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-   -   First timer to Hawaii (https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hawaii/1650004-first-timer-hawaii.html)

KenfromDE Aug 24, 2015 8:50 pm


Originally Posted by mommafrica (Post 25322254)
Hello. I just booked the DblTree Alana Waikiki: 9/24-28 ..........

Personally and just personally, I think that hotel is not in the best location. For us it is away from everything, unless you are just going to use it for sleeping and will use a cab, etc. to get places. It is several blocks from the beach and not in the "action". Location, location, location. Depending on how disabled you are, you can walk several blocks to get places including TheBus stops. HHV is a better location with ocean views available, although it involves a lot of internal walking. TheBus is fairly convenient to the Arizona Memorial. Not sure what HR Waikiki is. If it is the Hilton Waikiki Beach, I like the location.

Finkface Aug 24, 2015 9:35 pm


Originally Posted by KenfromDE (Post 25322925)
Personally and just personally, I think that hotel is not in the best location. For us it is away from everything, unless you are just going to use it for sleeping and will use a cab, etc. to get places. It is several blocks from the beach and not in the "action". Location, location, location. Depending on how disabled you are, you can walk several blocks to get places including TheBus stops. HHV is a better location with ocean views available, although it involves a lot of internal walking. TheBus is fairly convenient to the Arizona Memorial. Not sure what HR Waikiki is. If it is the Hilton Waikiki Beach, I like the location.

I agree with the above poster. I don't like the location of the Alana at all. The Hilton Waikiki Beach is a perfect location, much better even than the HHV. The bus stops right outside the front door and you can walk to everything. As a HH gold, you will get free breakfast in the lounge. It is a buffet breakfast and, while the lounge is nothing special, the breakfast is good.

mommafrica Aug 24, 2015 10:23 pm

Thank You Very Much to you both. To be away from the noise is no problem. Cost is a factor w/ all of this. I had enough pts for the 4 days (plus no resort fees), not enough for the other Hilton's plus I'm disabled enough that the closer to Pearl Harbor the better if possible. This is another reason why I kept the HR Waikiki, in case I do change my mind.
KenfromDE: Hyatt Regency Waikiki

Finkface Aug 24, 2015 11:05 pm


Originally Posted by mommafrica (Post 25323274)
Thank You Very Much to you both. To be away from the noise is no problem. Cost is a factor w/ all of this. I had enough pts for the 4 days (plus no resort fees), not enough for the other Hilton's plus I'm disabled enough that the closer to Pearl Harbor the better if possible. This is another reason why I kept the HR Waikiki, in case I do change my mind.
KenfromDE: Hyatt Regency Waikiki

You are only closer to Pearl Harbor by about 20 blocks. You are still an hour away by bus or pretty much the same driving distance from either property by car/shuttle. In fact, it may even be a longer drive from the Alana as freeway access from the Alana is more difficult than it is from the Hilton Waikiki Beach (straight shot up Kapahulu). But I understand your point about cost.

Are you using points for the HR Waikiki? If cost (or points) is that important, perhaps the Hyatt Place might be better suited? Less points, no resort fee and the location is about a block from the Hilton Waikiki Beach, and about 5 blocks from the HR. Free breakfast buffet there as well (no status needed), similar to the one at Hilton Waikiki.

KenfromDE Aug 25, 2015 6:43 am

The Hyatt Regency is right in the middle of the action and a block from TheBus stop. See posting #6 for local things re a hotel a block away toward Diamond Head.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hawai...-honolulu.html

As a side comment, unless you take a cab or are a strong walker/knowledgeable bus rider, your Goupons are all in rather inconvenient locations.

BOSOGG Aug 25, 2015 8:44 am


Originally Posted by mommafrica (Post 25322254)
Hello. I just booked the DblTree Alana Waikiki: 9/24-28 @ 40K pts/each (couldn't get the 5th night free b/c of no availability).
Staying here to visit Pearl Harbor (the main reason b/c I'm a Disabled Vet and it seems closer).
I'm HH Gold so what should I expect upgrade and free bkfst wise? I still have the HR Waikiki on hold for cash+pts. I'm wondering which is the better option? I will be Hyatt Diamond by the time I reach there.

Agree with others that DoubleTree is not a great location, and is not any closer (time wise) to Pearl Harbor. The HR is HUGE, but is in a great location, directly across from beach and in the center of Waikiki action.
Were I to choose between DoubleTree x Gold or HR x Diamond, I would go with the HR. Much better chance for upgrade to higher floor with spectacular ocean/beach view.
As a vet, have you considered any of the Military Lodging options?
Lots of facilities on Oahu, including Waikiki and Pearl Harbor. Hale Koa is nice, with a great beachfront location, and much more reasonable rates for rooms, parking, food and bars. Never been to Navy Lodge Pearl Harbor, but sure would be unique way to visit Pearl Harbor. Also very close to Airport.
I would take best deal in Waikiki at either Hale Koa or HR, then visit Pearl Harbor and spend last night at Navy Lodge, if available.
(Availability at Navy Lodge Pearl Harbor looks scarce)

Hale Koa
http://www.halekoa.com/

Navy Lodge Pearl Harbor
https://www.navy-lodge.com/lodge_pag...odge_number=19

IHG Army Hotels
http://www.himwr.com/recreation-and-...hg-army-hotels

KenfromDE Aug 25, 2015 9:23 am

Agree the Hale Koa is all around A-OK. Unfortunately it is booked for all but one of the desired nights. If retired military, etc., you can still attend functions like a good Luau, etc., tax free.

mommafrica Aug 25, 2015 10:02 am


Originally Posted by Finkface (Post 25323398)
You are only closer to Pearl Harbor by about 20 blocks. You are still an hour away by bus or pretty much the same driving distance from either property by car/shuttle. In fact, it may even be a longer drive from the Alana as freeway access from the Alana is more difficult than it is from the Hilton Waikiki Beach (straight shot up Kapahulu). But I understand your point about cost.

Are you using points for the HR Waikiki? If cost (or points) is that important, perhaps the Hyatt Place might be better suited? Less points, no resort fee and the location is about a block from the Hilton Waikiki Beach, and about 5 blocks from the HR. Free breakfast buffet there as well (no status needed), similar to the one at Hilton Waikiki.

Yes, I was going to use points+cash for 4 nights but possibly breaking it up w/ 2 nights for pts+cash and the other 2 nights for points only.
We arrive in HNL at 5:30PM so I see that as a day and the next day (a rest day) as already gone away. After reading "recreation.gov" for Pearl Harbor I don't see the Better 1/2 getting up early enough to try and get free tickets by 7AM anyway (it's not going to happen) so Sat will be the day (possibly Sun if that is a calmer day in HNL).
We will only be here for 4 days before pushing on to Kaua'i/Maui for our actual anniv night(s). I could do the HP if it is more close to Pearl Harbor.

mommafrica Aug 25, 2015 10:11 am


Originally Posted by KenfromDE (Post 25324607)
The Hyatt Regency is right in the middle of the action and a block from TheBus stop. See posting #6 for local things re a hotel a block away toward Diamond Head.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hawai...-honolulu.html

As a side comment, unless you take a cab or are a strong walker/knowledgeable bus rider, your Goupons are all in rather inconvenient locations.

So you feel that the HR is better distance wise to Pearl Harbor? As per the Groupons, I hear you. I was just going off of what I was reading and by using Google directions for distance.
Weather wise, after 4 days from 9/24 we will be moving on to Kaua'i/Maui. What are our chances?

mommafrica Aug 25, 2015 10:42 am


Originally Posted by BOSOGG (Post 25325179)
Agree with others that DoubleTree is not a great location, and is not any closer (time wise) to Pearl Harbor. The HR is HUGE, but is in a great location, directly across from beach and in the center of Waikiki action.
Were I to choose between DoubleTree x Gold or HR x Diamond, I would go with the HR. Much better chance for upgrade to higher floor with spectacular ocean/beach view.
As a vet, have you considered any of the Military Lodging options?
Lots of facilities on Oahu, including Waikiki and Pearl Harbor. Hale Koa is nice, with a great beachfront location, and much more reasonable rates for rooms, parking, food and bars. Never been to Navy Lodge Pearl Harbor, but sure would be unique way to visit Pearl Harbor. Also very close to Airport.
I would take best deal in Waikiki at either Hale Koa or HR, then visit Pearl Harbor and spend last night at Navy Lodge, if available.
(Availability at Navy Lodge Pearl Harbor looks s

Hale Koa
http://www.halekoa.com/

Navy Lodge Pearl Harbor
https://www.navy-lodge.com/lodge_pag...odge_number=19

IHG Army Hotels
http://www.himwr.com/recreation-and-...hg-army-hotels

Thanks Alot! I'm on my way to researching these now. As a Navy Vet I'm going to try and reach out to them 1st.

KenfromDE Aug 25, 2015 11:10 am


Originally Posted by mommafrica (Post 25325668)
So you feel that the HR is better distance wise to Pearl Harbor? As per the Groupons, I hear you. I was just going off of what I was reading and by using Google directions for distance.
Weather wise, after 4 days from 9/24 we will be moving on to Kaua'i/Maui. What are our chances?

As said by others, all travel times to the Arizona from Waikiki are within 10 minutes of each other. You might want to reconsider the day you go to the Arizona. Because of the changing time zone you will zonk out early evening on day of arrival and be wide awake at the crack of dawn the next, making it the best day to go. Are you game for TheBus? Weather? At least, unless you go to the mountain on Hawaii, you won't run into snow.

Finkface Aug 25, 2015 11:23 am

Any of the hotels you are considering are all exactly (give or take 5 minutes) the same amount of time away from Pearl Harbor so please don't Let that be a factor in deciding which hotel. All of the hotel choices you have mentioned are in Waikiki, all within blocks of each other with the furthest being the Alana, but still all in Waikiki. Pearl Harbor is out past the airport, so a 20 minute-ish drive (with no traffic) or a one hour bus ride from Waikiki. There are shuttles as well that you can book and pay for but the driving time varies depending on where your hotel is on their pick up route. Faster than the bus but slower than driving yourself.

So none of the hotels on your list will be any closer to Pearl Harbor than any other. A few blocks does not make any difference at all. Choose your hotel based on your other criteria. And I agree with KenfromDE, plan for Pearl Harbor on your first morning. You will be awake early, trust me. And we have gone to PH as late as 10 or 11am and still gotten walk up tickets, although earlier is definitely better.

KenfromDE Aug 25, 2015 12:12 pm

PS In addition to cost, an added advantage of taking TheBus to the Arizona is stopping at the Ala Moana (Shopping) Center on returning, then using your transfer to continue on to Waikiki. The Center has a fantastic food court. If over 65, show your medicare card for a $1 bus fare.

mommafrica Aug 25, 2015 3:23 pm

To FinkFace and KenfromDE:^:D^:)!
I wish I had known about the Base Hotels beforehand! Until the OP's question and you 2 scholars came along, I would have not even thought of the Base Hotels. Unfortunately they are occupied on our dates.
If Blessed to make this 1st trip and do another, I will definitely keep this in mind 1st and foremost for the return trip at least the next time.

maortega15 Oct 17, 2015 7:45 pm

So my trip is 2 months a way or so and I'm really excited. Everything has been book from the rental car to the hotel.

I have a few additional questions to get off my chest.

Someone mentioned the Honolulu Coffee Company for coffee. Anything specific to try out?

Where can I book tickets for the Pearl Harbor museum?

Anyone know where the best place is to get Macadamia Nut pancakes?

And can anyone recommend some other activities especially some water sport activities?

Thanks!


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