HALEKULANI

Halekulani has been hosting visitors to Waikiki Beach for nearly 100 years. Today its reputation for gracious hospitality, impeccable service and magnificent cuisine is unequaled on Oahu and renowned throughout the world.Elegant and upscale, The Halekulani - 'House Befitting Heaven' - is one of Waikiki's true luxury hotels. Service is impeccable, but the staff demeanor is low-key and casual, reflecting the local style.

The Halekulani feels private and exclusive, with an understated ambiance rather than a hopping party scene. The hotel's 455 rooms feature fine linens and hardwood, with a white-on-white theme that makes other hotels' tropical decor seem garish. Rooms have large balconies and stocked mini refrigerators, with high-quality personal touches including bathrobes and fresh flowers. The bathrooms - all mirrors, marble and glass - are spectacular. The large pool, dramatically lined with Italian marble tiles in shades of blue, is a world apart from the typical why-bother pools at other hotels. Just steps away is Gray's Beach, which feels like a private beach (it's not). The fitness centre is first rate, with aerobic and weight equipment, free refreshments and newspapers.