I was actually just looking at the Mauna Kea, as well as the St. Regis Princeville.

While the website looks gorgeous, I've seen a few photos of rooms on tripadvisor that are slightly worrisome. I understand the hotel was recently renovated so perhaps these were from pre-renovation. I'm still not 100% satisfied with all options so far... I want something really exotic that feels like a Pacific island hideaway. I'm not a fan of large resorts, I don't like to feel like I'm staying at a golf course.

Is Waikiki really that busy and commercial?

Are there any nearby private islands that are not owned by Four Seasons, Fairmont, Starwood, etc? I still haven't found the ideal place... although if the Royal Hawaiian were situated on another island in a more remote setting, I'd probably go with that. I'd even be open to villas, beach bungalows, etc. Something different and more exotic than these other accommodations.