Waikiki Hotels

[Rambler5678]

What’s a nice hotel that also has an airport shuttle? Thinking of staying an extra night after our Disney cruise.

 

[OKW Lover]

I'd be surprised if any Waikiki hotels have an airport shuttle. At least not a free one.

 

[auntlynne]

Hawaii is like San Juan - taxis and private transfer services have a fairly tight grip on the transportation market. And there’s TheBus (doesn’t work for the airport if you have more than carry-on).

Expect $20-25 pp for a shuttle. If two people in your party, a rideshare may be more economical and provide door-to-door private service.

Also watch for the Daily Resort Charge. It’s hard to get around those in so many tourist destinations.

I just try to realize it’s part of the cost of the room, gritting my teeth, as I don’t take advantage of most of the things described as being covered. And it’s fairly standard at $40/ room/ night. Sometimes staying with loyalty points waives that charge. Not always!

….

How nice are you talking? Moana Surfrider, Royal Hawaiian, Halekulani -or- Embassy Suites, Hilton Hawaiian Village, Outrigger Reef? Or just not shabby?

It us the tropics and the fight against the climate is real.

I have stayed at the Aston Circle Hotel (effectively a tall motel) - it served our purpose of a room before going to Maui. It’s right across from Waikiki Beach and has an Eggs ‘n Things restaurant at the bottom (that’s one of my go to places for breakfast foods - any time of the day. And this new location beats going a mile away, on foot).

I usually stay at a Hilton Timeshare in Hilton Hawaiian Village, so not a lot of experience with hotels. The timeshares are very well kept.

Hilton Hawaiian Village is not right in Waikiki. You will walk about 15 minutes or get on the bus.

I don’t even know how nice the hotel section is. It’s been a go-to place for decades.

My sister stayed at the Queen Kapiolani across from the zoo. And also at Hilton Garden Inn (about 2 blocks inland from beach, but it’s an easy walk). That one is not too far from a very popular noodle restaurant.

We treated ourselves one trip - I stayed at the Royal Hawaiian and my brother at the Sheraton Moana Surfrider. Both such classic hotels. The Surfrider rooms are not all the same, though - there are some in the original building and others in the newer tower. That was a one-night stay between other adventures in the islands.

The infinity pool at the Sheraton Waikiki was lovely in the evening.

So many choices. I’d have to decide if the hotel was the destination or just a place to sleep between disembarkation (and possibly visiting Pearl Harbor or Iolani Palace) or if I was going to focus on being in Waikiki, dining, enjoying the views, maybe a dip in the pool and a lifetime memory of an exceptional building.

I can’t bring myself to stay at Aulani, Animal Kingdom - or probably Sheraton Moana Surfrider just to use it as a sleep place. They have so much character that I want to stay on property - especially for a one-night visit.

 

[auntlynne]

I was just looking at TripAdvisor. For a luxury hotel, check out Halepuna. It is the sister hotel of the Halekulani, only Five years old. It looks fabulous. It’s on the pricey side, but no resort fees and a nice looking pool.

 

[auntlynne]

I was just looking at TripAdvisor. For a luxury hotel, check out Halepuna. It is the sister hotel of the Halekulani, only Five years old. It looks fabulous. It’s on the pricey side, but no resort fees and a nice looking pool.

View attachment 904357

 

[Pens Fan]

We stayed at the Waikiki Beach Marriott last Nov and really enjoyed it. The staff was great and there were plenty of great bars and restaurants nearby. The did not have a shuttle, but taxis and private shuttles are easy and affordable. We had booked the cheapest room but ended up with a partial ocean view. The room was large and the bed comfy. I'd definitely stay there again.

 

[Distinkt]

We just got back from the Hawaii cruise and stayed 2 nights at Halepuna. It wasn’t cheap but was very nice. The beach was just across the street, and it was only a block or two from all the stores and restaurants (people watching) A taxi from the cruise port to the hotel for us both was $35 so the airport would probably be a little less.

 

[Calantha]

We spent a week at the Hilton Hawaiian Village in 2018 and it was lovely. Not terribly cheap though depending on the time of year. We took taxis back and forth from the airport, I don't know that any of the hotels have a shuttle because it is so far.

 

[minniebeth]

A quick google search shows that are are indeed some Waikiki hotels that offer shuttle service to and from the airport which is under 10 miles from Waikiki depending on where you are. Albeit, they look like they are either part of a package or for a fee. I'm with others and would suggest just using an uber or cab. @Rambler5678, there are so many hotels to pick from~ what is your goal for staying the extra night? To catch an early flight the next day? A resort stay with nice pool? To be on the beach? We've stayed in Waikiki a few times and I've researched hotels and can suggest a few off of what your preferences are.

 

[gmi3804]

I was just looking at TripAdvisor. For a luxury hotel, check out Halepuna. It is the sister hotel of the Halekulani, only Five years old. It looks fabulous. It’s on the pricey side, but no resort fees and a nice looking pool.

View attachment 904357

We LOVED our stay at Halepuna. Halekulani is probably our favorite hotel in the world, and this is like "Halekulani Lite." Fantastic (but smallish) rooms, great service, a Halekulani Bakery (quick-serve) on the first floor, and a great roof-top (well, 8th floor, or something like that) pool. The restaurant, Umi, is where breakfast is served; it's excellent.

Funny story: Our fist time booking here, we approached the front desk, and they told us they had bad news, that they were overbooked, but that they were going to accommodate us across the street at their sister hotel. We tried to hide our excitement! Since we had a rate ($185/night) including breakfast and parking, they honored both at Halekulani, which only offers valet (at $60/day)! They asked us if we needed help moving our bags across the street, but we were running so fast the sound waves didn't even reach our ears until later. What's more, we checked in on a Wednesday, and they used to have a Manager's Cocktail Reception at Lewer's Lounge ever Wednesday, with cocktails and pupus, so you know we filled up there too.

The second time, unfortunately, they honored our reservation. But we ended up loving Halepuna too.

Still, Halekulani is seriously a world-class place. They do EVERYTHING right, and you never know you're in bustling Waikiki until you step foot outside the property.

 

[OKW Lover]

Halekulani is seriously a world-class place. They do EVERYTHING right,

And they have a fantastic Sunday Brunch!!

 

[bbn1122]

We stayed at the Waikiki Beach Marriott last Nov and really enjoyed it. The staff was great and there were plenty of great bars and restaurants nearby. The did not have a shuttle, but taxis and private shuttles are easy and affordable. We had booked the cheapest room but ended up with a partial ocean view. The room was large and the bed comfy. I'd definitely stay there again.

I stayed at the Waikiki Beach Marriott one night on the way out. I would highly recommended it. It is across from the beach instead of on it, which I think that is better. The Tiki Grill next door is great. Steps from the Zoo. Plenty of shopping and restaurants.

I stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn on the way in, before going to Aulani. It was much smaller and less expensive. This is right across from The International Market (mall), this is a beautiful place, shopping, restaurants and it is partially open to the outside. The third floor is stunning, no roof. If you walk thru the mall you come out on the Kalakaua Avenue, across the street is The Moana Surfer Rider, Westin Hotel, which is goregous. There is a walkway between the hotels and business that put you right on the sand of Waikiki Beach.

I think you may have to Uber etc. to airport.

Waikiki Beach is very interesting, very built up and very lively.

Good luck.

 

[gmi3804]

And they have a fantastic Sunday Brunch!!

Don't get me started on Sunday Brunch at Orchid's, and the willpower it takes me from starting with their famous coconut cake! I always say that I don't care for buffets EXCEPT brunch at Orchid's.

 

[auntlynne]

And they have a fantastic Sunday Brunch!!

I read this and was going to say “especially the coconut cake.”
>>

Don't get me started on Sunday Brunch at Orchid's, and the willpower it takes me from starting with their famous coconut cake! I always say that I don't care for buffets EXCEPT brunch at Orchid's.

So agree about buffets and this one being the exception.

I felt so adult and civilized when they brought me the morning paper. (And I am no Spring chicken.). I had a lovely view of the ocean. This was a return visit, solo. They are consistently good.

We have also visited the patio at Halekulani’s House Without a Key for cocktail hour with a slack guitar band and hula by a former Miss Hawaii - while the sun set. Very relaxing.

You do not have to be a guest.

…Great memories.

A hui hou - until we meet again.

 

[imbelle]

We LOVED our stay at Halepuna. Halekulani is probably our favorite hotel in the world, and this is like "Halekulani Lite." Fantastic (but smallish) rooms, great service, a Halekulani Bakery (quick-serve) on the first floor, and a great roof-top (well, 8th floor, or something like that) pool. The restaurant, Umi, is where breakfast is served; it's excellent.

Funny story: Our fist time booking here, we approached the front desk, and they told us they had bad news, that they were overbooked, but that they were going to accommodate us across the street at their sister hotel. We tried to hide our excitement! Since we had a rate ($185/night) including breakfast and parking, they honored both at Halekulani, which only offers valet (at $60/day)! They asked us if we needed help moving our bags across the street, but we were running so fast the sound waves didn't even reach our ears until later. What's more, we checked in on a Wednesday, and they used to have a Manager's Cocktail Reception at Lewer's Lounge ever Wednesday, with cocktails and pupus, so you know we filled up there too.

The second time, unfortunately, they honored our reservation. But we ended up loving Halepuna too.

Still, Halekulani is seriously a world-class place. They do EVERYTHING right, and you never know you're in bustling Waikiki until you step foot outside the property.

Dang, Halekulani for $185 a night? You should have ran out and bought a lottery ticket because it was your lucky day!