While there was a span of maybe 20 years where Oahu lost its luster when it came to luxury travel, those days are over. With its grand dames in better shape than ever and new luxury resorts from Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons, Oahu is hot.
That’s because you not only get a great nature and secluded beaches on the North Shore of the Outer Islands but a lively city experience, with notable restaurants, plenty of shopping and nightlife. In this issue, we look at the top suites at Oahu’s best resorts.
1. Four Seasons Oahu Resort at Ko Olina
2. Halekulani Hotel
3. The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki
4. The Kahala Hotel & Resort
5. The Royal Hawaiian
6. Trump International Hotel Waikiki
7. Turtle Bay Resort
1. Four Seasons Oahu Resort at Ko Olina
With award-winning resorts in Oahu, the Big Island, and Lanai, Four Seasons and luxury vacations in Hawaii are synonymous. However, its resort on Oahu at Ko Olina often gets forgotten. Don’t make that mistake. Located in the opposite direction from Honolulu International Airport as Waikiki, Four Seasons Oahu Resort at Ko Olina is well located for families that want to be away from the bustle, but can still drop in. It’s 25 miles and about 40 minutes from America’s most famous beach.
Of course with championship golf, family programs, beaches, pools, including an adult pool, a large spa and wellness center, and five different dining options, including Michael Mina’s Fish House, you may not bother leaving.
Presidential Suite
The two-bedroom 3,850 sq. ft. Presidential Suite features two king beds, plus 516 sq. ft. of balcony. Located on the 4th floor, every single room in the suite showcases full ocean, coupled with private access to the rooftop Sky Terrace and Lounge.
There are two full bathrooms and one powder room. Plus, enjoy the private multimedia room to screen the latest movies or watch the big game with your gang.
The Residence
The 11th floors 4,070 sq. ft. three-bedroom suite includes a pantry, a dining room, a living area and an oversized lanai and pool table. There are three full bathrooms, each bedroom has its own private balcony and all rooms have ocean or mountain views.
For more Four Seasons’ suites click here.
2. Halekulani Hotel
Long one of the world’s most highly regarded hotels, Halekulani has remained an institution in Hawaii always with a focus on substance and execution as opposed to necessarily catching the latest trending luxury wave. Its restaurant La Mer is world-class, and it’s steps from the action at Waikiki’s best shops as well as sitting on the famous beach with the best views of Diamond Head.
Royal Suite
Halekulani’s Royal Suite experience starts with a semi-private elevator up to the third and top floor and opens up the magnificent views of Diamond Head and Waikiki Beach.
The classic, elegant furnishings and accessories are reflective of this long-time classic which generally appears on lists that include the top hotels in world capitals and not just resorts.
The subdued color palette was chosen specifically to act as a backdrop to the brilliant blues of the sea and sky.
With more than 3,320 sq. ft. of space, there are two bedrooms, a dining room, a dressing area, 2.5 bathrooms, kitchen facilities, and state-of-the-art entertainment enhancements.
The spa-like master bath includes a Kohler deep-soaking tub and a separate glass-enclosed marble shower with thermostatic control. The suite includes completely automated Toto Neo Rest.
The large, fully covered lanai directly overlooking the beach provides the option for open-air dining or lounging. A personal butler and airport limousine services are included.
Halekulani Suite
The Halekulani Suite is a blend of the taste and design that define the Halekulani legacy. The interiors feature many island-inspired, hand-selected elements. Neutral colors with jewel-like accents and Asian-influenced design infuses this suite.
Located on the second floor, guests of the Halekulani Suite are afforded spectacular views of Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head and are the focus of every room throughout the suite.
The suite offers 2,135 sq. ft. of space, with a lanai offering and an additional 640 sq. ft. of outdoor space. With the optional connecting Executive Luxury Suite, space totals 3,320-sq. ft. of interior space.
The master bath features warm exotic woods and sleek stone finish evokes the ambiance of a private spa. The dining room and fully covered lanai offer two distinct options for in-suite dining. Like the Royal Suite is a personal butler and airport limousine services.
To see more of Halekulani’s suites click here.
3. The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki
With two towers, The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki is slightly different than Ritz-Carlton hotels in that it has no executive-level floor and less focus on F&B, however, you are steps from Waikiki and Downtown Honolulu’s red hot dining scene. At it’s a residential hotel, all suites have full kitchens, so alternatively you are set up to either do a bit of cooking or order in an enjoy your stunning views.
Grand Four Bedroom Ocean View Suite
The 2,988 sq. ft. Four Bedroom Grand Ocean View Suites are two-story duplexes located on the 23rd and 24th floors with five bathrooms, dining for up to 10 people, living and den areas for entertaining, and Cerused oak hardwood floors, marble bathroom floors, walls, and countertops and natural oiled-walnut millwork. The luxury kitchen features Miele appliances including convection oven and microwave, dishwasher and full-height refrigerator. There is counter with seating for five you’re your 619 sq. ft. oversized lanai offers sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean.
Premier Three Bedroom Suite
With views of Waikiki and the Pacific Ocean, at 1,603 sq. ft., the Premier Three Bedroom Suites includes formal dining space for up to eight people and gourmet kitchen, oversized lanais ranging from 206-303 sq. ft and bathrooms with Hawaiian koa-wood millwork. There are Miele appliances including four-burner cooktop, dishwasher, and full-height refrigerator, and in-residence washer and dryer. These suites are located between the 33rd and 36th floors.
The view more suites at The Ritz-Carlton Residences click here.
4. The Kahala Hotel & Resort
Like The Halekulani, a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, The Kahala Hotel & Resort represents something uniquely Hawaiian. Built on a former sugar plantation and today a residential area akin to Beverly Hills, it has been a favorite of U.S. Presidents since Lyndon Johnson stayed there in 1966 through Obama who used its event space for fundraising. Still, you’re only six miles from all the action in Waikiki.
Imperial Suite
Approximately 2,200 sq. ft., the suite is ideal for business or pleasure as a fully-equipped boardroom is linked to the living room. It can be reserved with one or two adjoining bedrooms.
Its distinctly Hawaiian décor features hard-carved artifacts and artistic doors, a deep-soak bath, white marble counters, a built-in library, and designer rain showers. Positioned on the resort’s top floor enjoy views from the Kahala Bay shoreline to the Koko Head Crater in the distance.
Presidential Suite
At 2,200 sq. ft., the two-bedroom Presidential Suite reflects effortless style thanks to Ralph Lauren furnishings, four-poster beds draped in luxury linen and tropical island tones. Standout features include the suite’s premium living spaces, entertainment center, and generously-sized bathroom. It is located in the Kahala Tower wing on the 9th floor and enjoys unobstructed panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.
To view more of The Kahala’s top suites click here.
5. The Royal Hawaiian
Part of The Luxury Collection, The Royal Hawaiian is often referred to as the Pink Palace, and its prime location on Waikiki Beach made it the epicenter of Oahu’s rise to world-class stature as a tourism destination in the post-WW II travel boom.
Today, it offers both a modern tower and the original pink structure. While you are in the heart of Waikiki the gardens at The Royal Hawaiian are a nice retreat.
King Kamehameha Suite
Located on the second floor of the Historic Wing, the 1,774 sq. ft. King Kamehameha Suite has hosted monarchies and celebrities drawn by its views over the Ocean Lawn with views of Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head from its 988 sq. ft. lanai.
Interior designs were inspired by Hawaiian royalty and the feather capes worn by the ali‘i. Colors combine bright reds and yellows with rich neutrals. Fabrics are rich in texture with bold graphic Kapa patterns There is a large living room with a seating area, wet bar, and half bath; one bedroom with king bed and large bathroom with tub, and separate shower. A connecting room available with two queen beds can extend the suite.
For more Royal Hawaiian suites click here.
6. Trump International Hotel Waikiki
Trump International Hotel Waikiki mirrors many Trump hotels which are in fact condo properties. The upside for guests is oversize rooms and kitchen facilities. In this case, the modern high-rise construction also means some of the best views of Diamond Head to Downtown Honolulu.
Diamond Head Penthouse Two-Bedroom Suite
Breathtaking panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, Honolulu cityscape, and iconic Mt. Lē‘ahi will captivate you from every corner of this penthouse suite. Contemporary furnishings complement the luxurious materials and Hawaiian design elements of this spacious suite with a 2,200 sq. ft. interior.
The two bedrooms face east to greet the sun as it rises over the island. The kitchen and dining area are positioned to the west to enjoy stunning sunsets.
Trump Executive Three-Bedroom Ocean Front Suite
At 2,000 sq. ft, of ocean-fronting space, wrapping around the front of the hotel, the Trump Executive Three Bedroom Ocean Front Suite is perfect for families. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlook Waikiki Beach, the Ko`olau Mountains, and the Honolulu skyline. Rich leather, rare exotic woods, and black Italian marble countertops provide 5-star fittings.
For more Trump suites in Waikiki click here.
7. Turtle Bay Resort
On Oahu’s North Shore, famous for its big waves that attract surfers from around the world, Turtle Bay Resort offers an Outer Islands experience but access to the nightlife, shopping and dining of Waikiki, although you are just over 40 miles away. At your doorstep is the best of Hawaii’s true local culture with small towns and deserted beaches.
Ocean Villa 4-Bedroom Residences
Just steps from Bay View Beach, the 2,391 sq. ft. four-bedroom luxury condominiums make the perfect home away from home. There is a full kitchen, large dining and spacious living areas that are perfect for hosting dinner parties. The two master suites include king beds, walk-in closets, and armoires.
Their connecting master bath features large soaking tubs, stone showers, double vanities, and marble counters. The third and fourth bedrooms offer one queen bed in each room and a shared bathroom with a shower/tub combination. There’s even a washer and dryer in the unit.
The Villas share exclusive amenities such as a private pool, Jacuzzi, courtyard, and barbecue area.
