Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort on Oahu

Trip Report Note: Sorry we weren't able to blog live from Hawaii last week. Due to a mishap on Oahu, our laptops and camera gear went missing. We'll have to rely on press photos and a few shots we managed to e-mail home before disaster struck. Neither the Marriott Waikiki or NCL were involved in our luggage mishap.

As I mentioned in my last post, we booked a one-night pre-cruise stay at the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa. Here are just a few reasons why this hotel is the ideal home-away-from-home while you're on Oahu:

Location, Location, Location
Just a 20- to 30-minute car ride from Honolulu Airport, the hotel is also located within walking distance to the International Marketplace (.4 miles), Waikiki Aquarium (.5 mile), Honolulu Zoo (1.5 blocks), Kapiolani Park (2 blocks), and Kuhio Beach. (The resort's website says Diamond Head is within walking distance, but it's a pretty far walk; I suggest taking a cab instead.)

Rejuvenated Beach Front
Kuhio Beach fronts the Marriott and in January the State of Hawaii completed an extensive sand replenishment project there. The Kuhio Beach Restoration Project used 10,000 cubic yards of sand to widen the eroding shoreline, including the stretch in front of the Waikiki Beach Marriott.

Recently Renovated Rooms & Suites
The 33-story Paoakalani Tower and 25-story Kealohilani Tower, both named after Queen Liliuokalani's summer homes which once existed on these grounds, contain 1,310 recently renovated guest rooms and suites, each with a balcony. Views are of Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head (or both) and the suites offer one to three bedrooms with a living room, dining area, and multiple balconies. Each room comes standard with high-speed Internet access, a coffee maker, hair dryer, iron and ironing board, TV with in-room movies, and a refrigerator.

While the hotel itself seems more suited to conventions and events, the rooms are comfortable and have terrific views of either Kuhio Beach or Diamond Head (some corner rooms even have two balconies so you get both views!).

Pools, Whirlpool, and Spa
The Marriott has two fresh-water heated swimming pools and one 10-person whirlpool. It's also home to the Spa Olakino Salon. When we arrived to the hotel around 8:00 p.m., the pool was still hopping and music was being piped in. (We were on a high floor and still heard the music so if you're looking for a quiet room, ask to be placed on the other side of the building and not facing the pool.)

Romance Vacation Package
For those of you planning a romantic vacation to Honolulu, check out the Marriott's Romance Package that includes accommodations in a corner deluxe ocean view room with a lanai where you can view both Diamond Head and the Pacific Ocean. The package also includes sparkling wine (or cider), a plate of chocolate-covered strawberries, bathrobes and slippers, and breakfast at Kuhio Beach Grill.

Surf Lessons Available
Many visitors wish to learn how to surf while in Hawaii. Former professional surfer Tony Moniz and his Faith Riding Company Surf School can be found at the Marriott's Kuhio Beach. Beginners and those with advanced training glean expert tips from Tony and get hands-on coaching from one of Hawaii’s most experienced surfers. Three lessons are offered daily at 8:30 a.m., noon, and 3:30 p.m. To make reservations at the Faith Riding Company Surf School, call (808) 931-6262.

On-Site Restaurants
The Marriott has several restaurants on-site for your convenience, including:

• Kuhio Beach Grill, buffet breakfast and dinner daily
• Moana Terrace, poolside cocktails and Waikiki Beach sunsets, with local Hawaiian entertainment nightly
• Arancino di Mare, Italian pizzas and pastas, with indoor and outdoor seating
• Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar, contemporary Asian-Pacific Rim cuisine
• d.k Steak House, custom-aged steaks, with panoramic views of Waikiki Beach
• Seattle's Best Coffee
• Restaurant RUN, a Japanese noodle shop and sushi bar

We were starving when we got to the Marriott so we headed down to the Kuhio Beach Grill. We were not disappointed. We sat outside on a small patio that's below street level. Tiki torches lit the area and it was very relaxing. The crab legs and prime rib were the best I've had in a long time. This is a fantastic place to enjoy dinner if you've got a big appetite and don't want to stray far from the hotel after a long day of traveling or touring.

The other nice thing about the Marriott is the number of nice shops off the lobby. You'll be able to do a lot of your souvenir hunting right here.

For cruisers heading out on one of Norwegian Cruise Line's ships, the Marriott is the only place to stay since there is an NCL registration desk on site. In the lobby between an ABC Store and a coffee shop, NCL reps are on hand so you can check in, book shore excursions, etc. You can also arrange for a transfer to the ship. NCL retrieves your bags directly from your room and all you need to do is meet the bus in the lobby and you'll be on your way to the pier. You can also opt for a simple luggage transfer. That's what we did so we could get rid of our bags early in the morning and do some sightseeing before joining the Pride of America.

To learn more about the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, visit their website.

Photos courtesy of the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort