By Josh Duvauchelle
The International Marketplace in Honolulu, Hawaii, is a collection of shops and booths selling a variety of Hawaii-themed products and items. The International Marketplace is a familiar spot for local residents, as well as tourists who are drawn to the famous Waikiki
beach just across the road. It is also just a few minutes driving distance from the island of Oahu's four 5-star hotels and
resorts. Five star hotels must meet a variety of standards set by the independent rating organization Mobil, and represent the best hotels with the highest levels of amenities and customer service. All of these locations are accessed using the island's bus service, as well as via taxis and hotel shuttles.
The Royal Hawaiian
The Royal Hawaiian is 10 minutes walking distance from the International Marketplace and is one of the oldest hotels in the Waikiki area. A well-known landmark among Hawaii residents, the resort's pink facade is recognizable from many points on the Waikiki strip. The outside of the resort include stands of trees and easy access to Waikiki Beach. The hotel provides reserved huts, umbrellas and chairs for registered guests. Next to the beach area lies the hotel's pool. Inside, the hotel's recently renovated lobby and rooms (completed in January 2009) include marble-counter bathrooms; technological amenities such as MP3 player-compatible radios; and flat-screen televisions. Guests are able to reserve rooms in five different bed combinations. All guest rooms face the ocean or the nearby mountain range. The resort grounds also include a restaurant, spa and an enclosed shopping mall housing national stores as well as local brands.
2259 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu, HI 96815. (808) 923-7311.
The Kahala Hotel and Resort
The Kahala Hotel is located on the other side of Diamond Head opposite the International Marketplace, a short ten minutes driving distance. While close to the Waikiki strip and its high rises, the Kahala Hotel's property evokes a secluded feel due to its thick, rainforest-style landscaping. The hotel strives to fulfill guests' exotic perception of Hawaii by allowing peafowl to run free and filling its lagoon with Bottlenose dolphins. The resort property includes standard five-star hotel amenities in its 338 rooms, such as a full-featured room service menu and nightly turndown service. The hotel also offers five ethnic restaurants; a fitness center and health spa; and unique activities such as dolphin training.
5000 Kahala Ave., Honolulu, HI 96826-5498. (808) 739-8888.
Ko Olina Beach Resort
The Ko Olina Beach Resort is just a half-hour drive from the International Marketplace, but takes advantage of this short distance away from the bustle of Waikiki by offering its guests a private beach relatively untouched compared to the packed Waikiki coastline. The Ko Olina is also the only five-star resort on Oahu that offers its own golf course. The hotel also provides its guests with a sand-bottom lagoon pool; a health spa; a regularly-scheduled on-site luau (a traditional Hawaiian talent show and dinner buffet); and a private marina. Guests can also reserve additional amenities beyond the standard five-star fare, including private reservations at any of the hotel's restaurants; personal trainers at the resort's fitness center; and transportation to some of Oahu's popular tourist attractions.
92-106 Waialii Place, Kapolei, HI 96707. (808) 680-7690.
The Halekulani
This beachfront resort is a few blocks away from the International Marketplace along the busy Waikiki strip, sitting between the core of Waikiki and the popular Ala Moana Shopping Center. It is also a five minute drive from the Hawaii Convention Center, making it a favorite for traveling businesspeople. Originally built in 1917, the Halekulani has been renovated multiple times. Today, the resort offers three award-winning restaurants; a fitness center offering some of Waikiki's most advanced exercise equipment, along with on-site fitness coordinators; a lagoon-style pool; a spa specializing in Native Hawaiian regional treatments; and many meeting rooms.
2199 Kalia Rd., Honolulu, HI 96815-1988. (808) 923-2311.
Resources
About the Author:
Josh Duvauchelle is an editor and journalist with more than 10 years' experience. His work has appeared in various magazines, including "Honolulu Magazine," which has more paid subscribers than any other magazine in Hawaii. He graduated with honors from Trinity Western University, holding a Bachelor of Arts in professional communications, and earned a certificate in applied leadership and public affairs from the Laurentian Leadership Centre.
