- Halekulani: Halekulani translates into "House Befitting Heaven," an apt description for this luxury resort spread over 5 acres of prime Waikiki beachfront property. When money is no object, this is the place to stay. The atmosphere of elegance envelops you as soon as you step into the lobby. Even if you don't stay here, drop by at sunset to sip on a mai tai at the gracious House Without a Key and listen to Sonny Kamehele sing Hawaiian songs as a graceful hula dancer sways to the music.
- Aulani: Not surprisingly, this Disney resort is the best choice on the island for luxury-seeking families. But this place ain't just "Hidden Mickeys" (though there are some of those). Disney's Imagineers turned to traditional Hawaiian culture for the design and decor of the resort, adding handsome wood carvings, murals of Hawaiian history, and other touches that let you know, quite firmly and in the best of taste, that you're not in a theme park but in Hawaii.
- Royal Hawaiian: Hidden in the jungle of concrete buildings that make up Waikiki is an oasis of verdant gardens and a shockingly pink building. The Royal Hawaiian hotel, affectionately called the "pink palace," is known around the world as a symbol of luxury. Since the first day it opened in 1927, the Royal has been the place to stay for celebrities, including Clark Gable, Shirley Temple, President Franklin Roosevelt, the Beatles, Kevin Costner, and others. Its location is one of the best on Waikiki Beach.
- Moana Surfrider Hotel, A Westin Resort: Step back in time to Old Hawaii at the grand Moana Surfrider Hotel, built in 1901. Entry is through the original colonial porte-cochere, past the highly polished wooden front porch with white wooden rocking chairs, and into the perfectly restored lobby, with its detailed millwork and intricate plaster detailing on the ceiling. Time seems to slow here, tropical flowers arranged in huge sprays are everywhere, and everyone seems to be smiling. At check-in, guests are greeted with a lei and a glass of fruit juice. This is a hotel not only with class but with historic charm.
- Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort & Spa: This place is so big, it even has its own post office. Some 3,000 rooms are spread over 20 acres with tropical gardens, thundering waterfalls, exotic wildlife, award-winning restaurants, nightly entertainment, two brand-new state-of-the-art spas, 100 different shops, children's programs, fabulous ocean activities, a secluded lagoon, three swimming pools, Hawaiian cultural activities, two minigolf courses, and Waikiki Beach. You could spend your entire vacation here and never leave the property.
- Kahala Hotel & Resort: Since 1964, when Conrad Hilton first opened this hotel as a place for rest and relaxation far from the crowds of Waikiki, the Kahala has always been rated one of Hawaii's premier hotels. A venerable who's who of celebrities have stayed at the hotel, including every president since Richard Nixon, a host of rock stars from the Rolling Stones to the Beach Boys, and a range of actors from John Wayne to Bette Midler. The Kahala is a completely up-to-date resort, with exotic Asian touches, but it retains the grace and elegance of a softer, gentler time in the islands.
- Turtle Bay Resort: After a $35-million renovation, this once sterling hotel is back. The resort is spectacular — an hour's drive from Waikiki, but eons away in its country feeling. Sitting on 808 acres, Turtle Bay is loaded with activities and 5 miles of shoreline with secluded white-sand coves. All the rooms have great views, but the separate beach cottages are positioned right on the ocean. (The views alone are worth the price.) The 42 bungalows have been renovated (hardwood floors, poster beds with feather comforters) and have their own check-in and private concierge.
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.