Prince Waikiki is a four-pearl property along Ala Wai Harbor at the far western end of Waikiki. The 541 are fresh and modern, with floor-to ceiling windows, flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and mini-fridges. Upgraded Club Rooms feature better amenities and poolside lounge access. Unfortunately, it's a 10-minute walk to the beach from here, though there are still fabulous water views from two pools (including an infinity pool). The hotel’s pricey restaurants get mixed reviews and serve sushi, American, Hawaiian, and buffet menus. Amenities include free shuttles to the property’s 27-hole golf course and central Waikiki, weekend live music, and a coffee shop. Travelers willing to sacrifice the fresh look for something more traditional in order to score direct beach access should consider the Moana Surfrider instead. Rates there are often similar.
Prince Waikiki is a four-pearl property along Ala Wai Harbor at the far western end of Waikiki. The 541 are fresh and modern, with floor-to ceiling windows, flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and mini-fridges. Upgraded Club Rooms feature better amenities and poolside lounge access. Unfortunately, it's a 10-minute walk to the beach from here, though there are still fabulous water views from two pools (including an infinity pool). The hotel’s pricey restaurants get mixed reviews and serve sushi, American, Hawaiian, and buffet menus. Amenities include free shuttles to the property’s 27-hole golf course and central Waikiki, weekend live music, and a coffee shop. Travelers willing to sacrifice the fresh look for something more traditional in order to score direct beach access should consider the Moana Surfrider instead. Rates there are often similar.
Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort, the largest resort in Hawaii, is a veritable upscale village with five towers, 18 bars and restaurants, dozens of shops, five swimming pools, direct beach access, and a separate lagoon. Everything from surf lessons to a regular luau to a kids' club (fee) are on offer here, and the garden grounds resemble a tropical mini-zoo, with exotic animals and lush greenery. The 3,386 rooms have solid amenities such as mini-fridges, signature Hilton mattresses, and coffeemakers, but range from contemporary to somewhat bland and dated, depending on the tower. The Ali’i Tower is the most exclusive section, with a private pool and concierge. The property is fun for families wanting a self-contained resort with loads to do, but extra fees can add up and the hotel can feel overcrowded. Travelers seeking a quieter spot may prefer the Hilton Waikiki Beach.
Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort, the largest resort in Hawaii, is a veritable upscale village with five towers, 18 bars and restaurants, dozens of shops, five swimming pools, direct beach access, and a separate lagoon. Everything from surf lessons to a regular luau to a kids' club (fee) are on offer here, and the garden grounds resemble a tropical mini-zoo, with exotic animals and lush greenery. The 3,386 rooms have solid amenities such as mini-fridges, signature Hilton mattresses, and coffeemakers, but range from contemporary to somewhat bland and dated, depending on the tower. The Ali’i Tower is the most exclusive section, with a private pool and concierge. The property is fun for families wanting a self-contained resort with loads to do, but extra fees can add up and the hotel can feel overcrowded. Travelers seeking a quieter spot may prefer the Hilton Waikiki Beach.
Park Shore Waikiki is a three-pearl oceanfront hotel with fabulous views of Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head, and the lush Kapiolani Park. Its 370 bright rooms have pleasant furnishings, 42-inch flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and balconies (some with ocean views). They’re a tad small, but efficiently laid-out. The hotel’s freshwater pool has stunning ocean and beach views and is surrounded by loungers. Free yoga classes are offered daily, but there’s no fitness center. The three independently-owned restaurants get mixed reviews and serve American, Hawaiian, and Japanese cuisines. There’s also a Starbucks. Other amenities include a surf shop, free Ala Moana mall shuttles, parking, and Wi-Fi. For an oceanfront stay with more to do -- like ukulele and hula lessons -- check out the Outrigger Reef Beach Resort (but be prepared to pay more).
Park Shore Waikiki is a three-pearl oceanfront hotel with fabulous views of Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head, and the lush Kapiolani Park. Its 370 bright rooms have pleasant furnishings, 42-inch flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and balconies (some with ocean views). They’re a tad small, but efficiently laid-out. The hotel’s freshwater pool has stunning ocean and beach views and is surrounded by loungers. Free yoga classes are offered daily, but there’s no fitness center. The three independently-owned restaurants get mixed reviews and serve American, Hawaiian, and Japanese cuisines. There’s also a Starbucks. Other amenities include a surf shop, free Ala Moana mall shuttles, parking, and Wi-Fi. For an oceanfront stay with more to do -- like ukulele and hula lessons -- check out the Outrigger Reef Beach Resort (but be prepared to pay more).
It's nicely located -- in the heart of Waikiki -- but worn, noisy rooms, a limited staff, and poor maintenance drag this Sheraton below the standards of its competitors. Until the hotel gets its much-needed renovation in 2014, consider any of the other similarly priced hotels in the area -- like Hotel Renew or the Aqua Waikiki Pearl.
It's nicely located -- in the heart of Waikiki -- but worn, noisy rooms, a limited staff, and poor maintenance drag this Sheraton below the standards of its competitors. Until the hotel gets its much-needed renovation in 2014, consider any of the other similarly priced hotels in the area -- like Hotel Renew or the Aqua Waikiki Pearl.
An all-around solid -- but never spectacular -- time-share tower three short blocks from the beach, with generic units equipped with full kitchens, a large pool, free parking, and a gym, but no on-site restaurant and virtually no service.
An all-around solid -- but never spectacular -- time-share tower three short blocks from the beach, with generic units equipped with full kitchens, a large pool, free parking, and a gym, but no on-site restaurant and virtually no service.
The Waikiki Gateway Hotel sits on a busy thoroughfare in an urban area, making it less than an ideal location for a relaxing tropical vacation. However, for those who want to be near Hawaiian nightlife and shopping options, this hotel isn't a bad choice -- especially given its affordable rates. Many of the shops, restaurants, and bars of Waikiki are within close walking distance. It's not a bad pick for budget business travelers who want to be located on Kalakaua Avenue either, particularly those who want easy access to the Waikiki Convention Center (which is a 10-minute walk from the hotel). Though the low rates are a perk, rooms are on the small side and many are in need of a serious refresh, with dated decor and ancient TVs.
The Waikiki Gateway Hotel sits on a busy thoroughfare in an urban area, making it less than an ideal location for a relaxing tropical vacation. However, for those who want to be near Hawaiian nightlife and shopping options, this hotel isn't a bad choice -- especially given its affordable rates. Many of the shops, restaurants, and bars of Waikiki are within close walking distance. It's not a bad pick for budget business travelers who want to be located on Kalakaua Avenue either, particularly those who want easy access to the Waikiki Convention Center (which is a 10-minute walk from the hotel). Though the low rates are a perk, rooms are on the small side and many are in need of a serious refresh, with dated decor and ancient TVs.
Situated on 54 beautiful acres, the 466-room Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua offers a luxury getaway on a secluded beach in the famous Kapalua resort area. It boasts top-notch restaurants such as the Hawaiian Banyan Tree and oceanfront Burger Shack, a stellar spa, three-level outdoor pool with adjacent kids' pool, a well-stocked fitness center, and beautifully landscaped grounds. Elegant, contemporary rooms have flat-screen TVs, furnished balconies, and marble bathrooms with separate tubs and showers. Club-level units get access to a lounge with free breakfast, snacks, and beverages, plus lovely golf course views. On the downside, there are a pricey daily resort fee and charge for beach loungers, and the weather here is often windy and inconsistent. Travelers wanting a luxury, family-friendly property with less windy weather should consider the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea.
Situated on 54 beautiful acres, the 466-room Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua offers a luxury getaway on a secluded beach in the famous Kapalua resort area. It boasts top-notch restaurants such as the Hawaiian Banyan Tree and oceanfront Burger Shack, a stellar spa, three-level outdoor pool with adjacent kids' pool, a well-stocked fitness center, and beautifully landscaped grounds. Elegant, contemporary rooms have flat-screen TVs, furnished balconies, and marble bathrooms with separate tubs and showers. Club-level units get access to a lounge with free breakfast, snacks, and beverages, plus lovely golf course views. On the downside, there are a pricey daily resort fee and charge for beach loungers, and the weather here is often windy and inconsistent. Travelers wanting a luxury, family-friendly property with less windy weather should consider the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea.
After a top-to-bottom $100 million renovation in 2016, the four-pearl Wailea Beach Resort - Marriott, Maui feels like a new property. The hotel’s 547 guest rooms are housed in low-rise buildings spread across the well manicured property. They’re decorated with sleek furnishings and are stocked with nice amenities like Nespresso machines and flat-screen TVs. Four pools and a water park cater to all kinds of travelers, and varied dining options keep the food scene interesting. Additional amenities include a spa, fitness center, family game room, and a small movie theater, but the biggest disappointment is the resort’s indirect access to Wailea Beach. Though it’s an oceanfront property, there is, ironically, no beach in front of the Wailea Beach Resort. Guests must walk to the nearby Grand Wailea in order to access the sand. Travelers looking for a truly beachfront property may prefer Marriott’s Maui Ocean Club, though it isn’t as upscale.
After a top-to-bottom $100 million renovation in 2016, the four-pearl Wailea Beach Resort - Marriott, Maui feels like a new property. The hotel’s 547 guest rooms are housed in low-rise buildings spread across the well manicured property. They’re decorated with sleek furnishings and are stocked with nice amenities like Nespresso machines and flat-screen TVs. Four pools and a water park cater to all kinds of travelers, and varied dining options keep the food scene interesting. Additional amenities include a spa, fitness center, family game room, and a small movie theater, but the biggest disappointment is the resort’s indirect access to Wailea Beach. Though it’s an oceanfront property, there is, ironically, no beach in front of the Wailea Beach Resort. Guests must walk to the nearby Grand Wailea in order to access the sand. Travelers looking for a truly beachfront property may prefer Marriott’s Maui Ocean Club, though it isn’t as upscale.
Wailea's aptly named Fairmont Kea Lani is a "white heaven" indeed -- its 450 units sit on a 22-acre beachfront property that includes three outdoor pools -- one with a waterslide and another adults-only -- multiple restaurants and bars, a luxurious spa, and access to world-class golf. Unlike its competitors, this property does an excellent job of keeping both couples and families happy without the long lines and battles for sun loungers by the pool. Oceanfront villas and suites are some of the largest in Maui, and all are equipped with flat-screen TVs, living spaces, marble bathrooms with separate tubs and showers, and furnished outdoor spaces. A 24-hour fitness center, daily activities, and wedding services round out features. A pricey daily resort fee (typical for Hawaii) covers self-parking, Wi-Fi, and snorkeling gear. Young couples may prefer the Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort, a trendy property with cascading pools.
Wailea's aptly named Fairmont Kea Lani is a "white heaven" indeed -- its 450 units sit on a 22-acre beachfront property that includes three outdoor pools -- one with a waterslide and another adults-only -- multiple restaurants and bars, a luxurious spa, and access to world-class golf. Unlike its competitors, this property does an excellent job of keeping both couples and families happy without the long lines and battles for sun loungers by the pool. Oceanfront villas and suites are some of the largest in Maui, and all are equipped with flat-screen TVs, living spaces, marble bathrooms with separate tubs and showers, and furnished outdoor spaces. A 24-hour fitness center, daily activities, and wedding services round out features. A pricey daily resort fee (typical for Hawaii) covers self-parking, Wi-Fi, and snorkeling gear. Young couples may prefer the Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort, a trendy property with cascading pools.
One of the only hotel-style properties in Kihei, the three-pearl Maui Coast Hotel offers some of the best amenities in the area. The 265-room hotel has a beautiful pool, an on-site restaurant and pool bar, a modern fitness center, and a nicely maintained tennis court. Plus, it offers freebies like parking, Wi-Fi, and borrowable beach bikes. Rooms are traditional hotel-style spaces (not condo units) with flat-screen TVs, microwaves, and outdoor spaces, but decor is generic. Maui Coast is a three-minute walk from Kamaole Beach Park I, and within walking distance of local shops and restaurants. The nearby Aston at the Maui Banyan might appeal to travelers looking for condominium-style units, but the property lacks Maui Coast’s on-site amenities.
One of the only hotel-style properties in Kihei, the three-pearl Maui Coast Hotel offers some of the best amenities in the area. The 265-room hotel has a beautiful pool, an on-site restaurant and pool bar, a modern fitness center, and a nicely maintained tennis court. Plus, it offers freebies like parking, Wi-Fi, and borrowable beach bikes. Rooms are traditional hotel-style spaces (not condo units) with flat-screen TVs, microwaves, and outdoor spaces, but decor is generic. Maui Coast is a three-minute walk from Kamaole Beach Park I, and within walking distance of local shops and restaurants. The nearby Aston at the Maui Banyan might appeal to travelers looking for condominium-style units, but the property lacks Maui Coast’s on-site amenities.