Honolulu Hotels

The zoo, aquarium and "one of the most scenic stretches of Waikiki" are a short walk from these two "well-maintained", if "ho-hum", highrise towers with "excellent views" "in the center of the action"; while the "accommodating" staff (particularly on the club floor and poolside) wins points, the "scores of shops on the first three levels" make some feel as if they're bunking "on top of a shopping mall."

"Everything is at your fingertips" at this "extremely kid-friendly" "mega-resort" in a "wonderful location" "away from the noise and traffic" of the rest of Waikiki; it's best if you "like being in a crowd" because this "city unto itself" with "adorable penguins", myriad shopping and dining options, "awesome" renovated lagoons and pools, and the "best beachfront in Honolulu" attracts a lot of "families with kids"; although it may be "too big" for some, the great "variety" of rooms in six towers and the full-scale spa and medical wellness center allow for serenity.

Flip-flop your way to the "beautiful beach across the street" from this "nicely located" twin-towered giant within "walking distance" of "plenty of dining options" and the "best Waikiki can offer"; the "attractive", "refurbished" rooms (the Kealohilani Tower just finished a $28-million redo) have balconies, WiFi access and 37-inch flat-screen TVs, the "staff is extremely friendly" and there's a spa, two freshwater pools and popular eateries d.k. Steak House and Sansei, so detractors look past the "mall-meets-paradise feel."

Guests at this "huge" Waikiki "Hawaii-meets–Vegas" high-rise are divided over whether it's a "bustling, fun place" or an "overcrowded, hectic" behemoth; devotees like the "renovated rooms", "gorgeous views", cool interactive surf simulator, shops that "entice you to max out your credit card" and "interesting" restaurants (including the new oceanfront RumFire), but others can't overlook the "convention mobs."

Order a mai tai, "sit under the banyan tree" and take in the "wonderful atmosphere" of this refurbished beachfront "resort treat" "in the heart of Waikiki" that was "rebranded a Westin" in mid-2007, but has been "the place to be seen since 1901"; expect "elegant", "old-fashioned Hawaiian ambiance", with an "attentive" staff and some of the area's top "people-watching", but be careful which of the "hit-or-miss" rooms you book; N.B. the oceanfront Beachouse serves surf 'n' turf overlooking the surf.