"All about the Waikiki Hotels" - Hawaii Day 2

Day # 2 was all about the hotels. :) When you select Waikiki as a destination the hotel is very important because there is a huge variety and they are each very different. You need to decide what is most important to you. Is it the amenities such as the spa, restaurants, and close to shopping? Or is it the ability to walk out to the beach from the pool? Or is price?

View of Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head

I started at the Embassy Suites Waikiki Beach Walk, which is across the street from Waikiki Beach. We ate breakfast at the Embassy Suites, which was great. The three best things about this hotel were: 1) FULL daily breakfast is included 2) Rooms are very nice 3) Cocktail hour and 4) Nice pool area, which is on the top floor of the hotel so you can see the ocean while lounging at the pool. (3 star)

View of the Embassy Suites Pool with the
Outrigger Reef on the Beach across the street.

Then we toured multiple Outrigger properties. We started by having a guided tour of our hotel the Outrigger Reef on the Beach. They are just finishing renovations at this hotel. The pool area will be very nice once renovations are completed. The restaurants were great and right on the beach. (3.5 star)

We then went to the Outrigger Regency on the Beach Walk which is a condo property that is perfect for the small family or group of friends looking for something low key. This property does not have much in the form of amenities, but the units are very nice and trendy and have a full kitchen. The property is about 2 blocks from the beach and BRAND NEW. (2.5 star)

Then the Wyland Waikiki, which was about 4 blocks from the beach and straight up from the Waikiki Beach Walk. This is a moderate property that is perfect for the young and trendy. The hotel includes its own "Chill Room" for relaxing after a hard day laying out at the beach. :) The pool was very small. (2.5 star)

We needed to "Chill" in the super massage chairs.

The Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach was our lunch stop. We ate at the famous Dukes Canoe Club Waikiki. This restaurant is right on the beach with a large bar which is party central every night of the week. Especially for those looking for a casual local bar experience. The pool was nice and overlooked the beach. (3.5 star)

We also visited the Ohana Waikiki Beachcomber which is located a few blocks from the beach and next door to the International Marketplace. This is the best shopping area in Waikiki for discount shopping. The pool at this hotel was under renovation. (2.5 star)

International Marketplace for discount shopping.

Now, to my favorite resort in Honolulu. I toured the Kahala Resort and fell in love with it! It might be that they have Dolphin Quest right on the property. (I am in LOVE with dolphins.) However, it was much more than just the dolphins. From the lobby, to the rooms, to the restaurants, I didn't want to leave. This resort is located about 15 minutes from Waikiki in a very wealthy neighborhood next door to the golf course where the annual Sony Classic is played. The beach seems private, even though NO beach in Hawaii is private. My local guide said the Kahala has the BEST brunch in all of Honolulu. (5 star)

Kahala Lobby
(The chandeliers were AMAZING!!)

A Mazarati, which is rented to guests staying at the Kahala.
(No, they did not let me test drive it.)

Luxury rooms at the Kahala

View of the beach and the
Dolphin Quest swimming area right from the room

We finished our night at the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort and Spa. This is a beautiful resort located across the street from Waikiki Beach. It is a large property that has a nice pool, multiple restaurants, entertainment, a full spa, and shopping right on site. The rooms are recently renovated and are very nice. They even had a Dress Shop right on property for those ready for the beach wedding. (4 star)

I don't know about you, but that was exhausting just thinking about all the hotels I toured in a single day. My next posting will cover my day in the jungle and my evening eating at the trendiest restaurants in Waikiki.