Frommer's Review
Sprawling over 20 acres on a gorgeous stretch of Waikiki Beach, Waikiki's biggest resort is a minicity unto itself, so big it even has its own post office. You'll find tropical gardens dotted with exotic birds, award-winning restaurants, 100 different shops, a secluded lagoon, and two minigolf courses. This is a great place to stay with the kids: The children's program, one of Waikiki's best, offers a wide range of educational and fun activities, and at three of the resort's restaurants, kids ages 4 to 11 eat free. In 2007, the property underwent a "Village Rejuvenation," with a total revamp of the Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon.
Rooms, which range from simply lovely to ultra-deluxe, are housed in five towers, each with its own restaurants and shopping. This division reduces the chaotic, impersonal feeling you can get from a resort this size. Still, this is the place for a lively, activity-packed vacation; those seeking a more intimate experience might want to look elsewhere. All rooms are large and beautifully furnished (the Tapa Tower rooms were renovated in 2007). If you can afford it, I highly recommend the ones in the Alii Tower, located right on the ocean. Guests in these 348 amenity-laden rooms and suites get the royal treatment, including in-room registration, an exclusive health club and pool, and the full attention of a multilingual staff.
The superluxe Mandara Spa also features a state-of-the-art fitness center. Not that you should plan to do business on your vacation, but for those who must stay in touch, there is a 24-hour hotel business center on property. The latest addition to the village was the recently opened $6-million Ocean Crystal Chapel, Waikiki's only free-standing resort wedding chapel, ready for couples to say their "I do's."
Facilities:
16 restaurants (including Bali by the Sea); 5 bars; babysitting; children's program; concierge; concierge-level rooms; modern fitness center; 6 outdoor pools; room service; spa; watersports equipment rentals
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
