Hotels & Resorts

Choose a Hawaii Hotel and Resort to fit your budget, from all inclusive Hawaii package options to Hawaii honeymoons on the cheap.

Ocean Resort Hotel at Waikiki

June 12, 2011 By Lakaeli

Ocean Resort Hotel Waikiki courtesy Castle Resorts

Waikiki is a very popular getaway for newlyweds, what with the divine sandy beach, loads of shops, tons of restaurants to choose from, and a lovely strip of downtown to explore daily. However, the cost of staying here can be quite high, especially if you’re looking to splurge on that all inclusive Hawaii honeymoon. But if your ideal honeymoon image is a little more budget-friendly, and you still are looking for convenience, then you definitely need to consider Ocean Resort Hotel Waikiki. We would say that it’s a happy medium.

This hotel is one of many owned and operated by Castle Resorts and Hotels, which provide accommodations on most of the Hawaiian islands. Ocean Resort is located at the Diamond Head end of Waikiki in Oahu, but that doesn’t put you and new spouse far away from the heart of Waikiki as the beach itself is only a three minute walk away. Or, if you walk in the opposite direction, you’ll run right into beautiful Kapiolani Park and Waikiki Aquarium. Just a bit farther out is Diamond Head itself.

If you’re not up for walking, no worries! The main Oahu bus route has a stop right in front of the hotel, so you can easily take public transportation to all the main attractions or to many locations in Waikiki.

Besides convenience and affordability, you’ll find all the basic hotel amenities: cable TV, an internet area, microwave/fridge/coffee maker in every studio, two swimming pools, etc. On top of this, every room offers a gorgeous view of either Diamond Head, the Pacific ocean, or city lights.

This hotel is currently undergoing renovations to make every guest room more modern and in general clean up the entire hotel. By the end of this year, 2011, they will become the Hyatt Place Waikiki Beach. We are not sure if the prices will stay as low as they currently are, so if you’re looking for a low cost hotel in Waikiki for this year, stay at Ocean Resort Hotel Waikiki!

Filed Under: Hotels & Resorts, Oahu Hotels Tagged With: cheap hotel, waikiki hotel, waikiki resort

Hawaii Castle Resorts & Hotels for Every Budget

May 29, 2011 By Lakaeli

Castle has many all inclusive Hawaii honeymoon options available on five Hawaiian islands: Oahu, the Big Island, Molokai, Kaui and Maui. Castle offers vacation packages with flight and rental car included in the price of the hotel; this often saves a significant amount of money compared to booking everything separately.

The following are sorted by location and price for a honeymoon paradise at Hawaii Castle Resorts & Hotels:

Oahu (Sorted by average nightly rate, lowest to highest)

Ocean Resort Hotel Waikiki
Hokele Suites Waikiki
Pacific Marina Inn Airport
Waikiki Grand Hotel
Waikiki Shore Beachfront Condominiums
The Lotus at Diamond Head

Kauai (Sorted by average nightly rate, lowest to highest)

Islander on the Beach
Castle at Princeville
Kaha Lani Resort
Kiahuna Plantation & The Beach Bungalows
Makahuena at Poipu
Poipu Shores
Lanikai Resort
Maui (Sorted by average nightly rate, lowest to highest)

Maui Beach Hotel
Kamaole Sands

Hawaii (Big Island) (Sorted by average nightly rate, lowest to highest)

Waimea Country Lodge
Hilo Hawaiian Hotel
Kona Bali Kai
Kona Reef
Halii Kai at Waikoloa
Molokai (Sorted by average nightly rate, lowest to highest)

Kaluakoi Villas
Molokai Shores

Filed Under: Hotels & Resorts Tagged With: all-inclusive, hawaii resorts, hotels

An Unforgettable Hawaii Honeymoon: Turtle Bay

May 22, 2011 By Kalika

You’re probably thinking about a Hawaii honeymoon in Turtle Bay for a number of reasons. Maybe it’s the fact that in 2008, it was ranked in Travel + Leisure magazine’s as the one of the Top 25 Hotels in Hawaii… or perhaps it’s because you were a huge fan of Forgetting Sarah Marshall… or you’re an even bigger fan of VH1’s series Wedding Wars. Whatever the reason is, this all inclusive Hawaii resort packs a punch. So, why exactly did Turtle Bay Resort make our site’s Top 10 list? Keep reading …

Turtle Bay is located along the water of the North Shore, conveniently near Haleiwa and the North Shore’s locale, which is only 10 minutes away. This resort is not massive, but it’s far enough away from Oahu’s city life that you can enjoy quite, beautiful and natural surroundings during your Hawaii honeymoon. Set on a peninsula on Oahu’s North Shore, Turtle Bay Resort is five miles from Waimea Falls Park and 15 miles from the Dole Plantation.

Turtle Bay Hawaii rooms and suites are all complete with beautiful private lanais and ocean views. Three or four bedroom Ocean Villas are available and include preferential access to the villas’ courtyard, large pool and Jacuzzi. A great idea for Hawaii honeymooners is to experience the private chef who will create a romantic meal for two.

Are you looking for the activities? Turtle Bay Hawaii offers surf lessons with seasoned pro Hans Hedemann. There are also 12 miles of Oahu hiking trails, horseback riding, and tennis courts. Don’t forget to ask the concierge about activities because Turtle Bay Hawaii services will help arrange any Oahu tours and Oahu luaus. More interested in luxury? The spa at Turtle Bay Resort will customize a program, which includes in-room treatments, or massages in a private outdoor cabana. Honeymooning in the winter? Witness waves up to 30 feet break offshore and you might be able to see the Humpback whales from your lanai.

Check out some sweet all inclusive special packages, that will compliment your Hawaii honeymoon style.

There is a resort fee of $25 per day but it’s completely worth it– you get parking, an hour of snorkeling equipment, some tennis and volleyball time, access to the beach chairs/umbrellas, and whatever little extras you might need to enjoy your Hawaii honeymoon vacation.

Tip: Rent a car. Taking a taxi from Honolulu to the resort and back is 45 miles, which costs just as much as renting a car for a week. Plus, you can use that extra money for extra Hawaii honeymoon activities!

Filed Under: Hotels & Resorts, Oahu Hotels Tagged With: all-inclusive hawaii honeymoon, Hotels & Resorts, Oahu, resorts

Four Seasons Hotels Hawaii

May 17, 2011 By Lakaeli

Four Seasons Resort Hawaii, Hualalai > Sea Shell Pool

Sea Shell Pool - Four Seasons Resort Hawaii, Hualalai; courtesy FourSeasons.com

Four Seasons hotels in Hawaii are world renowned for offering the very finest in elegance and pampering, a perfect combination for your Hawaii honeymoon; and these (there are four of them!) are no exception. Choose to stay on one of three islands if the Four Seasons hotels in Hawaii speak to you: the Big Island, Maui and Lanai.

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai at Historic Ka’upulehu

Located on Kona side of the Big Island along the Kona-Kohala coast, this Four Seasons hotel in Hawaii is an ocean-front Hawaii honeymoon dream. You’ll wake in a luxurious room and take just a few steps to your private lanai to enjoy the fresh sea breeze and view of the Pacific just outside your door. During the day, swim in a heated pool and lounge on the beach, just steps from poolside. You can also experience divine dining, with multiple restaurants, buffets, and in-room service. Speaking of service, the attention that you’ll receive will be beyond perfection as the staff tend to your every need. There really is no better place for Hawaii honeymooners on the Big Island!

Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea

The service here will not disappoint as your every need is tended from the moment you enter the lobby (nay, the front of the resort!) to the moment you leave. Since you are adults on your Hawaiian honeymoon, make sure to take advantage of the adults-only Serenity Pool. Your room will take your breath away as well, as all suites offer an amazing view of the ocean from the private, fully furnished lanais. Plus, if you stay during whale season (approximately mid-December to mid-April), you’re likely to hear and perhaps even see some whales passing by. You had me at adults only? Reserve Now.

Four Seasons Resort Lana’i at Manele Bay

There are two Four Seasons hotels on the island of Molokai, and both offer unequaled serenity and peace, away from any hustle and bustle you may experience on other islands. Molokai is known for its solitude, and if that’s what you’re looking for, look no farther than this resort at Manele Bay. This Four Seasons is located along a marine preserve, and during your stay you’ll get to see colorful reef fish, sea turtles and more. There’s also a picture-perfect white sandy beach to lounge upon while being catered to during your entire stay. You have a choice of views from your suite – either a lush garden or the bay.

Four Seasons Resort Lana’i, The Lodge at Koele

Even though this Four Seasons is also on Lanai (and really just a short drive away from Manele Bay!) it is worlds different than any Four Seasons, or really any resort, you’ve ever stayed. This is a hidden gem, nestled in the highlands of Lanai. When you think Hawaii honeymoon and you picture palm trees and ocean, don’t stay here. But if you want to experience something truly unique with the typical Four Seasons elegance and pampering, than this is perfect. The Lodge offers horseback riding, a gorgeous golf course, excellent dining options, and the stay is much more reasonably priced than any other Four Seasons Resort among the islands. When you’re ready to experience “Hawaii” – the ocean, snorkeling, sandy beaches – jump on the shuttle that takes you straight to Manele Bay where you can enjoy what that Four Seasons has to offer.

Filed Under: Hotels & Resorts Tagged With: four seasons, kona resort, lanai resort, maui resort

A Maui Honeymoon at Sheraton Resort & Spa

May 15, 2011 By Kalika

Kaanapali Beach, Maui

The Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa is a great option for your Maui Hawaii honeymoon, especially since it’s located on Kaanapali Beach, where the legendary Black Rock of Kaanapali meets the ocean. It’s also close to Lahaina, which features the best of Hawaiian culture. Every night when the sun is setting, torches light up to begin the nightly ritual of lele kawa, or cliff diving. A cliff diver then retraces the steps of his ancestors, crossing the sands of Kaanapali Beach to Puu Kekaa, and plunges into the water below. The nightly Cliff Dive ceremony is a tradition that began when this Hawaiian hotel and resort opened in 1963.

After watching the ceremony, you can spend your evening at the Cliff Dive Bar, but they are only open until 8 p.m. At this point, you may want to check out the restaurant choices. The Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa boats a variety of tastes from Black Rock Steak & Seafood to their eastern style restaurant, Teppan-yaki Dan.

The Maui Sheraton Hotel & Resort is also known for its authentic Polynesian luau experience, aptly named Sunset Luau at Black Rock, right on the beach front. This luau event includes native music, dance and history of the islands. World renowned Polynesian entertainment producer, Tihati Productions, also presents the Tihati Polynesia Revue, which compliments the luau festivities and all-you-can-eat luau buffet. You also can witness the fantastic fire knife dance.

If you’re a couple on the hunt for a Maui Hawaii honeymoon package deal, then check out the Sheraton Maui’s specials. There are packages available for room rates, and also for little added luxuries. We recommend checking out the 5 Night Spa and Dining Package. Who doesn’t want to spend some time getting pampered on their Hawaii honeymoon? They also have Honeymoon gift registries available. (Never heard of them? Check out our article on Honeymoon Gift Registries, and why you want one.)

You can also choose between a host of room options, from Ocean View to Junior Suites, or even the unique option– the Ali’i Suite. Be prepared to spend around $350 a night, unless you cash in on their current special, Experience an Endless Escape, which gives rates starting at $279.

No matter which room you stay in, this Hawaiian hotel and resort prides itself on providing an authentic Hawaiian experience. Naturally, this also includes “Aloha Ambassadors” who invite guests to take part in cultural activities like learning to play a song on the Ukulele, dance the Hula or decorate a souvenir coconut. Kudos to this resort for the ultimate customer experience.

Filed Under: Hotels & Resorts, Maui Hotels Tagged With: Hotels & Resorts, Maui

Ohana Hotels in Waikiki: Best Destination for Your Budget

May 10, 2011 By Lakaeli

Ohana Waikiki Malia - courtesy of outrigger.com

Ohana Waikiki Malia, courtesy Outrigger

If you’re looking to stay in the heart of Waikiki for your Hawaii honeymoon and just can’t stomach the thought of spending hundreds of dollars a night, look no further than the reasonably priced Ohana hotels! There are three to choose from in Waikiki. There is also a hotel located by the Honolulu International Airport, but that’s more suited to commuters, not honeymooners.

Keep in mind that these are not resorts; these are hotels in a convenient area that are fairly priced. So let’s go over a nice summary of each hotel and what they offer guests!

Ohana Waikiki East

-10 minute walk to Waikiki Beach
- Option for suite w/ kitchenette – great way to save money eating out!
-3 restaurants (pizza, steakhouse, and Thai) & espresso cafe
-pool, fitness room, video arcade

Ohana Waikiki Malia

-15 minute walk to Waikiki Beach
-5 minute walk to shopping on Kalakaua Avenue
-Kitchenette option
-2 pools

Ohana Waikiki West

-10 minute walk to Waikiki Beach
-Kitchenette rooms and suites available
-Easy access to multiple restaurants
-Pool, sundeck, fitness center

Basically, no matter which Ohana hotel you choose, you’ll have a comfortable stay with easy access to everything Waikiki has to offer. And Waikiki has a lot to offer – a gorgeous beach, a multitude of fantastic restaurants, and shopping galore. Plus, there’s a trolley that can take you to all the major shopping areas in both Waikiki and Honolulu.

Filed Under: Hotels & Resorts, Oahu Hotels Tagged With: honolulu, Hotels & Resorts, Oahu, resorts, Waikiki

Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa- Treat Your Senses

May 1, 2011 By Lakaeli

If you’re going to plan a Hawaii honeymoon in Kauai, do it in style – and the Grand Hyatt is the place to do it. This resort landed some of the most amazing property on the entire island and made everything about their hotel a feast for the eyes and, well… just about for every other sense too!

Drift to sleep every night to the sound of gently crashing waves.

Stroll along the beach, sink your bare feet into the soft sand, and you’re only steps away from the resort.

Get some fresh Kauai air while lounging in the pool area. Wait, it’s not fair to call it a “pool area” as the Grand Hyatt Hawaii hotel decked out some huge real estate for a lagoon paradise. You may just stay there all day! This area is full of salt water lagoons, hot tubs, gorgeous pools, multiple cabanas and hammocks galore, and a water slide! All this is nestled alongside the sandy beach.

Eat at one of many fabulous restaurants throughout the Hawaii resort, or indulge in some in-room dining. If you want to save a few bucks, give yourselves the option of exploring the island and getting some local eats. However, this resort is truly paradise and it may be difficult for you to want to leave!

The Anara spa at this resort is phenomenal as well. They even offer a sampler, much like ordering a sampler at a restaurant when you just can’t decide between the stuffed jalapeños or the potato skins! This unique option is great for those who haven’t experienced many spa treatments in their lives and want to personally check out specific services in small doses. Of course, if you know exactly what you want, this is the place to get it; their 45,000 square foot spa has everything from open-air hales to outdoor lava rock shower gardens.

Into golfing? This Hyatt resort boasts a championship golf course with world-class views of the ocean from every hole.

How about something a little more active, like mountain biking, tennis or hiking? You can do all that here!

The Grand Hyatt in Kauai is a five star resort, so expect five star prices along with their five star service. If you can save your pennies though, you will not regret your decision to stay here.

Filed Under: Kauai Hotels Tagged With: hyatt kauai, kauai 5 star, kauai hotel, kauai resort

Destination: The Big Island’s Fairmount Orchid Resort

April 23, 2011 By Kalika

The native Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles basks on the shoreline every afternoon at this resort.

The Fairmount Orchid Resort, located on the north side of the Big Island, is the perfect honeymoon destination if you’re looking for beauty, and don’t want to do a lot of leg-work planning activities. You will see extreme changes in your natural surroundings; from Mauna Kea’s winter snow-capped mountaintop, to the heat of Madame Pele’s flowing lava.

For honeymooners looking to get a little sightseeing in, you can visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and watch red-hot lava ooze towards the sea. You won’t find an all-inclusive package here, but you will find a nice array of smaller Hawaiian packages that cater to different interests, such as romance and activities.

Did you know that the Big Island has more coastline than any other Hawaiian island? Take advantage! Check out the Fairmount Orchid Beachboys and choose one of two of their activity packages.

The first option, the Fun N Sun Activity Pass, allows you to rent any of the following equipment: mask, snorkel, fins, boogie boards, soft-top surfboards, stand-up paddleboards, personal floats, one-man and two-man kayaks, and noodles. The second option, called the Paradise Within 10-Class card, includes access to many class activities such as Seaside Meditation, Aqua Fit, and Flo-yo (Floating Yoga). If you plan to be more involved with activities that include leaving the resort, all you need to do is speak with concierge for some direction.

For you Hawaiian Honeymoon, you should consider their two hotel room packages. First, decide whether you want your view to be of gardens or the ocean. Then consider the Suite Escape, which includes daily breakfast for two, complimentary parking and a welcome amenity. The going rate is $759 a night (which of course, includes the suite itself). The other option just adds all the little extras to your honeymoon. It can also be applied to any room that you rent at the resort for only an extra one-time $125 fee. It’s called the Make Room for Romance, and includes the following:

A trail of orchid petals, arranged artfully on the top sheet in the shape of a heart.
Slippers and slipper mats near the bed.
Light cotton bathrobes (very important to be comfortable)
A selection of Hawaii made bath crystals and bath Floating candles placed in the bathroom.
A CD player (ok, this may seem a little cheesy– but cheesy is completely appropriate on a Hawaiian honeymoon)
A bottle of tropical massage lotion
A bottle of champagne chilling in an ice bucket, with two glasses
A selection of chocolate-dipped Big Island strawberries (probably the best part)

The Fairmount Orchid Hotel and Resort offers many other packages you can use on your Hawaiian honeymoon, including a Travel Green Package, a Golf package, and a Spa Package. Click here to look at their other options.

Ready to book? The two closest airports to The Fairmont Orchid are Kona International Airport (KOA) and Hilo International Airport (ITO).

Filed Under: Big Island Hotels

Five Hawaii Hotels Worth Dreaming About

April 10, 2011 By admin

Let’s pretend that money is no object, that you can face your Hawaii honeymoon with no worries. Imagine the kinds of places you could stay…the unlimited food…whatever your heart desires…but then the search becomes overwhelming! So let us dream help you dream, with five of the best Hawaii honeymoon destinations.

1) Ko’a Kea Hotel & Resort at Poipu Beach – Located on the quiet, fantastically gorgeous island of Kauai, this is the resort that exceeds all expectations of Kauai luxury. This is a true resort, with ocean view rooms (complete with a sunset view), poolside bar, full spa service, private lanai, and amazing food choices at their Red Salt restaurant. An added bonus is the lack of kids and families seen at nearby hotels such as the Hyatt and Marriott; this resort truly caters to Hawaii honeymooners and retirees.

Added luxury: Upgrade to an ocean-front suite and partake in an ocean-side massage.

2) Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea – With impeccable service both in and out of your room (nay, oceanfront suite!), this Hawaiian resort offers everything you could possibly dream about – adult-only Serenity Pool complete with a swim-up bar, beachfront access, spacious bathroom, great food and bar areas, and of course a top-notch spa. They offer a multitude of suites, most with oceanfront views.

Added luxury: Stay on the eighth floor, the Club Floor Oceanfront Prime Suite, complete with your own private elevator access key, private furnished lanai and Club Concierge. Reserve a private cabana at the Serenity Pool.

3) The Kahala Hotel & Resort – Unfortunately (or perhaps fortunately depending upon your tastes!), there aren’t any top-end, luxurious, dreamy resorts right in Honolulu or Waikiki. Yes, there are plenty of gorgeous hotels on that side of Oahu, but when you think Hawaiian luxury, you’re likely thinking about palm trees, serenity, 100% relaxation, away from any commotion of modern day life.

Well, on the island of Oahu, look no further than this resort just five minutes from Waikiki. The two of you will be in sheer heaven with its private beach, an adjoining lagoon complete with turtles and dolphins (that you can actually swim with!), excellent food and an amazing spa. When the desire to visit Waikiki strikes you, hop on a shuttle directly from the hotel right into the main shopping areas of Waikiki. No rental car required!

Added luxury: Stay in a Signature suite for the ultimate pampered experience.

4) Mauna Lani Resort – Located on the northwestern shore of the Big Island of Hawaii, just north of Kona, lies this tropical paradise. Upon arrival, you’ll receive a complimentary fresh floral lei and cocktail (I know it seems like the lei is complimentary at all resorts based on all those movies and TV shows, but they’re not as common as you think!). The two of you will enjoy a stress-free experience no matter what you choose to do here: sit and gaze at the tropical fish and sea turtles in their private pools and beach, enjoy complimentary snorkeling, relax in one of many hammocks, or simply recline in a private cabana along the beach.

Added luxury: Book a bungalow with a private lanai and outdoor living area, just steps from a private pool and jacuzzi.

5) Four Seasons Resort Haulalai at Historic Ka’upulehu – Yes, another Four Seasons resort! For good reason – they are known for providing the very best Hawaii honeymoon destination in terms of luxury, which is what you want in your Hawaii honeymoon! This Four Seasons is located about 30 minutes north of Kona on the Big Island. You’ll feel quite secluded in this romantic paradise as you fall asleep to the sound of gently crashing waves just outside your window.

Added luxury: Immerse yourselves in some divine spa treatments with pre-treatment rituals in their Water of Life garden.

Filed Under: Hotels & Resorts, Kauai Hotels, Maui, Maui Hotels, Oahu Hotels Tagged With: Hotels & Resorts

5 Reasons Why Mauna Lani is THE Spot

April 4, 2011 By Kalika

Are you looking to create an unparalleled Hawaiian honeymoon? Are we talking celebrity-status luxury? If you want to be a honeymooning rock star, than the Mauna Lani Hotels & Bungalows on the Big Island may just be your fantasy come true. Here are five reasons why you should put this at the top of your list.

5. Sleep on the Beach

This is like that late night that you and your fiancé took a moonlit stroll on the beach with a bottle of champagne and a blanket… except multiplied to the millionth power. Replace that two-buck chuck with an elite wine deserving of Wine Spectator’s 2010 Award of Excellence, and instead of a stiff blanket try to imagine your very own private bungalow lining the Kohala Coast. Each bungalow is fully equipped with outside Jacuzzi, master suite, dining areas, and saltwater ponds. Choose between an oceanfront or ocean view.

4. Relax Your Mind & Body

Are you ready to pamper yourselves? There is a reason why Travel & Leisure Magazine ranked Mauna Lani’s spa one of the World’s Best Spas and it’s rated #1 in the “World’s Best Spas by ‘Islands Magazine’. Each treatment caters to specific cultural history of the Hawaiian Islands, like the Lomi Lomi; a spiritual, ancient Hawaiian massage technique passed on through family generations. The spa, shaped like an old village, also has two natural lava saunas, a meditation pavilion and a watsu pool.

3. Package Deals

There are two nice package deals for your Hawaiian honeymoon available until December 2011. They’re not exactly all-inclusive, but it’s still worth checking out.

Pick Your Passion 2011- One certificate each night of stay, which is valid for a myriad of activities.

Bed & Breakfast 2011- Gourmet breakfast every day

2. Plenty to Do

Are you a golfer? Then you are going to love Mauna Lani Resort’s two championship golf courses, renowned for their clever design and suitable for both novices and experienced players. Mauna Lani also boasts full access fitness clubs with complimentary classes like yoga, Zumba, kickboxing, and body sculpting. And if the resort is somehow unable to provide you with enough entertainment, or the more likely story is that you want to see more of Hawaii in its natural element, than simply ring up the concierge and they will hook you up with any extra activities you are interested in.

1. It’s the Small Things

When you’re disembarking in Hawaii, and taking in your first breath of Hawaii air, you’re going to inevitably notice that it’s not quite like the movies. There is one thing missing– the line of Hawaiian girls with leis, readily draping them over your neck and saying “Aloha”. Sure, you may see some other passengers getting this kind of treatment, maybe even wonder why you’ve been skipped—but this is exactly what we mean by the small things.

If you stay at Mauna Lani, the small things are going to make this vacation that much better. And they’ll do one better than the airport—you’ll get a drink in your hand, too. No need to book a hula lesson either, because that’s as simple as leaving your bedroom, plus it’s free. Feel inspired to ride a bike around the resort? You can skip those day fees altogether. Anything you can think of… snorkeling, lei making, beach cabanas, valet, Kona coffee on-demand, even weaving classes; it is all at your disposal.

Filed Under: Big Island Hotels, Hotels & Resorts, Popular Articles