Oahu - Hawaii with Kids - page 92

Laie Inn This two-story, plantation-style hotel is a small, intimate property
within walking distance of the Polynesian Cultural Center, Brigham Young Uni-
versity Hawaii, and the Mormon Temple. The clientele is mainly families, and
the management goes out of the way to make everyone comfortable. The rooms
are standard, with two double beds, microwave on request, and full bathroom;
a family of four would be happy here. Access to a secluded white-sand beach is
just across the street. Other amenities include a sun deck, barbecues with free
charcoal, and free local calls.
55-109 Laniloa St. (off Kamehameha Hwy., near the Polynesian Cultural Center), Laie, HI 96762. & 800/526-
4562 or 808/293-9282. Fax [phone]. www.laieinn.com. 49 units. $84-$99 double. Extra person $10.
Children under 18 stay free in parent's room. Cribs and rollaway beds free. AE, DISC, MC, V. Free parking. Bus:
52 or 55. Amenities: Restaurant; outdoor pool; activities desk; coin-op laundry. In room:A/C, TV, fridge.
Turtle Bay Resort If you are looking for a relaxing luxury resort, away
from the urban pace of Waikiki, this is the place for your family. This property
has recently undergone a management change (for years it was a Hilton) and a
$35-million massive renovation of all the rooms. The lobby is now open and airy
with floor-to-ceiling windows to the dramatic ocean shoreline view. The resort is
spectacular: an hour's drive from Waikiki, but eons away in its country feeling.
Sitting on 808 acres, this place is loaded with activities and 5 miles of shoreline
with secluded white-sand coves. It's located on Kalaeokaunu Point (“point of the
altar”), where ancient Hawaiians built a small altar to the fish gods.
All the rooms are of a good size and have ocean views and balconies. You can
request two double beds or a king bed and still have room for a complimentary
crib or futon. They also offer an excellent package rate for families, with bonuses
like 4 days of the Keiki Club (with surfing lessons, tennis serve and play, golf les-
sons, and 9 holes of golf for two kids) and family horseback riding along the
coastline for just $1,750 for 5 nights.
If you can afford it, book the separate beach cottages. Positioned right on the
ocean (the views alone are worth the price), the 42 bungalows have been reno-
vated (hardwood floors, poster beds with feather comforters, even a personalized
butler) and have their own check-in and private concierge (like a hotel within a
hotel).
For rainy days, there's video on demand in each room. Dining is no problem
at the Palm Terrace, Sand Bar, and Hang Ten Bar (pool side); all have keiki
menus. For a special adults' night out, don't miss the romantic 21 Degrees North
(p. 109).
P.O. Box 187 (Kuilima Dr., off Kamehameha Hwy. [Hwy. 83]), Kahuku, HI 96731. & 800/203-3650 or 808/
293-6000. Fax [phone]. www.turtlebayresort.com. 443 units. $350-$450 double; $650-$750 cottages;
from $600 suite. Resort fee $12 for unlimited local phone calls, long-distance access and toll-free number;
self-service coffee and tea in room; newspaper; parking; 1-hr. snorkel rental for 2 per day; access to fitness
club; 1 hr. of tennis court time per day; indoor safe; and incoming faxes. Extra person $50. Children 17 and
under stay free in parent's room. Cribs and rollaway beds free. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Valet parking $4. Bus: 52
or 55. Amenities: 4 restaurants; 2 bars (live entertainment Thurs-Sat at the Bay Club Lounge, plus a pool-
side bar for sunset cocktails); 2 outdoor heated pools (w/80-ft. water slide); 36 holes of golf; 10 Plexipave
tennis courts; spa w/complete fitness center; 2 Jacuzzis; watersports equipment rental; concierge; activity
desk; business center; shopping arcade; salon; room service; babysitting; coin-op laundry; laundry service; dry
cleaning. In room:A/C, TV, fridge, coffeemaker, hair dryer, iron.
LEEWARD OAHU: THE WAIANAE COAST
J. W. Marriott Ihilani Resort & Spa at Ko Olina Resort It's defi-
nitely not Waikiki, but it is on a 640-acre resort, some 17 miles and 25 minutes
west of Honolulu Airport (and worlds away from the tourist scene of Waikiki).
Ihilani (“heavenly splendor”) is nestled in a quiet location between the Pacific