Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
of-the-art spas, 100 different shops, children's programs, fabulous ocean activities, a se-
cluded lagoon, three swimming pools, Hawaiian cultural activities, two minigolf courses,
and Waikiki Beach. You could spend your entire vacation here and never leave the prop-
erty.
•
KahalaHotel&Resort:
Since 1964, when Conrad Hilton first opened this hotel as a place for
rest and relaxation far from the crowds of Waikiki, the Kahala has always been rated one
of Hawaii's premier hotels. A venerable who's who of celebrities have stayed at the hotel,
including every president since Richard Nixon, a host of rock stars from the Rolling Stones
to the Beach Boys, and a range of actors from John Wayne to Bette Midler. The Kahala is a
completely up-to-date resort, with exotic Asian touches, but it retains the grace and eleg-
ance of a softer, gentler time in the islands.
•
J. W. Marriott Ihilani Resort & Spa at Ko Olina:
Located in the quiet of Oahu's west coast, 25
minutes west of Honolulu International Airport—and worlds away from the tourist scene
of Waikiki—the Ihilani (which means “heavenly splendor”) is the first hotel in the 640-acre
Ko Olina Resort. It features a luxury spa and fitness center, plus championship tennis and
golf. The plush rooms are spacious, with huge lanais and lagoon or ocean views from some
85% of the units. With luxury like this, who misses Waikiki?
•
TurtleBayResort:
After a $35-million renovation, this once sterling hotel is back. The resort
is spectacular—an hour's drive from Waikiki, but eons away in its country feeling. Sitting
on 808 acres, Turtle Bay is loaded with activities and 5 miles of shoreline with secluded
white-sand coves. All the rooms have great views, but the separate beach cottages are po-
sitioned right on the ocean. (The views alone are worth the price.) The 42 bungalows have
been renovated (hardwood floors, poster beds with feather comforters) and have their own
check-in and private concierge.
THE
BEST
BARGAIN ACCOMMODATIONS
It is possible to stay on Oahu without having to take out a second mortgage. Here are some
options.
•
TheBreakers:
Full of old-fashioned Hawaiian aloha—and it's only steps from the sands of
Waikiki—this two-story hotel has a friendly staff and a loyal following. Each of the taste-
fully decorated, large rooms comes with a lanai and a kitchenette, with prices starting at
$130.
•
Royal Grove Hotel:
This small, family-owned hotel is a great bargain for frugal travelers.
What you get here is old-fashioned aloha in cozy accommodations along the lines of Motel
6—basic and clean. And you can't do better for the price—this has to be the bargain of
Waikiki. For $67 (about the same price a couple would pay to stay in a private room at
the hostel in Waikiki), you get a room in the older Mauka Wing, with a double bed or two
twins, plus a kitchenette with refrigerator and stove.
•
KeIkiBeachBungalows:
Snuggled on a large lot with its own 200-foot stretch of white-sand
beach between two legendary North Shore surf spots (Waimea Bay and Banzai Pipeline),
this collection of studio, one-, and two-bedroom cottages offers affordable family bunga-
