sunset over a pool with palm trees reflecting

Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko'Olina

Indagare Travel reviews the luxury island resort Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko'Olina on the West Coast of Oahu in Hawaii.

Indagare Plus
Lounge at Halekulani, Hawaii: Oahu, Hawaii

Halekulani

Right in the middle of the action in Waikiki, the Halekulani, originally built in 1907, underwent a major renovation in 2012. Its 453 bright and airy rooms spread out over five buildings feature lots of wood and light hues (and most have ocean views). For the ultimate in luxury, request the 2,135-square-foot Halekulani Suite, designed by the fashion designer Vera Wang. It has Wenge wood floors, a 642-foot lanai and a step-up two-person sunken tub, and it is stocked with china designed by Wang. The Halekulani is known for its excellent service, which I experienced firsthand during my last visit: the concierge politely took care of my every request, even arranging a surfing lesson with less than an hour’s notice. By far the majority of guests are Asian, including couples that come here to be married (over Mother’s Day weekend, I saw no fewer than fourteen wedding parties). Gray’s Beach, which the hotel fronts, is quite small, but every water sport from surfing to kayaking is available. Orchids restaurant is famous for its Sunday brunches and weekly lunch scene. TIP: Because the hotel is so busy, ask for an upper-floor room with an ocean view to escape the noise from the beach below.

Editors' Picks
Indagare Plus
Veranda Balcony Bar at Kahala Hotel & Resort, Oahu, Hawaii

Kahala Hotel & Resort

The Kahala, tucked away in the upscale neighborhood of the same name, about ten minutes from Waikiki, began life in the early 1960s when Conrad Hilton set out to build a secluded celebrity getaway. For many years, the Kahala Hilton, which occupies more than six acres, drew Hollywood stars from John Wayne to Frank Sinatra, in part thanks to its 800-foot private beach with views of the Diamond Head Crater. (In 1990, the hotel was sold to another group and today it is part of the Landmark Hotel Group and Leading Hotels of the World.) The 343 guest rooms, 21 of which are suites, are spacious and have all been thoughtfully renovated and common spaces were further revamped in 2017 with a new casual restaurant Kids will love the Dolphin Quest, where a couple of bottlenose dolphins frolic. Even if you’re not staying here, come for dinner at Hoku’s, the hotel’s beachside restaurant.

Indagare Plus
Ritz Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach lobby

Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach

Less than five minutes from Waikiki Beach in Honolulu, Oahu, the Ritz-Carlton Residences offers apartment-style accommodations coupled with the top-notch service and amenities of the Ritz brand.

Editors' Picks
Indagare Plus
Restaurant at Royal Hawaiian Hotel, Hawaii: Oahu, Hawaii

Royal Hawaiian Hotel

The "Pink Palace of the Pacific" opened on Waikiki Beach in 1927 and has managed to preserve its historic charms while adding modern conveniences. History buffs will love the old-world elegance found in the Historic Wing, where rooms have indigenous accents, canopy beds and Queen Anne-style writing desks. Those who prefer something more contemporary should opt for the modern Mailani Tower, which was added in 1969. Managed by Marriott Hotels & Resorts, the 528-room hotel was refurbished in 2010. Mercifully, the recent upgrades have done away with the all-pink theme in the guest rooms, some of which are now decorated in more muted tones. A few rooms, particularly the least expensive room categories, retain some enthusiastic splashes of color – with the wall behind the beds papered in gold and pink. Once the playground of former Hawaiian royalty and host to noted celebrities in the 1920s and 30s, before it was reserved for the US Navy during World War II, the Royal Hawaiian sits on one of the most sought-after beaches in all of Waikiki. There is a private and intimate Malulani Pool, as well as the Haleumoa Playground, a large, family-friendly resort pool with a slide. Even if you don’t stay here, be sure to visit the Mai Tai Bar, overlooking Diamond Head and the ocean at sunset, and order the resort’s signature pink mai tai.

Indagare Plus
View from Terrace -  Trump Hotel Waikiki, Oahu, Hawaii

Trump Hotel Waikiki

Located in the heart of the Waikiki beach action, this enormous hotel and residential condominium has twelve different types of room categories, catering to guests ranging from business people, couples and families. The property also features a spa, multiple restaurants and shops, an infinity pool and personal concierge services.

Indagare Plus

All Results

Filters

Indagare employees walking up stiars

Enjoy 30 Days On Us!

Start your Self Planner
membership trial today.

Unlock access to 2,000+ first-hand hotel reviews, 300+ Destination Guides and the most up-to-date travel news and inspiration.

Already a member?

Welcome back,
log in to Indagare

Not a member?

Forgot Password

Enter your email and we’ll send you a link to reset your password.

Type the first 3 letters to begin