Hi, friends of mine (mid 20s) are going to Hawaii this August and need some help in choosing the best hotel. Can you help? Their options are:
1.Sheraton Waikiki
2.Outrigger Waikiki
3.Hilton Hawaiian Village (Rainbow Tower)
4.Radisson Prince Kuhio

Many thanks for your help
Rich.

Tripadvisor.com is a great resource for getting a variety of opinions about places to stay. I consistently hear Outrigger and the Hilton mentioned. - Outrigger may have a price advantage. Look at the hotel reviews on this site also. Additionally, I like to look at the website for each hotel and see pictures...

Hello rlewis. You state, "...choosing the best hotel."

"Best" in what regards? What exactly are you (they) looking for in terms of a hotel in Hawaii?
1. beach
2. pools
3. restaurants
4. location
5. amenities
6. price
I take all these into consideration, then make the best decision that fits into my budget.

Happy travels! Aloha!

I recently stayed at the Hilton Hawaiian Village in the Ali'i Tower. I would recommend the Ali'i instead of the Rainbow Tower, if possible, although I did see a room in the Rainbow Tower and it was not that bad either. THe Ali'i has recently been updated, has a nice marble lobby and bathrooms, and even a doorman and its own private poola area. It's much nicer to sit by the private pool rather than the super pool with all the crowds. In the aferrnoon there are free finger foods poolside at the Ali'i as well, which is a nice little perk.

I think your friends would really enjoy the Hilton Hawaiian Village. The beach area there is larger (wider) than at the other Waikiki hotels. I think they would like the activity around the "super pool" since they are younger. I, too, have stayed (twice) at Ali'i Tower and enjoy the peace and quiet, but I'm a "50-something" and have been to Hawaii several times. For their first time, I's say Rainbow Tower at HHV.

I can't imagine that 2 people in their mid 20's wouldn't have a blast at the Outrigger Waikiki. With Duke's on site, beautiful Waikiki right out the back door and lots of fun things within walking distance-we think it's a great place to stay. They may be able to get half off the rack rate using the entertainment card (I've found that to be the best deal). The pool is nothing special if that is a concern to them.

I agree with 2sweets if they want to be in the "heart" of action, near the surfers and some great nightlife, I'd stay at the Outrigger or Sheraton. The Hilton is nice but off the beaten path (IMO). We walked to a nightclub from the Sheraton and felt very comfortable walking back at 2 am, The international market has some fun places to go too.

Thanks for your replies. They have narrowed it down to 3. Further comments appreciated.
1. Outrigger Waikiki Ocean front room (2,841.03 USD for the week)
2. Ali'i Tower Ocean front room ( 2,605.59 USD for the week)
3. Halekulani Courtyard view ( 2,808.59 USD for the week).

As we're from the UK, we don't have the "entertainment card" facility. You say that the Hilton Village is "off the beaten track", how long will it take to walk on foot from the Hilton village to the Outrigger Waikiki?
Again many thanks.

My husband and I are the same age and stayed at the Outrigger for our honeymoon- I think we were upgraded to a partial ocean view room. The hotel was fun and Dukes was great- plus it's in the middle of everything in Waikiki. Hilton is at the far end, not sure if walking distance, we never headed down that far. We loved the atmosphere at Halekulani- had drinks there one night. It was very unique and romantic and calming. But it sure is great to have an ocean view! I don't think they can go wrong with any of these, depends on what they're looking for.
Ocean view and action- Outrigger
Ocean view and some luxury- Hilton Alii
Calm, romantic luxury- Halekulani

Just my opinions here, but I would go with one of the options that is oceanview or ocean front. Having the view (and I assume a balcony from which to enjoy it) can really put a nice finishing touch on the trip. I traveled to Hawaii last month and was trying to stay within a budget. I opted for a garden view room at our hotel on Maui (over an oceanview room at a lesser-priced property), and I spent most of the time there wishing I had gone for something with a view. If I was traveling all the way from the UK to Hawaii, I think I would be disappointed not to have a view.

The other consideration is what kind of atmosphere and level of luxury they are looking for. I spent a lot of time at the Halekulani on the recent trip (we stayed at its lesser-priced sister across the street). It is a lovely hotel, quiet and very elegant. If they are looking for a quiet, romantic atmosphere, it would be an excellent choice. If they are looking for a bit more action, I'd suggest the Outrigger (we did not venture up to the Hilton). As an aside, I didn't think the beach right at the Halekulani was anything special. It's a small area, and there is a lot of foot traffic past there.

Hello rlewis! Walking from the Hilton to the Outrigger will be one of your daily rituals. Not ritual in a bad sense, either. You'll really enjoy it. It takes about 10 minutes, across one of the nicest stretches of sand in Waikiki, right past the military hotel, Hale Koa, and Fort DeRussy, maybe even join a beach volleyball game along the way. You can opt to either walk along the water's edge on the sand or on a very nice wide sidewalk the whole way. You'll find you'll do it anyway, no matter if you stay at the Outrigger or Hilton.

Did you know that every Friday night the Hilton has a great Hawaiian show (courtesy of the Polynesian Cultural Center), plus fireworks on the beach. And it's free!

Happy travels! Aloha!

Rich, you should be able to buy the entertainment book tho' the postage might be high. See
http://www.entertainment.com/save/home/

Good luck

Thanks again for all your help. They've decided to go with the ocean front at the Outrigger. Thanks pspercy for that info. It will cost me about $17 shipping so I'll go ahead and order.
Rich.

I would reconsider Halekulani as it is widely regarded as one of 2 best hotels in Honolulu - very upmarket. SO deal offered is pretty good - explains limitation of courtyard view.

I would recommend Hilton. It's right on a wide beach and within a short walk of Fort DeRussy Beach, which is popular with young local surfers and volleyball players. There's also a park and picnic area at Fort DeRussy.

I think that the Outrigger (where Duke's is) would be your best bet. I agree that the Hilton Hawaiian Village is sort of "off the beaten track". The outrigger is where it's happening.

I would recommend the Sheraton Moana or Outrigger --they are right next to each other and both located on the best stretch of Waikiki for swimming and beach quality. The sand is much softer there (like velvet on your feet) than at the Halekulani or Hilton, where there is almost a gravelly texture. (Just walked the entire stretch barefoot last week).
By the time your friends arrive, there will be more sand on the beach, as they have to replenish it.
Waikiki area at night is wonderful, lots of entertainment at hotel bars on the beach (which yo can hear as you walk by) and on the main drag, Kalakaua Avenue, which has been tremendously imporved over the last few yrs. They will be in the "center" of Kalakaua at the Outrigger. I agree that their choice of ocean view room at Outrigger-on-the Beach is excellent. However, I guarantee they will want to spend time next door at the wonderful, historical Banyan courtyard of the Sheraton Moana Surfrider. It is magical, especially at night.
On the other side of the Outrigger is the Royal Hawaiian, another Waikiki landmark, with beautiful unique architecture.
Tell them to wear LOTS of sunscreen!!