Sheraton vs Hilton Hawaiian Village
 

My fiance and I will be traveling to Oahu in May for our honeymoon and can't decide if the HHV or the Sheraton would be a better choice. At the Sheraton, we would get an oceanview room and at the HHV, we would get an oceanview room in Ali'i tower. Which resort is better for honeymooners? We will be renting a car and traveling around the island to see sights and do some exploring and water activities? Which place has better views, friendlier staff, more romantic environment, and so on? Also any suggestions on what to do? Any waterfalls? Drives through forests/ mountians? We are from Florida so we don't get to see anything other than hills from phosphate mines. Any suggestions and comments are appreciated.

Thanks!

When I was there last there was no beach in front of the Sheraton, so I google to see if that was still the case and it is--this from an article I googled:

"Currently in some places along the Waikiki coast, there are only small strips of sandy beach — or none at all during high tide. A sandy beach fronting the Sheraton Waikiki only emerges during very low tide. The rest of the time, Gray's Beach is under 2 feet to 3 feet of water that hits a beachwall."

I've stayed at the HHV and liked it very much; the beach is quite wide there, and since it's at the end of Waikiki, it isn't as crowded as other properties.

I have not stayed at either, but the HHV does have a bigger beach in front of it if that is important to you. HHV is at the far end of the Waikiki area so it probably won't be as convenient to step out the door and be in the center of things. It all depends on if that matters to you.
From walking around both properties, I'm not sure I'd characterize either as "romantic", at least in the sense most people usually mean that word. The HHV has more extensive landscaping though, so it is quite pretty and the property itself is more spreadout, while the Sheraton is more compact.

As far as drives, do take a day to drive to the North Shore. There are lots of places to stop along the way and you will have to pick and choose, as there are too many things to see. Some of my favorites include: Kailua/Lanikai beaches, Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden, Senator Fong's Garden, Sunset Beach.

Another drive would be to the Pali Lookout which you could combine with driving Tantalus/Round Top Drives (you drive through some very lush areas with vines dangling over the road). Off of the Pali Hwy is Nuuanu Pali Dr which is also very green/foresty.

I'd agree about the above "romantic" comment--there is nothing romantic about Waikiki to me. It's very busy, crowded, traffic-y, etc and these are big hotels and are going to have lots of people. But the HHV does have nice grounds. I had spectacular views from my 30th floor room, too, but I can't remember which tower it was in.

What is yall's idea of a romantic place to stay in Oahu? Just searching for some ideas. Thanks.

Definitely NOT the Sheraton. It is mostly a convention hotel. I've never seen a beach there, and the pool is in shade most of the day because of the high hotel looming over it.

My choice would be the Kahala: www.kahalaresort.com
They have quite a list of specials that help bring down the rate, such as "4th Night Free" or "Free Breakfast for 2 every day and 5th Night Free". It is a bit out of Waikiki proper, but still convenient for the sightseeing you propose.

I also like Turtle Bay Resort, but it is in a more remote location. www.turtlebayhotel.com

If your choices are the HHV or the Sheraton, the HHV wins, hands down. But another choice, if it is in your price range, would be the Moana Surfrider or the Royal Hawaiian. The Kahala is really lux, but IMO a bit out of the way. HHV is rather down the beach from a lot of the activity on Kalakaua Avenue, but it is a very pleasant 15-20 minute stroll. You really would not be missing anything by staying at HHV. It's far enough to be "secluded" but close enough to be in a good shopping/dining location. I've stayed in the Ali'i Tower twice and I find it to be a great choice. I would not consider the Sheraton for a Waikiki vacation, in any case, even though it IS on the beach (smallish beach).

Definitely drive the Pali Road, yes! (try to get a convertible) and then do the drive up the hill from Punchbowl Cemetary on the Tauntalus Drive/Roundtop Rd. It's gorgeous up there! We drove it yesterday, in a Mustang convertible. There are places where the vines were almost reaching down into our car! Awesome!! Very lush, very green, very rainforest-y (if that's a word)

Also, drive around Oahu to the North Shore. Go the long way, by way of Hawaii Kai and up the hill past Hanauma. You won't be disappointed. The east shore has a really beautiful rocky coastline with some nice beaches along the way. Hanauma Bay is nice for snorkeling, but it gets very crowded! If you want a more secluded beach, just follow the shoreline road up to the northshore and you will see a number of nice beaches where you can stop, swim, and practically have the place to yourselves.

Something else we did yesterday, on our North Shore drive, was to take the road all the way out to the end of the paved surface, past Haleiwa marina and past a small airstrip where you can skydive. It is at least several miles or more with hardly any traffic at all! The beaches along this road are very quiet, very lovely. If you have 4-wheel drive (think Jeep) you can continue on past the paved part of the road for a short distance. We didn't dare drive it in our Mustang, but it looks like a neat (rocky) road to the end!!

Enjoy your honeymoon. Oahu has so much to offer!

Carol

HHV is very family oriented - lots of kids but has a great beach. It is a beautiful resort but it is crowded with people. Lots of resturants, shops and frankly anywhere is romantic when you are on a honeymoon. I'd choose the HHV for its beauty, convenience of restaurants and great beach. Note that it is a good distance to the rest of waikiki but that might be a good thing

Your input has been great! I will look into the Royal Hawaiian and the Kahala.