The 463-room mid-range Aston Kaanapali Shores, located on the western shore of Maui, is an oceanfront resort offering hotel rooms and apartments of various sizes with full kitchens and furnished lanais. The resort has a laid-back, homey vibe, combining hotel amenities and the benefits of a casual condo community. There’s also a golden sand beach right on the grounds. Rooms and apartments are privately owned and vary in terms of decor and furnishings, but all are pleasant and clean.
The 463-room mid-range Aston Kaanapali Shores, located on the western shore of Maui, is an oceanfront resort offering hotel rooms and apartments of various sizes with full kitchens and furnished lanais. The resort has a laid-back, homey vibe, combining hotel amenities and the benefits of a casual condo community. There’s also a golden sand beach right on the grounds. Rooms and apartments are privately owned and vary in terms of decor and furnishings, but all are pleasant and clean.
This luxury hotel has villa-style rooms that are some of the largest in Kauai, ranging from 1,300-square-foot one-bedroom apartments to 3,600-square-foot four-bedroom penthouses. All villas have huge private lanais and modern Hawaiian decor throughout. There are three beautiful pools -- including one for families and one exclusively for adults -- but the nearest swimmable beach is a 10-minute walk from the hotel. The spa is smaller than at other luxury resorts in the area, but the hotel's newer features, like a 13,000-square-foot lagoon pool and poolside bar and grill, are welcome additions. The Villas at Poipu Kai offers equally luxurious accommodations for similar nightly rates.
This luxury hotel has villa-style rooms that are some of the largest in Kauai, ranging from 1,300-square-foot one-bedroom apartments to 3,600-square-foot four-bedroom penthouses. All villas have huge private lanais and modern Hawaiian decor throughout. There are three beautiful pools -- including one for families and one exclusively for adults -- but the nearest swimmable beach is a 10-minute walk from the hotel. The spa is smaller than at other luxury resorts in the area, but the hotel's newer features, like a 13,000-square-foot lagoon pool and poolside bar and grill, are welcome additions. The Villas at Poipu Kai offers equally luxurious accommodations for similar nightly rates.
It's nicely located -- in the heart of Waikiki -- but worn, noisy rooms, a limited staff, and poor maintenance drag this Sheraton below the standards of its competitors. Until the hotel gets its much-needed renovation in 2014, consider any of the other similarly priced hotels in the area -- like Hotel Renew or the Aqua Waikiki Pearl.
It's nicely located -- in the heart of Waikiki -- but worn, noisy rooms, a limited staff, and poor maintenance drag this Sheraton below the standards of its competitors. Until the hotel gets its much-needed renovation in 2014, consider any of the other similarly priced hotels in the area -- like Hotel Renew or the Aqua Waikiki Pearl.
A so-so condo-resort tucked away in the outskirts of touristy Poipu, the Point offers huge, two-bedroom suites with full kitchens and a sandy-entry pool, but little else. It lacks a beach, the food is bad, and the grounds aren't well maintained. All-around better beachside hotels are the Castle and the Outrigger Kiahuna Plantation.
A so-so condo-resort tucked away in the outskirts of touristy Poipu, the Point offers huge, two-bedroom suites with full kitchens and a sandy-entry pool, but little else. It lacks a beach, the food is bad, and the grounds aren't well maintained. All-around better beachside hotels are the Castle and the Outrigger Kiahuna Plantation.
For tourists wanting a Waikiki location without major resort prices, this 67-room hotel is a decent two-and-a-half-pearl find. However, the hotel has a bit of an identity crisis, with an equestrian theme that doesn’t make sense for beachy Waikiki. The dated interiors and minuscule pool also diminish some of the shine. However, the beach is less than a 10-minute walk away, and the Ala Moana Center is nearby for shopping and conventions. Compact rooms are pleasant and clean, but old school, and include free Wi-Fi and air-conditioning. Noise from the road can be an issue. There are no resort fees here, but parking comes with a steep price tag. Most budget hotels in this area are similar, but check out Aqua Waikiki Pearl for an even more wallet-friendly option.
For tourists wanting a Waikiki location without major resort prices, this 67-room hotel is a decent two-and-a-half-pearl find. However, the hotel has a bit of an identity crisis, with an equestrian theme that doesn’t make sense for beachy Waikiki. The dated interiors and minuscule pool also diminish some of the shine. However, the beach is less than a 10-minute walk away, and the Ala Moana Center is nearby for shopping and conventions. Compact rooms are pleasant and clean, but old school, and include free Wi-Fi and air-conditioning. Noise from the road can be an issue. There are no resort fees here, but parking comes with a steep price tag. Most budget hotels in this area are similar, but check out Aqua Waikiki Pearl for an even more wallet-friendly option.
The 839-room 'Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach is a family-friendly upscale property located on Waikiki Beach. Formerly the Pacific Beach Hotel, it reopened in early 2018 after extensive renovations throughout the landmark 38-story building. Modern rooms are minimally decorated and have mini-fridges, microwaves (for a fee), coffeemakers, and private lanais in most. The two Morimoto restaurants, including a casual beer garden, are popular features, while the lobby oceanarium also stands out. Other amenities include a kids’ club, well-equipped fitness center, and a spa. On the downside, the fifth-floor infinity pool gets crowded, and guests complain of small bathrooms, as well as lackluster views in some Ocean View rooms. Business travelers may prefer the Hilton Waikiki Beach, which has nightly entertainment, though it's not directly on the beach.
The 839-room 'Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach is a family-friendly upscale property located on Waikiki Beach. Formerly the Pacific Beach Hotel, it reopened in early 2018 after extensive renovations throughout the landmark 38-story building. Modern rooms are minimally decorated and have mini-fridges, microwaves (for a fee), coffeemakers, and private lanais in most. The two Morimoto restaurants, including a casual beer garden, are popular features, while the lobby oceanarium also stands out. Other amenities include a kids’ club, well-equipped fitness center, and a spa. On the downside, the fifth-floor infinity pool gets crowded, and guests complain of small bathrooms, as well as lackluster views in some Ocean View rooms. Business travelers may prefer the Hilton Waikiki Beach, which has nightly entertainment, though it's not directly on the beach.
The Outrigger Palms at Wailea offers 70 contemporary mid-range condos scattered across a large property on a sloping hillside – however it’s set back from the beach, requiring at least a 15-minute walk to reach the sand. The trade-off for the distance is more space – the condos have generous living areas and lanais that are larger than those at comparable properties. While the property is light on amenities with just one pool and hot tub, it provides a decent option in Wailea for families whose budget is more of a priority than proximity to the beach. Those who do want to be on the sand should consider the slightly pricier Mana Kai Maui.
The Outrigger Palms at Wailea offers 70 contemporary mid-range condos scattered across a large property on a sloping hillside – however it’s set back from the beach, requiring at least a 15-minute walk to reach the sand. The trade-off for the distance is more space – the condos have generous living areas and lanais that are larger than those at comparable properties. While the property is light on amenities with just one pool and hot tub, it provides a decent option in Wailea for families whose budget is more of a priority than proximity to the beach. Those who do want to be on the sand should consider the slightly pricier Mana Kai Maui.
The Waikiki Gateway Hotel sits on a busy thoroughfare in an urban area, making it less than an ideal location for a relaxing tropical vacation. However, for those who want to be near Hawaiian nightlife and shopping options, this hotel isn't a bad choice -- especially given its affordable rates. Many of the shops, restaurants, and bars of Waikiki are within close walking distance. It's not a bad pick for budget business travelers who want to be located on Kalakaua Avenue either, particularly those who want easy access to the Waikiki Convention Center (which is a 10-minute walk from the hotel). Though the low rates are a perk, rooms are on the small side and many are in need of a serious refresh, with dated decor and ancient TVs.
The Waikiki Gateway Hotel sits on a busy thoroughfare in an urban area, making it less than an ideal location for a relaxing tropical vacation. However, for those who want to be near Hawaiian nightlife and shopping options, this hotel isn't a bad choice -- especially given its affordable rates. Many of the shops, restaurants, and bars of Waikiki are within close walking distance. It's not a bad pick for budget business travelers who want to be located on Kalakaua Avenue either, particularly those who want easy access to the Waikiki Convention Center (which is a 10-minute walk from the hotel). Though the low rates are a perk, rooms are on the small side and many are in need of a serious refresh, with dated decor and ancient TVs.
The 356-room Kauai Marriott Resort is a superlative unto itself. It has beautifully landscaped beachfront grounds, a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course, and one of the largest pools in Hawaii. Rooms are sharp and spacious, featuring a sober business-like style plus balconies, flat-screen TVs, and coffeemakers. With five restaurants and a full spectrum of water sports and other activities on offer, this place works well for both families and couples seeking romance. Several huge ballrooms make it popular for events and business gatherings. Rooms here don't come cheap, but guests get their money’s worth, and it's cheaper than the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort, where rooms are quite dated.
The 356-room Kauai Marriott Resort is a superlative unto itself. It has beautifully landscaped beachfront grounds, a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course, and one of the largest pools in Hawaii. Rooms are sharp and spacious, featuring a sober business-like style plus balconies, flat-screen TVs, and coffeemakers. With five restaurants and a full spectrum of water sports and other activities on offer, this place works well for both families and couples seeking romance. Several huge ballrooms make it popular for events and business gatherings. Rooms here don't come cheap, but guests get their money’s worth, and it's cheaper than the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort, where rooms are quite dated.
The Travaasa Hana, Maui overlooking Hana Bay delivers rustic luxury and all-inclusive packages in the middle of Maui's lush, secluded east coast. Visitors must make the long, windy drive along the Road to Hana or take a short flight from the main airport -- free for some packages -- to reach this peaceful oceanfront property. The 71 stand-alone bungalows have separate tubs and showers, couches, and big furnished terraces with garden or ocean views, but no air-conditioning, TVs, or radios. Expansive grounds house two outdoor pools, a hot tub, an elegant spa with outdoor hot tubs, a wellness pavilion with daily yoga and meditation classes, tennis courts, and a small fitness center. Dining options include The Preserve Kitchen + Bar, which is open all day and has live music on occasion, and a poolside bar serving light fare during the day, plus the nearby Hana Ranch. All are on the pricey side, but all-inclusive packages that include credits for spa treatments are available. Note that the beach is off-site. This property is in a league of its own, but for something easier to reach, consider the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea.
The Travaasa Hana, Maui overlooking Hana Bay delivers rustic luxury and all-inclusive packages in the middle of Maui's lush, secluded east coast. Visitors must make the long, windy drive along the Road to Hana or take a short flight from the main airport -- free for some packages -- to reach this peaceful oceanfront property. The 71 stand-alone bungalows have separate tubs and showers, couches, and big furnished terraces with garden or ocean views, but no air-conditioning, TVs, or radios. Expansive grounds house two outdoor pools, a hot tub, an elegant spa with outdoor hot tubs, a wellness pavilion with daily yoga and meditation classes, tennis courts, and a small fitness center. Dining options include The Preserve Kitchen + Bar, which is open all day and has live music on occasion, and a poolside bar serving light fare during the day, plus the nearby Hana Ranch. All are on the pricey side, but all-inclusive packages that include credits for spa treatments are available. Note that the beach is off-site. This property is in a league of its own, but for something easier to reach, consider the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea.