HK Traveler - Funny reading your post as I'm sitting at the Sakura Lounge at Honolulu International Airport enroute back to San Francisco after spending the weekend here in Honolulu. I am a luxury travel advisor with a Virtuoso-affiliated agency and stayed at the Halekulani to experience the property firsthand and also check out other high-end properties in Honolulu. If you come the right time, you could snag nice rooms at Halekulani, Moana Surfrider - a Westin Hotel and the Royal Hawaiian, a Starwood Luxury Collection property. All are lovely and offer amazing ocean views, pools and beach access. If you book with a Virtuoso advisor or a preferred travel advisor, you can get added amenities such as upgrades, free breakfast, resort credits, etc, that can minimize the costs somewhat. If the prices are still too high, the Sheraton Waikiki and Waikiki Parc Hotel may be good alternatives. Sheraton Waikiki is on the beach but Waikiki Parc is across the street from Halekulani but within a 2 minute walk to the beach.

On the Big Island, if Four Seasons Hualalai is sold out, a preferred partner advisor can help put you on their waitlist and possibly get it cleared in time. Of the other resorts on the island, Mauna Kea is my favorite. Hilton Wailakoa Village is great for families. Truthfully, I'm not a fan of Hilo...it's quite run down. Just drive through to visit the volcanoes and waterfalls if you want but no need to stay there.

Hope you and your families have a fantastic time in Hawaii!

Vikram Seshadri - aka WoosterLad