Hawaii - where to stay ?

[mosanator]

I have been looking for a trip to take for our 20th Wedding Anniversary and have been looking hard at Hawaii. Have been to all the usual sites and a package deal for 7 days looks the best, but selecting somewhere to stay is almost as mind boggling as Vegas. Has anyone got some recommendtions?

Just the two of us and we were thinking of hiring a car and having a look around also, not wanting to sit at the pool or beach all day, want to do some sightseeing and shopping. Car parking looks like it will be $$$, but we like our independence.

SWMBO likes nice hotels (4*) with all the mod cons but she is usually happy if they are a bit quieter and subtle. Doesn't have to be lavish and grand just comfortable,clean and relaxed.

We would be going in the 2nd half of November - whats the crowds like that time of year?

Any advice would be appreciated, as I was 10 yrs old the last time I was in Honolulu !
Thanks in Advance.

 

[lovestotravel]

Have you got a rough $$ per night you are happy to spend ?

 

[opusman]

In Honolulu, The Royal Hawaiian is my favourite.

 

[mosanator]

Have you got a rough $$ per night you are happy to spend ?

Probably at a rough guess looking at package prices @ $3 - 3.5k for the 7 days.

 

[lovestotravel]

Okay so somewhere quiet and subtle, that rules out most of Honolulu really!

Also not too much beach/pool and would rather drive and explore

I would split the time between Kauai and Oahu islands, so maybe 4 nights and 3 nights

However, at the same time, you could easily spend 7 days on Oahu (Honolulu)

Have you booked flights yet ? or looking for a total packs for flights/hotels etc still ?

 

[11sjw]

Regarding the car hire / parking issue some hotels have agencies for certain car rental companies within their premises. Eg, we stayed at The Ilikai (advantage car Hire had a desk there) in July and decided it was cheaper to hire by the day rather than a 3-5 day rate and have to pay parking each night.

Regarding your hotel do you want to be in Waikiki or not?

 

[Geegeela]

I was at the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani Honolulu a couple of months ago and it had all that I needed and is well located.

It is not “brand new” but the service was good.

I strongly recommend a High Ocean or High Partial Ocean View room.

However, what impressed me most was the FREE broadband internet and FREE local and worldwide international phone calls.

I do not know if this also applies to the Sheraton Waikiki.

You will find all you need to know at their site.

Waikiki Beach Resorts | Sheraton Princess Kaiulani Hotel | Oahu Vacations by Starwood Resorts

 

[ataline]

Resorts normally charge a 'resort fee', which includes 'free' parking. For example, Sheraton Waikiki charges around $26 a day but that includes parking, wifi, 60 mins of international calls etc.

 

[ataline]

I agree that if you're looking for subtle and quiet, Honolulu probably isn't the right fit. In particular, don't stay at the Sheraton Waikiki - it is large, with masses of people and lots of noise. I love it (but I travel with my young family and love the pools and beach access).

What about Trump tower?

 

[Willie]

Aloha....

For something really lovely and away from the maddening crowds... have a look at apartment rentals in Kailua or Lanikai beaches... just google them. Great areas, lovely soft sand beaches with gentle breezes, cleaner water and far less people! All just a quick drive from Waikiki and miles away from all the madness but close enough to pop over and get in to Waikiki etc etc. The food is great in Kailua - lots of small local places and there is an amazing grocery store with an incredible range of food and grocery items!

I understand that there are realtors in the area who sort rentals out and it is all painless and very user friendly! You have the beauty of your own space which is rather nice if you want something different to generic hotel rooms... I love immersing myself in apartments and being self sufficient... but that is just me! coughtails on the terrace, not worrying about houskeeping... late check outs and early check ins.

Whatever you choose, Hawaii is a great vacation spot. I find island hopping a chore on short trips to ... Check in times, airport wait times, security etc... You can lose the good part of a day transferring!

But of course horses for courses!

Great spot... all over..

Ooh Roo

Willie

 

[mosanator]

Hey thanks for the advice so far and to having this moved to the right place ! (Sorry)

I haven't booked anything as yet. I am wanting to be on Oahu, but it doesn't have to be in the thick of things. We want to have a little trip away to celebrate the occassion and do some sights - hence the car - want to do Pearl Harbour, take a look up on the North Shore that sort of thing. Just sort of play it casual but not just sit by the pool/beach. I was sort of picking up from the reviews on Expedia and alike that some of the places may have been a little to busy for what we are seeking so that's why the questions.

I am now considering other places, also. Might even end up on the West Coast US at this rate

 

[DontGetMeStarted]

Hi there

We have been using Thomas Edwards at www.stayinwaikiki.com for the past 15 odd years...great rates for a one bed condo ($100-130.00pn) at the Waikiki Banyan, about 1.5 blocks back from the beach. Thomas provides us with a free parking pass and free wi fi in the rooms. Happy to supply more details if needed just pm me. Have also been over to the other islands, loved every minute, weather great, shopping great.

 

[mosanator]

Hey thanks for all the tips. Noreen - some great idea's there, that if we like our first trip might use on future trips.

Ended up booking Flights and 7 nights Ocean View room at the Outrigger Waikiki Beach, thru Expedia.
That comes with Breakfast for 2 each day and a free vow renewal ceremony (gee I am romantic !!!!) and no other fee's. I will hire a car when we are there for the days we need it only.
Managed to arrange the flights so we should have @ 3 hours in the F Lounge on the way out, so hopefully that will make up for QF3. Get ourselves well and truly relaxed before boarding!

Thanks again everyone.

 

[Fifa]

Thanks for the update.
The FLounge visit will be a great start to your holiday.

 

[Limewood]

Stayed at the Illikai Condo's twice, next door to Hilton Hawaiian Village, large with king bed, lounge, full kitchen and bathroom. desk, the large balcony overlooks marina, good restaurants and bars nearby, not noisy, good value around $1250 a week inc. taxes/fees.