Pleasant Holidays Oahu and Maui
By: Sandra Weaver - Senior Travel Consultant
My last trip was to the beautiful islands of Hawaii. I was able to visit both Oahu and Maui. Having never been to Hawaii, I was excited! The first island that we visited was Oahu, staying at the historic Royal Hawaiian, located just steps away from the International Marketplace.
The Royal Hawaiian, better known as the "Pink Palace of The Pacific," was built in 1927, one of the first on the island of Oahu. I stayed in 2 room categories, partial ocean view, and garden. My partial ocean view suite had a king bed, with a welcome gift of banana bread in a decorated box that included the recipe to make my own banana bread from home. The bathroom had every amenity that you could wish for. There were flat screen televisions also in the room with a large desk for any work that you may have to do while on vacation. Wi-Fi was also available for use throughout the resort. There was a small French balcony in my room as well. My garden view room was just as comfortable with a smaller bathroom and less bathroom amenities, however, still comfortable. Walking through the halls I found myself wondering what ghosts roam the halls of this beautiful hotel. With a history that goes back to the early 1900's there was no telling just who had stayed here over the years.
Located right next door to the Royal Hawaiian was the Moana Surfrider, also a historic monument, dating back to 1901. I loved the front porch where you can "sit" and watch the passing parade off the main highway of Kalakaua Avenue, one of the main "strips" in Oahu. Both the Royal Hawaiian and the Moana Surfrider are oceanfront with the rooms being smaller at the Moana Surfrider, yet still as comfortable.
I found Oahu to be full of life, moving at a faster pace than any of the other islands, you will forever have plenty to do and see. Even with the hotels that are located across the street from Waikiki Beach, you will still be able to "see" and play at the beach.
Any of the Aston hotels would work as far as comfort and customer service are concerned. Offering room categories from junior suites, to one and 2 bedroom units, complete with full kitchens. Aston hotels have something to offer everyone at affordable rates. Look for their breakfast on the beach promotions for a memorable experience.
Interested in well known resorts such as Hyatt, Marriott, or the Hilton Hawaiian Village resorts? All 3 chains offer oceanfront resorts filled with signature amenities and spa facilities for all. If you are traveling with children, no need to worry, there are children programs to keep your little ones delighted throughout your vacation.
There are plenty of activities on the island of Oahu, from the Polynesian Cultural Center, where you can truly experience the culture of Hawaii, to the history of Pearl Harbor, or the breath taking views of Diamond Head, a renowned landmark in Hawaii.
If you’re looking for fun and plenty to do, then Oahu would be a good place to start!
Next we flew over to Maui. Our airport check-in went smoothly with our flight being under 60 minutes. By the time I got comfortable, ready to read one of my favorite books, we had arrived. Here I stayed at the Fairmont Kea Lani, located on the southern shores in Wailea. Here I had a 1 bedroom ocean view room with a separate dining and sleeping area. I really loved the bathroom that offered plenty of lighting and mirrors. The bathroom and shower were awesome, with double sinks for those busy families.
In the living room area there was a sofa bed, offering more space for families of four. There was a door that separated the bedroom from the living room area for privacy. All suites had coffee makers, with mini fridges to keep your favorite beverages cold. It also had an I-Pod desk clock with alarm and a dock for your I-Pods. Everyday there was a Wall Street Journal newspaper on my door to keep up to date with daily news.
The Fairmont is located on a beautiful swim able beach with complimentary daily activities both in the water and out to keep you entertained. With three heated pools, golf courses located nearby, Spa Kea Lani, and 4 restaurants, I was in heaven.
The Fairmont Kea Lani also offers 2 and 3 bedroom villas, located oceanfront, with the most amazing views of the Pacific that you could possibly imagine. The kitchens in the villas offered state of the art kitchen appliances, including a laundry facility. If you choose not to do your own cooking, you can hire your own personal chef to come in to prepare your meals.
Next we toured hotels located in the Kaanapali area, not far from the sleepy town of Lahaina. Lahaina is where the cruise ships dock. Here you are surrounded by historic landmarks, shops that offer souvenirs to "document" your vacation, art galleries, and fine restaurants.
My favorite resort was the Westin Maui, offering shops and fine dining venues, located right next door to Whaler's Village. There's also the Sheraton, built into the mountains of Maui. We also enjoyed a Luau at the Hyatt Maui, where we definitely were entertained by Hawaiian dancers and cuisine.
In conclusion, the islands of Hawaii are definite must do's. With non-stops out of San Francisco and Los Angeles, you are hours away from true paradise. My next goal is to do a 7- 10 night cruise to visit all of the Hawaiian Islands. I still miss it and I've been home for a week!
