Originally Posted by rw55
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.
Originally Posted by rw55
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.
Originally Posted by rw55
[*]Is the (re)construction still heavy and loud around Lewers St. these days?
Yes. The construction is still heavy/loud, AFAIK.
Originally Posted by rw55
[*]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.
Originally Posted by rw55
[*]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?
Originally Posted by rw55
[*]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.
Originally Posted by rw55
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!