staff etc were all top notch and we would go back in a second.

Ted I did not stay there but used their facilities on Christmas Day this year. The lagoon was lovely. My brother lives in Hawaii and knows some folks there. We really enjoyed the quietness of the place as we stayed on Waikiki in the madness. It is far from everything and traffic was horrific but there was a ritzy feel to the area. It isn't the Grand Wailea on Maui but it was nicer in my opinion than the crowds downtown.

AAahhh...I just LOVE the Ihilani. I spent 2 nights there a year ago. I absolutely loved it and didn't want to leave. The lagoon is fabulous and so uncrowded. I remember just floating in the lagoon and gazing upon the lovely Ihilani with the mountains in the background. Pure relaxation. There is also a long walking path that is at water and golf edge I am a discriminating traveller and have stayed in many fine hotels & spas. This place is idyllic. The rooms are large, spacious and luxurious. We had a room overlooking the lagoon. Screen sliding doors allow the sounds of the ocean in. The spa is wonderful....again, very intimate and uncrowded with a touch of class. If you enjoy relaxing and lounging in the sun, golfing and doing the spa thing book at least 4 nights here, then stay at another resort for some activity and adventure. I really liked the fact that it is located away from everything. We even had a few celebrity sightings while there. I highly recommend this gem of a place. I know a handful of friends who have felt exactly the same "magic" of the Ihilani. I do know that since I stayed there, another hotel chain bought them out. I'd check into what changes have been made since. Any other questions, please email me.

Aloha!