Oahu without the kids

Our last visit to Hawaii was fifteen years ago on our way back to Australia and we had three days out at the Outrigger next to the Pink Palace. With a 12 and a 9-year old in tow, our visit largely revolved around the kids so we saw a tiny bit of the Waikiki area and that was it.

We%26#39;re coming back in May 2008 for ten days by ourselves and plan to have a really go at spending the kids%26#39; inheritance. I%26#39;ve been reading this forum for the past few weeks (now up to page 26 but am still finding new ideas) and would like to thank everyone for their information. The detail and suggestions have been very helpful and the friendly tone is a refreshing change from the sarcasm and negativity of Lonely Planet%26#39;s Thorn Tree forum which I read earlier this year before a trip to Paris.

So (finally) - here%26#39;s the question. Based on reports in this forum, we think we%26#39;ve settled on a beachfront room at the Westin Moana Surfrider but I have also read good reports about Halekulani and mixed reports (but mainly positive) about the Royal Hawaiian. We may even split our ten days between two of the hotels but the most important thing is to get a really good room with an equally good view of the beach, Diamond Head etc. I gather that some wings are better than others. Any suggestions ?

Oahu without the kids

First - if you have 10 days, you may want to see two islands ... no, wait FIRST - congratulations on your escape to Hawaii!

Anyway -- and it seems like I have been saying this alot lately ... the Moana is stunning and a very comfortable, well-sited place to stay. The Tower rooms are the best. The Royal Hawaiian is wonderful, as well. Better food services than the Moana. Better service than the Moana. Tower rooms are very nice ... try to get a high room with Diamond Head view. We%26#39;ve had great luck with the rooms in the original building too.

Both the Moana and the RH are landmarks ... beautiful, well maintained buildings. Don%26#39;t move from one to the other .... unpack and relax. You are welcome to hang out and dine in both. There is probably a policy where you can even sign-up charges between them.

Never been to the Halekulani, but will scope it out next time around.

Oahu without the kids

I%26#39;d stick with Halekulani the whole time for the ambience and service. The Diamond Head view from the Halekulani is absolutely amazing. If you just want to have the sandy beach right in front of the hotel, then Halekulani might not be as good a choice than the other two. If you check out the Oahu Revealed resort photos (on the web), you will know what I mean.

May I ask why you are not considering the Waikiki Outrigger again, since you have been there before? Located between the Royal Hawaiian and the Westin Moana.

Have fun with the kids%26#39; inheritance money!!!!

Pattie - we thought about the Outrigger again but wanted to stay somewhere different this time rather than revisiting an old haunt.

The Outrigger was OK when we were with the kids and was more affordable for them to have their own room but we are looking for something a bit more luxurious and Royal H, Moana Surfrider and Halekulani seem to fit that requirement. However, with Royal H and Moana, choice of wing seems to be very important - thus, my question for the forum.

Thanks to all for replies so far.

Whichever you choose, I don%26#39;t think I%26#39;d move unless you are unhappy with your choice.

Lots of Oahu info:

tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g29222-i37-k647862鈥?/a>

beauty