We're headed to Honolulu next month (hit Waikiki the 15th), and had a couple of questions.

Everything I see on FT seems to support the notion that the Halekulani is the best place to stay on Waikiki. We want to be in the middle of the things, resort-ish, pampered kind of feel, and will pay (within limits).


Is the (re)construction still heavy and loud around Lewers St. these days?
Is it enough to be bothersome in the rooms in the Ewa-side building? It looks like the Ocean Front, Ocean View, and Partial Ocean View on the Diamondhead-side, ell-shaped building would be fine.
We're going to stay there for 10 days, with a side trip to Maui: can we get any deal? Nothing is showing on any site. Do we just suck it up and pay the rate?
Mrs. rw55 read one book that was high on the Royal Hawaiian: talked about the history, said they have a cordoned-off section of beach for themselves. But nothing I see on FT or in most books is especially positive about RH.


I'd appreciate any help: I'm about ready to go for the partial ocean or ocean view room. 4-5K for hotel is about as far as we're willing to go, even for a rare vacation.

The Halekulani although on the beach has no beach that you can lie on or walk on. The Royal Hawaiian has a beautiful beach. We were in Waikiki in June and July departing on July 13th and the noise and construction were terrible. We always prefer to stay at the Hyatt on The Regency Club floor. The pool at the Hyatt is tiny so if you are a pool person I would not recommend it.

We're headed to Honolulu next month (hit Waikiki the 15th), and had a couple of questions.
Glad you're coming over. Weather's been very nice with occasional morning/mauka showers.
Everything I see on FT seems to support the notion that the Halekulani is the best place to stay on Waikiki. We want to be in the middle of the things, resort-ish, pampered kind of feel, and will pay (within limits).
Then the Halekulani is your best choice. It is by far, IMHO, the best hotel in Waikiki.
Is the (re)construction still heavy and loud around Lewers St. these days?Yes. The construction is still heavy/loud, AFAIK.
Is it enough to be bothersome in the rooms in the Ewa-side building? It looks like the Ocean Front, Ocean View, and Partial Ocean View on the Diamondhead-side, ell-shaped building would be fine.You might want to call the conciege at the Halekulani to help you with this question.
We're going to stay there for 10 days, with a side trip to Maui: can we get any deal? Nothing is showing on any site. Do we just suck it up and pay the rate?What type of deal were you looking for? A hotel room deal? And, for where?
Mrs. rw55 read one book that was high on the Royal Hawaiian: talked about the history, said they have a cordoned-off section of beach for themselves. But nothing I see on FT or in most books is especially positive about RH.The experiences I've heard about the RH have been sub-par at the best. Though, I have heard a few good experiences. Joni Mitchell's "Big Yellow Taxi" refers to this hotel when she sings "pink hotel" in the first verse. And, as you stated, it is steeped in history. But, IMHO, there are a few other hotels out there that may be better for your money.
I'd appreciate any help: I'm about ready to go for the partial ocean or ocean view room. 4-5K for hotel is about as far as we're willing to go, even for a rare vacation.
Have you considered the Kahala Mandarin or even the Ihilani Resort? These are two goods hotels that are outside of Waikiki, but are great places to stay. You'd get a better beach at the Ihilani over the Kahala, but both are quieter.

If you want to stay within the hussle and bussle of Waikiki, though, the Halekulani wins hands down, especially if you're willing to pay for it. You'll just have to do some research to see what affect the noise has on the types of rooms you're looking at.

Let us know if you have any further questions, and good luck!

Thanks, slippahs, for a very detailed reply, with lots of information and good ideas. We'll check the Kahala and Ihilani. Being in the middle of things would be nice, but we always end up doing long walks anyway, and if we start with a ride, that would probably work.


What type of deal were you looking for? A hotel room deal? And, for where?

Oops, I wrote that badly: we're staying 10 nights, and we're looking for any price break. We found prices on the Halekulani site for the various room types, and those prices seem to be repeated on all resellers, no reductions. And when the "packages" have a price for first 3 nights, and a nightly rate for additional nights, the rate for the three nights is just 3x the nightly rate. This is probably just showing that minimum stay is 3 nights, but maybe they give a slight deal in some seasons.


If you want to stay within the hussle and bussle of Waikiki, though, the Halekulani wins hands down, especially if you're willing to pay for it. You'll just have to do some research to see what affect the noise has on the types of rooms you're looking at.

In Waikiki is our preference. If we can get in the ell-shaped building to the Southeast, I hope noise will be no problem. The trick will be making sure we get that.

Thanks again for the help!

This doesn't help too much, but at least there's a photo of the construction:
http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2006/Sep/25/bz/FP609250314.html

These live shot webcams might also help a bit more:
http://www.waikikibeachwalk.com/details.aspx?ppid=8

As you can see, construction is in full swing.

I'm with joaniebalony - the Hyatt Regency Club Floor room with Diamondhead view is best by far - no loud construction & dust & messes yoou have to walk through to get to your hotel, you don't have hoards of people crossing 'your' beach, wandering through the hotel, the last time I was at House Without a Key, I thought it had gotten very crowded & tacky - used to be so lovely. I like the Hyatt as it's in the center of things, the hotel actually starts on the 2nd floor & is not on beach hotel row, so you don't have tons of people wandering through. Renovated rooms are great, service is great, Regency Club is one of the best (& saves tons of $$ on food & drinks ;) ).

She is right about the small pool & you are across the street from the beach, but there is nothing in front of you & gorgeous views from Diamondhead back to the hotel strip. Beach in front is fun with Waikiki beach boys & surfing lessons - great people watching. Or walk, further towards Diamondhead if you'd like a quieter beach.

This doesn't help too much, but at least there's a photo of the construction:
http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2006/Sep/25/bz/FP609250314.html



Thanks for the link - first I'd heard of Roy's Waikiki! (Hopefully better than the Ihilani branch & as good as Hawaii Kai!)

We're going to take a chance on the construction. I called the Halekulani, and talked to a very helpful person, who didn't try to pretend that noise doesn't exist. She agreed that there's a difference in various wings, and we got a reservation in the Makai wing, perpendicular to the waterfront. I expected the kind of bland, "Oh, all of our rooms are very quiet."

Thanks for the pointers, and I'll post a report after we get back.

And, just as an aside, I went ahead and edited your thread title to make it a bit more informative. Just so perhaps you'll get a few more bites from the regulars.

--slippahs, Hawaii Forum co-mod

rw55 the staff at the Halekulani wants you to be happy with your room. Do not hesitate to request a change if you find that your room is too noisy or unsatisfactory in any way. They aim to please and have no problem showing you as many rooms as are available.

This year the hotel did offer some minimally discounted rates during certain time periods. It is the first time the rates fluctuated during the year and frankly it confused the heck out of me. Whatever rate you were quoted for the room is the rate for that category room. You won't be paying any more or less than the same room next door, unless that person has a corporate discount.

A few recommendations I make to first time visitors at the Halekulani:

Take advantage of the Manager's reception on Wednesday evenings. A wide variety of pupus are served, free cocktails, and a chance to meet and talk with everyone in management, including the GM. They enjoy meeting with the guests and listening to their comments. It is great to have the opportunity. You will receive an invitation at turndown service the night before.

Join the Behind the House Tour which is every Friday at 10:00 a.m. for hotel guests only. The tour is given by Melba DeMello the PBX manager. She has been with the hotel since it reopened in its current form and is well loved by all. The tour will take you "behind the house" to see the places where the public is rarely allowed. From the bakery to the laundry to the employee cafeteria to the floral shop and many stops in between. You will see how this hotel is run and it gives you a greater idea of what it takes to keep things running so smoothly. It is a lot of walking and takes over an hour. You also get treats from some departments along the way. :D The tour ends at House Without a Key where you are treated to dessert, ice tea, and pleasant conversation.

If you are an early riser and would like your room made up first, the maids start at 8:00. Call housekeeping before then and ask that your room be taken care of first and it will be.

The hotel does have its own unadvertised special frequent guest program. If you stay there frequently you will automatically be enrolled in it and receive extra perks during your stay.

I hope you enjoy your stay.

Wow, thanks, Pat89339! A lot of information. We'll remember about the rooms. They put a note in our record saying we'd like the Makai Wing (I've since learned that makai means "toward the ocean"). We'll ask if we want to see something else.

We're also very interested in the Behind the House tour. One of the things that used to be fun about playing in a band was sometimes getting into the back areas of hotels. But these tended to be about 1/2-star places :p : it will be interesting to see a world-class operation.

And I appreciate the tip on housekeeping. This has been an occasional glitch we've experienced, even at pretty nice resort hotels: if you're in the room when they want to do it, getting them to come back out of sequence is like pulling teeth sometimes.

rw55 you are welcome. I did think of a few other things.

The Halekulani sponsors the Honolulu Symphony (and Pops) and offers to its guests (first come first served) a limited number of tickets for performances. If you have any interest in attending a performance, check with the concierge on availability.

The pool is salt water ^ As for the small beach in front of the property, I have never understood the big deal about sitting on hard packed sand on a wet towel. If you want to enjoy the beach ask at the pool house for beach towels and step out onto the beach. Then after you've had your fill of fun in the water, I would recommend you walk back 10 feet to the gate, shower off the sand and stretch out on a comfortable padded chaise lounge with more fresh dry towels and hail a cocktail server for a nice tall cool drink.

I usually keep a few of their beach towels in the car in case I have a spontaneous need to run into the ocean or have a picnic. They also have some paperbacks at the pool house available for loan, in case you didn't bring any reading material.

If you need a morning eye opener, they serve complimentary coffee by the hostess station at House Without a Key. They have the large paper cups with lids (ala Starbucks), so you can take them over to the pool or back to your room.

If you need an afternoon pick me up, stop by the business center where they have coffee, tea, select sodas and bottled water for guests. There will also be bananas and apples.

The hotel offers some excellent complimentary fitness classes in the fitness center. Check out the "For You Everything" brochure on the desk top in the room to see what is offered on each day.

We all know that most hotels have cable TV that is less than adequate. One little known secret is that the full series of cable channels are available in the fitness room and in the business center. So if you absolutely, positively need to see something on Fox Sports West or other regular cable channel not available in your room, you know where you can go.

The hotel has complimentary wireless internet service throughout the property and in the rooms. If you don't have your own laptop, there are desktop computers available in the business center for use in case you, for instance, want to check out the goings on at Flyertalk :D.

If you have any other questions about this property, please feel free to ask.

Pat

Slippahs,

I used to play chess down at the beach by the Hyatt. Is that still going to be there? I couldn't tell by the webcams.

Thanks again, Pat89339! Tons of information.

We'll see what the Symphony and Pops are doing -- you can only lay in the sun so long. I never thought of the pool being salt water: that's neat. Easier to float. When we go out to the beach, it will probably be to snorkel, or slide down the beach to somewhere with a beach chair rental stand.

I know we're at the right hotel if they have paperbacks to loan: if I don't have a book in my hands for five minutes: I start to panic. I'm also glad to know about the coffee. we were surprised to see no coffee maker in the room. Maybe that's more of a business hotel thing: they didn't have one at Lowes, but had a stand in the lobby.

I will have a laptop along, so I can stay on top of FT, in case there's another change to TSA regs. :)

Thanks again for all the great info about Halekulani: it's nice to know all this in advance, rather than finding out halfway through the stay (which is what I usually seem to do).

Thanks again, Pat89339! I never thought of the pool being salt water: that's neat. Easier to float. When we go out to the beach, it will probably be to snorkel, or slide down the beach to somewhere with a beach chair rental stand.

The salt water is easier on your eyes, swimwear and hair. No chlorine issues at all. It's also easier to open your eyes under water, so you can find the signature of the artist on the bottom of the pool.

Oops I forgot. Check with the lifeguards at the pool house--sometimes they do have beach chairs available for loan.

Slippahs,

I used to play chess down at the beach by the Hyatt. Is that still going to be there? I couldn't tell by the webcams.
Sorry, I just ran across this post.

To tell you the truth, I'm not completely sure whether the chess playing areas are still there. In 2003/4, the City and County of Honolulu did a Kalakaua Ave project that took away a lane of Kalakaua Ave near the Waikiki Beach area and "beautified" the sidewalk (widened, added plants, etc.). I know many of the chess playing areas were eliminated completely, but I'm not sure whether they left one or two areas.

I'm roughly 75% sure that all the chess playing areas are gone, but I could be wrong.

Otherwise, the "Beach Walk" constructing discussed supra is actually relevant to the other side of Waikiki (closest to the Halekulani) and has no bearing on the Diamond Head side of Waikiki.

We're at the Halekulani now, and it's beautiful. We were near the quake on Sunday: we were on the Big Island NW of Hilo (Palm's Cliff House in Honomu). We certainly felt it, and part of the bed canopy fell, but no serious damage. Our power was out there, but mostly had power in Hilo.

We travelled as planned to Honolulu on Sunday afternoon. AQ was running behind, but they made an announcement at one point that anyone scheduled on a later flight should come to gate 7, so we did, and ended up on a flight that was scheduled for earlier, and actually got into HNL earlier than planned.

Power was out at Halekulani until 10 PM. The orangish hotel toward Diamondhead got it about an hour earlier. Talking to various people, the latest we heard was someone who got power back at 2 AM.

The Halekulani staff is truly wonderful: even during the power outage, they were trying their utmost. And little things: at breakfast, they really wanted to find us a table with a view we liked. At other hotels with terraces, especially at free breakfast, we've had them get pretty impatient if we ask for any other table than the one they're steering us toward.

Our only complaint so far is that someone next door (apparently) is smoking in the room. The smell in our room was strong last night (with the door to the lanai closed). And even then, the staff came through. I called the manager. I don't often call the manager about another guest, but when I have, the reaction is mostly, "What am I supposed to do about it?" Here, the response was that they'd send security to look into it immediately. We heard a knock and voices next door, and the smell decreased pretty soon. It did return early this morning, so I suspect the guest is ignoring security, but that's not the Halekulani's fault.

It's a beautiful place, and we're glad to be here. The Big Island was great, we saw lava entering the sea, and waterfalls, and got to have our first earthquake. A five-star vacation so far.

Power was out at Halekulani until 10 PM. The orangish hotel toward Diamondhead got it about an hour earlier. Talking to various people, the latest we heard was someone who got power back at 2 AM.
Very glad you're enjoying your stay at the Halekulani. And, even more glad that the weather cleared up for your stay. Hope the rest of your stay gets even better!

PS: Roughly 40% of Oahu got their power back on from 10 p.m. - 2 a.m. Quite an experience...

I am glad you are enjoying your 5 star vacation!

Regarding the neighbor smoking in the room, the staff will happily move you to another location to avoid the smoking. What room category did you decide on? I may have some suggestions for a change of rooms if you choose to move.

Pat

I am glad you are enjoying your 5 star vacation!

Regarding the neighbor smoking in the room, the staff will happily move you to another location to avoid the smoking. What room category did you decide on? I may have some suggestions for a change of rooms if you choose to move.

Pat

We had to call again late last night. Again, they were quite responsive. They said they'd look into it further, and they also came up and changed air filters and gave us an air purifier. I don't know if either one is helping, or if the party(ies) have desisted or been talked to, but things seem better, so far.

We took the partial ocean view. We got on the wait list for ocean view and for ocean front, but none were available. We assume that this is due to the travel snafus on Sunday, since we heard people at the desk negotiating for a room: they had returned from the airport, having discovered their flight was cancelled. We're in the Makai Wing, up high, with a wonderful view down toward Diamondhead (not seeing Diamondhead, of course). Everything we could ask for, save the irritation with the smokers. I think we'd probably prefer ocean view to ocean front, because we like more beach, rather than more horizon.

Thanks for your interest in this, Pat89339

We've been back for a bit, and I finally have a minute to comment.

We were in the Makai (leading toward the ocean part of the ell) wing, and heard zero noise from the construction. The construction was a minor irritation at times, as it made it a little hairier to drive to and from, and we were even diverted when walking sometimes. But the impact was minimal.

As far as location, the disadvantage, if any, of Halekulani, is that it's more of a walk out to a lot of the shopping on Kalakaua Ave. It's also at the Prada/Armani/etc. end, whereas we were more interested in the more one-of-a-kind shops in the middle. A place like the Moana Surfrider is right on Kalakaua, because Waikiki curves back. Although I'm sure street noise could be an issue.

The Halekulani was wonderful, the staff is incredible. We took the Back of the House tour, as recommended by Pat89339, and you can see some of the reason why. Even adding a big grain of salt, they certainly seem to take good care of the staff. And the number of people we talked to who had been there 16, 18, 25 years seems to support that. A great experience.

Hawaii was wonderful, although we apparently had the Kona weather (we were in Honolulu for the 10 days after the earthquake), and we'd go to the Halekulani again in a heartbeat, if we ever want to travel 12 hours for a vacation again. :p

Glad to hear about your stay! :)

Slippahs,

I used to play chess down at the beach by the Hyatt. Is that still going to be there? I couldn't tell by the webcams.

They still play chess across from the Pacific Beach Hotel (A block toward Diamond Head from the Hyatt.) Ken

They still play chess across from the Pacific Beach Hotel (A block toward Diamond Head from the Hyatt.) Ken


Thank you, that's it the Pacific Beach Hotel! It's been a long time. I used to live at the Marco Polo on Kapiolani in the mid 80's. That was a wonderful time to live on Oahu.

Thank you, that's it the Pacific Beach Hotel! It's been a long time. I used to live at the Marco Polo on Kapiolani in the mid 80's. That was a wonderful time to live on Oahu.

It's still a wonderful time. We spend every Jan. & Feb. down the block. Ken