Each year, I return to Hawaii, my personal haven for rest and relaxation, my ‘happy place’.  Over the years, countless wonderful memories have been created, and I’m sure many more are to come. There’s definitely an Aloha spirit.

Hotel Updates in Hawaii

During my recent visit, I took the opportunity to update myself on the current hotel situation, given the increased interest our Hawaii DMC partner, DeSilva is receiving. While Hawaii is not an inexpensive destination, with hotel taxes adding approximately $110 USD per night to room rates, it does offer some truly exceptional accommodations and is a destination that is easy to access and appeals to the  Australian market.

Hotel Reviews

Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa

I had the pleasure of staying at the beautiful Moana Surfrider, elegantly positioned on Waikiki Beach.

Moana is elegant yet relaxed.

Image:   View from Moana Towers

 

This hotel combines heritage rooms with modern tower accommodations, making the Diamond Tower ideal for groups due to its abundance of similarly sized rooms with varied view options. The hotel boasts excellent function space and is currently undergoing a soft refurbishment. We had a sneak peak at the prototype rooms, and they showcase a fresh, coastal elegance with light wood furniture and a soothing blue and natural colour palette. These renovations are expected to be completed by Q3 2025. For those on a tighter budget, the nearby Sheraton Waikiki is a great alternative.

Sheraton Waikiki

The Sheraton Waikiki completed its renovation in 2023 and still looks very fresh. It’s a large hotel with a family-friendly atmosphere, though poolside space can be limited. It offers great function space and is well-suited for groups seeking a mid-range price point with a high number of similar room types. Its central location is another plus.

Image:  view from Sheraton Waikiki over the adults pool

 

Halekulani Hotel

If you haven’t been to the Hotel recently it’s definitely worth a look.

Renowned for its elegance, the Halekulani Hotel is a serene haven amidst bustling Waikiki. Recently updated, all rooms feature tablets to control smart devices and delighted to advise they all have Nespresso machines—finally a good coffee and a bonus for Australian groups!

Image:  Halekulani function space area

 

Two new Premier Suites have been added to the collection.  These can be used for hospitality suites for groups. The hotel offers excellent event and function space, some with stunning views of Diamond Head. La Mer, their fine dining restaurant does have a private dining area for 16 people and semi private space for 14 people. Good to remember for those small tier incentive groups.

Image:  Rooms at Halekulani

 

For those on a tighter budget, the Halekulani sister property, Halepuna Waikiki, located across the road, is a superb alternative, offering well-appointed rooms that are smaller but clean and fresh.

Hilton Hawaiian Village

Image:  View from Hilton Hawaiian Village

 

A pleasant surprise was the Hilton Hawaiian Village, which has undergone substantial upgrades. Highlights include the renovated Rainbow Tower (floors 18-21, branded as Rainbow Kai), with the remainder to be completed by January 2026, and the Tapa Tower, which was finished in 2023. The Alii Tower is scheduled for renovations starting October 2026. The hotel features impressive function facilities akin to a Convention Centre, with over 100 shops and restaurants on site, making it a self-contained destination.

Image:  Rooms at  Hilton Hawaiian Village

 

Overall, Hawaii continues to offer a diverse range of accommodations to suit various budgets and preferences, ensuring that it remains a top destination for business events…Don’t discount this destination, put it in the mix, it’s always a great option for Australian offshore programs. The Hotel Sales teams understand the Australian market which makes a world off difference. Did I mention the shopping?… that’s for another time 😉

 

To find our more, contact Donna Kessler