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Ocean Resort Hotel at Waikiki

June 12, 2011 By
Ocean Resort Hotel Waikiki courtesy Castle Resorts

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!

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An Unforgettable Hawaii Honeymoon: Turtle Bay

May 22, 2011 By

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!

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Ohana Hotels in Waikiki: Best Destination for Your Budget

May 10, 2011 By
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.

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Five Hawaii Hotels Worth Dreaming About

April 10, 2011 By

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:

Picking the Perfect Honeymoon Hotel in Hawaii

January 13, 2011 By

Hawaii thrives off its tourism; making the competition for a honeymoon hotel in Hawaii somewhat daunting. And even if you don’t plan on spending much time in your room (although we can’t imagine that being the case… you are newlyweds) there are literally thousands honeymoon hotels, motels, resorts and the like to choose from in Hawaii. There are a few questions to ask yourself before making your final pick.

  • What’s your budget for accommodations?
  • Are you looking for that special all-inclusive Hawaiian honeymoon deal to make your life easier?
  • Do you want to stay on the beach?
  • Do you want full service accommodations at your honeymoon hotel in Hawaiian, or are you willing to forgo certain amenities in order to save some cash?

Your Basic Options for a Honeymoon Hotel in Hawaii

Hyatt Hotels – Available on Kauai, Maui & Oahu

Marriot Hotels – There are many options for this hotel on the islands of Kauai, Maui, Oahu & the Big Island.

Four Seasons Resorts – Is it a coincidence that you have 4 Four Seasons Resorts to choose from? They are available on Maui, the Big Island & Lanai.

Holiday Inn – Check this out if you’re planning to spend your honeymoon in Waikiki. Oahu is the only location, so skip it otherwise.

Ohana Hotels & Resorts – This chain of hotels are located on Oahu, with three in Waikiki and one by the Honolulu International Airport. They also offer a few specials, although we wouldn’t categorize it as all-inclusive.

Aqua Hotel – Centrally located hotel chain, available on Maui, Kauai, Molokai, Lanai & Oahu.

Uber Elite Resorts (most with all-inclusive Hawaii honeymoon hotel options)

Castle Resorts – Hotels, resorts and even condominiums are available on Oahu, Maui, Kaui, the Big Island and Molokai.  Depending on which island you choose to stay, prices vary from extremely affordable up to a bit pricey – so there’s opportunity for every budget to stay at a Castle accommodation!  They even offer vacation packages including airfare and car rental.

Hilton Hotels – You can choose between the location in Waikiki, Oahu or the Big Island.

Embassy Suites – This is Hilton Hotel’s ugly stepsister, but still more than adequate compared to other chains. You can only find this hotel in Waikiki Beach. They also retain a few Hilton-esque luxuries, such as the option for all-inclusive packages. Normally, Embassy Suites wouldn’t qualify as uber elite, but all-inclusive honeymoon packages are difficult to find and makes Embassy Suites in Oahu worth the honorary mention.

Ritz Carlton – No real explanation necessary here, but keep what you should know is that it’s located only on Maui. We’ve also saved you some legwork and did a search for their Hawaii romantic all-inclusive packages.

Halekulani Hotel – If you have some money to drop, and you’re heading to Waikiki, then this is the perfect choice. The hotel itself is 100 years old and caters to the couple who are going to be spending a lot of their time around the hotel and visiting cultural venues. Their food and spa options are unparalleled. Don’t overlook their unique all-inclusive package options.

Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows – Plan on visiting The Big Island? Have a significant budget? Then you have to check out this 3,200-acre luxury resort. It’s the perfect Hawaiian experience, with a front row view of the Pacific, elite dining choices and your very own bungalow. This experience is not all-inclusive, but they do offer a Romance Package.

Fairmount Orchid Resort – The Fairmount Orchid Resort on the Big Island is the perfect honeymoon destination if you don’t want to do a lot of leg-work planning activities. From the resort, you can see Mauna Kea’s winter snow-capped mountaintop, and almost feel the  heat of Madame Pele’s flowing lava. Honeymooners should definitely look into their Make Room for Romance package or Suite Escape.

Filed Under: Big Island Hotels, Honeymoon Tips, Hotels & Resorts, Kauai Hotels, Maui Hotels, Molokai Hotels, Oahu Hotels, Planning 101

Looking for Luxury? Look no further than Halekulani Hotel

October 27, 2010 By

Don't overlook the House Befitting Heaven. This resort has everything you need for a blissful honeymoon.

Can you really even call this place a hotel? Hotel doesn’t seem to adequately describe the experience this resort offers. So if you decide to honeymoon at Halekulani, keep in mind it’s more accurate description, (the actual meaning of Halekulani), the House Befitting Heaven. There is no darting cost on this experience, either.

Located on Oahu, this hotel offers all-inclusive packages that don’t involve airfare and transportation. However, all transportation can be arranged through the hotel and their packages do offer food and activities which make the investment worth it’s price. The smallest Romance Remembered package is $2500 if you go for the Ocean View, and covers four nights, at $580 per extra night. Their choice of themed suites cater to different tastes as well, everything from ocean front to a designated Vera Wang suite.

“The luxurious 453-room hotel is situated on five prime oceanfront acres on the beach at Waikiki and comprised of five, low-density buildings ranging in height from two to 17 stories, all surrounded by open courtyards, serene gardens and breathtaking views of Diamond Head and the Pacific Ocean.
–Halekulani Hotel Fact Sheet

The view is spectacular, the grounds provide a soothing ambiance and all your needs are anticipated at this elite luxury resort. You’ll never run out of things to do. If you’re the kind of couple who expects that they will enjoy the local luxuries, then you’ll be amazed at what this place can offer. Exclusive cuisine, for one, which includes three award-winning restaurants:

La Mer: This restaurant features food that can be described as a French-Hawaiian fusion like the dish Bouillabaisse La Mer Style.

Orchids: Elegance reigns supreme at this restaurant which is situated on the ocean front. As is its namesake, orchids are expertly arranged throughout the dining hall.

House without a Key: This informal dining spot triples as a cocktail lounge and a venue for live entertainment; although it is specifically known for its beverages such as the signature Halekulani Mai Tai.

Hopefully you won’t need to check your work email, but if you just can’t escape the beast, the Halekulani has an elite business room at your disposal. There is also a fitness room, the Orchid Pool (there’s an Orchid etched into the bottom of the pool, visible through clear and well-maintained water) and beach access. You can even have your activities arranged by the hotel concierge. And don’t worry about amenities like dry cleaning or laundry—they have it covered.

Now, this hotel wasn’t always so luxurious. Ownership has exchanged many hands, since the founding in 1907 as the Hau Hotel. But as it stands currently, Halekulani Hotel in Oahu is the epitome of honeymooning bliss.

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