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Honolulu Journals

Hono-woowoo!

A September 2005 trip to Honolulu by dj_canela

Hyatt Regency Waikiki  Photo - Hyatt Regency Waikiki Resort and Spa, Honolulu, Oahu More Photos
Quote: The perfect Hawaiian vacation will require some research and a realization of your hobbies and money allowance. Just as siblings have different personalities, so do the islands, and it's up to you to determine which will be your paradise.
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Hono-woowoo! Best of IgoUgo

Overview

Waikiki at sunset Photo - Honolulu, Oahu
Quote:
The best of Waikiki is... Waikiki Beach!!! The water is warm and crystal clear, perfect for your first surfing lesson. If you are a shopper, there are plenty of ABC Stores that sell items "designed in Hawaii" but actually "made in Taiwan." You can even wait until you get home and buy the souvenirs online. This is a CITY, so there will be sirens, crowds, traffic, etc. Take a vacation from your vacation and drive around the island or take Da Bus. You'll be back at your hotel in time for dinner.Quick Tips: Most hotel pools will be small and close at sunset. If you want a huge pool open 24 hours, then go to the outer islands, where the beaches aren't swimmable. You can save money, but keep the oc...Read More

Hyatt Regency Waikiki Resort and Spa Best of IgoUgo

Hotel | "Hyatt Regency Waikiki"

Hyatt Regency Waikiki  Photo - Hyatt Regency Waikiki Resort and Spa, Honolulu, Oahu
Quote:
This was very nice! There was an excellent level of service – mahalo to Sergio, the bellhop, for helping me find my luggage with a smile. The pool area overlooks the ocean with rocking chairs, a bar, and two Jacuzzis. You can borrow folding chairs that double as a backpack with a drink holder and secret compartment for your stuff and head to the beach. This property is across the street, which means that it is less than 30 steps to the sand. If you stay at least 3 nights, valet parking is free! The beds have high-thread-count sheets, so sleep naked! If you can't afford the spa treatments, they even offer some of the massages poolside for $50. What a bargain! There are over 60 stores i...Read More

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on October 10, 2005

Hyatt Regency Waikiki Resort and Spa
2424 Kalakaua Ave.
Honolulu, Hawaii 96815
(808) 923-1234

Sheraton Waikiki Photo - Sheraton Waikiki, Honolulu, Oahu
Quote:
The lobby area is expansive and well-lit, with 12 elevators. Why? Because there are 1,852 rooms at this hotel. It's very nice, with lots of stores, but I think you may feel like just another number. The beach is actually small. If you stay here, I would recommend staying in the oceanfront rooms, because the bathrooms include a window that opens up to the bedroom, allowing for ocean views from the shower! The parking garage is shared with the Royal Hawaiian. There are two pools, one specifically for children.

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on October 12, 2005

Sheraton Waikiki
2255 KALAKAUA AVE
Honolulu, Hawaii 96815
808-922-4422

Outrigger Luana Waikiki Photo - Outrigger Luana Waikiki, Honolulu, Oahu
Quote:
We had a newly remodeled condo with tavertine floors, a granite countertop in the kitchens, high thread-count sheets, and flat-screen televisions. The lobby is a welcoming entrance, and the pool area has a separate section that can be reserved (at no charge) for private parties. This location is at Fort De Russy Park, with Chanel, Banana Republic, and Nike stores across the street. There is also a gas station next door, one of the few in Waikiki.

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on October 13, 2005

Outrigger Luana Waikiki
2045 KALAKAUA AVENUE
Honolulu, Hawaii 96815
808-955-6000

ResortQuest Pacific Monarch Best of IgoUgo

Hotel | "Aston Pacific Monarch"

Aston Pacific Monarch Photo - ResortQuest Pacific Monarch, Honolulu, Oahu
Quote:
This budget property is located 1 1/2 blocks from the beach. It offers a rooftop pool and sauna, which is not handicap accessible. Studios have kitchenettes and one-bedrooms will have full kitchens with a large balcony. If you have an early arrival or late departure, there is a large hospitality room with a TV, vending machines, refrigerator, and views of Waikiki.

Member Rating 2 out of 5 on October 13, 2005

ResortQuest Pacific Monarch
2427 KUHIO AVENUE
Honolulu, Hawaii 96815
808-923-9805

Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort Waikiki Beach Best of IgoUgo

Hotel | "Sheraton Moana Surfrider"

Sheraton Moana Surfrider Photo - Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort Waikiki Beach, Honolulu, Oahu
Quote:
Built in 1901, this plantation-style property will transport you back in time. I feel like I'm in the movie “Titanic” when I walk the hallways of the historic building. There are three wings: Tower, Diamond, and Historic. Tower is the newest, with fabulous SweetSleeper beds and granite-counter bathrooms. The Diamond tower was built in the ‘70s, and the Historic is the main building. All rooms in the Historic wing are the same size—small. The buffet breakfast will not offer pancakes, waffles, or omelettes, but more of a continental breakfast with pastries, eggs benedict, fresh fruits, and Japanese breakfast (miso soup, rice, etc.).

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on October 14, 2005

Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort Waikiki Beach
2365 Kalakaua Ave
Honolulu, Hawaii 96815
808-922-3111

Royal Hawaiian Honolulu Best of IgoUgo

Hotel | "Royal Hawaiian"

The Royal Hawaiian  Photo - Royal Hawaiian Honolulu, Honolulu, Oahu
Quote:
It is full of nostalgia and charm, but you have to like the color pink. The architecture is pink Spanish-Moorish, and the lobby area features hand-woven pink rugs. Rooms in the Historic Wing (the hotel opened in 1927) include four-poster canopy beds, flowered wallpaper, and individually carved heavy wooden doors. Each one is unique, so when you walk from your room to the elevator, be sure to inspect the details. Tell your friends you enjoyed a cocktail at the infamous Mai Tai Bar. This hotel isn't for everyone, but those who appreciate historic buildings or those looking to recreate those early days of Waikiki will enjoy a step back in time.

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on October 27, 2005

Royal Hawaiian Honolulu
2259 Kalakaua Ave
Honolulu, Hawaii 96815
(808) 923-7311

Aqua Island Colony Best of IgoUgo

Hotel | "Castle Island Colony"

Sunrise over Manoa Photo - Aqua Island Colony, Honolulu, Oahu
Quote:
I really enjoyed the benefits of this budget property. Located on the Ala Wai canal, our room on the 17th floor had views of Diamond Head, the Manoa Valley twinkling at night, and inspirational sunrises, along with a partial ocean view from our lanai. The entrance requires your room card, and parking is available on-site. If you didn't book your excursions beforehand, there is an activities desk on-site also. Our superior room was well sized, as was the lanai. However, the closet and bathroom might be considered small for someone over 6 feet. The carpet was clean, there were LOTS of channels on the TV, and the beds were surprisingly comfortable. The kitchenette is a benefit. It's the little things tha...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on April 19, 2006

Aqua Island Colony
445 Seaside Avenue
Honolulu, Hawaii 96815
808-923-2345

Duke's Waikiki Best of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Duke's Canoe Club"

Duke's Restaurant Photo - Duke's Waikiki, Honolulu, Oahu
Quote:
We enjoyed a buffet breakfast at Duke's with lovely views of the ocean. The buffet is varied with eggs Benedict, pancakes, French toast, crepes, made to order omelettes, fruit bread (mango, guava, pineapple), cereal bar, fresh fruit bar, and your standard breakfast meats. Priced at $14pp (less for kids), you can fill up for the most important meal of the day that will leave you satisfied well past lunch. Service is friendly and attentive, and the restaurant is large enough to not seem crowded.

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on October 11, 2005

Duke's Waikiki
2335 Kalakaua Avenue At The Outrigger Waikiki
Honolulu, Hawaii 96815
(808) 922-2268

Tiki's Grill & Bar Best of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Tiki's Grill"

Tiki's Grill @ RQ Waikiki Beach Hotel Photo - Tiki's Grill & Bar, Honolulu, Oahu
Quote:
This is the happening spot right now. The restaurant overlooks the beach, with a dark-wood tiki interior. Service is friendly and fast, prices are reasonable, and I was full when I left! Live bands perform nightly.

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on October 12, 2005

Tiki's Grill & Bar
2570 Kalakaua Ave.
Honolulu, Hawaii 96815
808/923-8454

Spark Best of IgoUgo

Attraction

Spark Photo - Spark, Honolulu, Oahu
Quote:
When you're bored with Chanel, Coach, and Gucci, head over to Spark for items that no one else will offer. You've got to be looking up, or else you'll miss this gem of a store in Waikiki located on the second floor. Popular with Japanese tourists, this is a great place to pick up collectible kitschy products from the ‘70s, ‘80s, etc. It is recommended for those who like unique souvenirs.

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on October 11, 2005

Spark
2244 Kalakaua Ave., Ste. 200A
Honolulu, Hawaii 96815
808/923-1950

Atlantis Adventures Best of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Atlantis Cruises - Royal Sunset Dinner Cruise"

Atlantis Cruises - Royal Sunset Dinner Cruise Photo - Atlantis Adventures, Honolulu, Oahu
Quote:
This dinner sunset cruise departs from Pier 6. We were picked up from our hotel (Hawaii Prince) at 3:45pm and returned by 10pm. There are two levels for dining, the lower level is buffet dining with one drink ticket included, the upper level is a five-course meal with three cocktails. It costs an additional $10 to get a window seat. We enjoyed the Royal Sunset Dinner Cruise on the Navatek I. Prior to boarding, your picture will be taken and can be purchased later for $20 (also includes a picture of the ship sailing with Diamond Head in the background). We received three drink tickets, however, if you decide to purchase a bottle of wine or sake it will be extra. I paid $12 for a bottle of premium sa...Read More

Member Rating 2 out of 5 on April 11, 2006

Atlantis Adventures
1600 Kapiolani Boulevard
Honolulu, Hawaii 96814
(671) 649-5050

Society of Seven Best of IgoUgo

Attraction

Quote:
Located in the Outrigger Waikiki, this variety show is long-running in Waikiki. It is so popular that the original lineup took the show to Bally's Las Vegas. But the new SOS lineup is just fine, continuing the tradition with extensive costumes, silly celebrity impressions, and great songs that you know the words to. Admission includes a drink or buffet, depending on the package.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on April 19, 2006

Society of Seven
2335 Kalakaua Ave
Honolulu, Hawaii 96815
(808) 923-0711

About the Writer

dj_canela

dj_canela
San Jose, California

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