Poised along a private section of Waikiki Beach, The Royal Hawaiian, A Luxury Collection Resort is set amid tropical gardens that take you back in time to when Hawaii had a slower pace. This resort hotel stands adjacent to the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center which is home to many luxury brands that would please even the most jaded of shoppers. This iconic resort reopened in 2009 following an extensive renovation to offer travelers an experience steeped in Hawaiian design details. This historic Waikiki landmark, often lovingly referred to as the Pink Palace, is home to world class spa services and dining experiences like the oceanfront Azure, the beach side Surf Lanai and The Mai Tai Bar that hosts live Hawaiian entertainment. www.royal-hawaiian.com
Tucked away in a quiet upscale residential neighborhood, the Kahala Hotel & Resort has long been hosting royalty, international celebrities like the departed Michael Jackson and heads of state like President Bill Clinton. If it is good enough for Japan’s Imperial Couple, rest assured after a night at the Kahala – you will feel like a king too! The seaside Kahala Hotel & Resort occupies a secluded crescent along Oahu’s pristine coastline away from the bustle of Waikiki. The hotel provides complimentary transportation to some of Oahu’s top shopping and visitor destinations. However, once you step foot on the property you may never want to leave. With the resident dolphins and top eateries like Hoku’s, The Veranda and the Plumeria Beach House, guests can expect amazing ambiance and world class cuisine. The Kahala is a full service property equipped with an amazing spa, retail boutiques like BECCA Beach, and just waiting to cater to your every whim. www.kahalaresort.com
Another iconic Waikiki hotel is the luxurious Halekulani, where many rock stars and international jet setters have hit the sheets. The Condé Nast Gold List award-winning Halekulani, which translates as “house befitting heaven,” is positioned on five oceanfront acres on Waikiki Beach. Guests are greeted upon arrival and escorted into their accommodations, where arrangements are finalized in the privacy of their room. And for a lucky few, that room could be in the perfection of the Vera Wang Suite where the thread count is a tad higher! The food options are equally as impressive with French cuisine offered at La Mer, upscale pool-side at House Without a Key featuring sunset views and Hawaiian music, and Orchids’ featuring local ingredients and fresh seafood. The Spa Halekulani is world –class and includes couples and private treatment rooms. The real Halekulani star is the iconic pool comprised of more than one million African mosaic tiles. www.halekulani.com
Located on the isle of Maui is the unique Hotel Wailea Maui occupying 15 acres of tropical gardens sculpted into the slopes of Mt. Haleakala. Hotel Wailea was originally developed as an exclusive club for affluent Japanese vacationers, however it is now part of the successful Aqua Hotels & Resorts boutique chain. One of the most distinctive features of the property is the health spa which offers Ofuro baths the traditional nude Japanese washing rituals. If you are shy about disrobing, you may want to schedule a round of golf or take a free yoga class in the new gym! And for those who love to shop, the resort provides complimentary shuttle service to The Shops at Wailea offering top luxury brands and restaurants. www.hotelwailea.com
For guests looking for a smaller boutique feel in the heart of Waikiki, the Hotel Renew may be the spot for you. This property is ideal for guests who are not looking for a resort environment, but who are seeking a great room with nice style and plan to spend their days out and about exploring. This hotel location’s is a winner as it is near the beach, close to the Honolulu Zoo, International Market Place, and the Waikiki Aquarium. All guest rooms are non-smoking and Hotel Renew is gay friendly. www.hotelrenew.com
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