Kama`aina Staycation at the Holiday Inn Express Waikiki

Playing at the Skydeck

This past weekend my son and I checked into the Holiday Inn Express Waikiki and since it was our first time staying there, we had so much fun exploring the hotel and its amenities. First off, the 44-story hotel is located on Kuhio Ave. at the beginning of Waikiki and within walking distance to restaurants, shopping, and the beach.

Our room was bright, modern, and clean. It's no wonder too as the rooms were renovated just 4 years ago following a $30 million rebranding and renovation. Staying on the 39th floor, we had an amazing view of Diamond Head and Waikiki. The room didn't have a lanai (which I think parents with young children will appreciate) but guests have the option to open the window. But don't worry, a safety latch prevents the window from fully opening. The rooms also have free wifi, a microwave, compact refrigerator, and Keurig coffee maker.

Bright and modern room decor.

Room amenities include a microwave, compact refrigerator, and Keurig.

Bathtub and shower with shampoo, conditioner, and body wash dispensers on the wall.

Our sunset view from the 39th floor.

Each morning we picked up the complimentary grab and go breakfast. It was very convenient as the hot foods were already packaged and we then had our choice of cereal, fruit, yogurt, milks and juices. After a quick stop at the coffee bar, we were on our way back to the room to enjoy our breakfast.

Large, airy lobby.

Hot grab and go breakfast is complimentary for all guests everyday!

One of the coolest amenities of the Holiday Inn Express Waikiki is their 5th floor skydeck that features a 9-hole mini-golf course, shuffleboard, giant chess game, ping pong, and foosball. The skydeck is also home to the pool and jacuzzi and open daily from 9am to 5pm. There are plenty of pool chairs available and 5 private cabanas which are first come, first serve with no fee. We also took advantage of the complimentary beach day essentials (beach towels, beach chairs, sand toys and boogie boards) that are available from the 5th floor Pool Attendant.

Giant Chess Board!

9 hole mini golf course.

Competitive foosball game in process.

Pool deck with private cabanas available.

Outdoor pool and jet spa open from 9am to 5pm daily.

I enjoyed watching the kids play from the comfort of this cabana.

Complimentary beach essentials are provided for guests' use.

Short walk to the beach.

The kids had so much fun playing in the ocean with the borrowed boogie boards.  

Holiday Inn Express Waikiki made everything so easy!

Other great amenities to note is the 24 hour indoor fitness center and unlimited filtered water in the lobby. Plus, the Holiday Inn Express Waikiki is a pet-friendly hotel so there's no need to worry about leaving your pet behind (see their website for the pet policy). 

Currently, the hotel is offering an amazing deal for kama'aina: Free Parking; Complimentary Daily Breakfast, AND No Resort Fee! We had a fantastic staycation and recommend this great value option to other families.   

Thank you to the Holiday Inn Express Waikikii for hosting our stay.  Gratuities were paid on our own.

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Kama'aina Staycation at the Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach

Last year, I got a little overzealous bidding in a silent auction, but it paid off because I was the top bidder of a two-night stay at the Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach!  Currently, the Ritz-Carlton Residences has a special offer just for kama'aina. For stays of at least two nights, kama'aina can check in as early as 9am and check out as late as 3pm. You will also receive complimentary daily valet for one vehicle.

We had a great stay over spring break last month. The service at the Ritz-Carlton is excellent and it starts from the moment the valet takes your car.  After a speedy check-in, we entered our spacious, immaculate room for the next two nights. I don't think the kids noticed the relaxing hues and the wooden floors and furnishings throughout the room, but they did WOW over the washer, dryer, full refrigerator with freezer, and fully equipped kitchen with range, stove, and microwave! I instantly wished we were staying for the entire week. 

Kids checking out the room.

I love the wooden floors! Not pictured is also a room divider for privacy.

Sofa bed that the kids shared.

I love that there is a washer and dryer available.

Beautiful ocean view overlooking Waikiki.

What I also loved about our stay was that the adult and family pools were open daily from 6am to 10pm so I never had to worry about our schedule.  We could relax and take our time knowing the pool would be waiting for us. If the beach is more your speed, you can ask for beach towels to take with you. 

Our room overlooked the family pool.

Lauren making a splash.

Cabanas are available for rental and come with water, drinks, and snacks!

The Ritz-Carlton is also home to Honolulu's most amazing restaurants: Quiora, La Vie, and Sushi Sho. On this stay, we enjoyed a delicious breakfast at Quiora.  Also steps away are Dean and DeLuca and Island Country Markets.

We were all very sad when it came time to leave, but we hope to back again soon. Definitely one of my family's favorite places to staycation on Oahu.

    

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Our Kama'aina Staycation at the Prince Waikiki + Special Rates Starting at $169 until February 19, 2021

All smiles as our staycation begins at the Prince Waikiki!

Since travel is not an option for my family, a staycation is the next best thing.  After all, we are so lucky to live in Hawaii where we have an amazing selection of hotels.  Now's a great time to take advantage of can't beat rates just for kama'aina (Hawaii residents). 

I have never stayed at the Prince Waikiki, but its convenient location between Waikiki and Ala Moana appealed to me.  I liked that I could take my car in and out of the free self parking and not feel confined to Waikiki. Their signature pool deck was definitely another draw with its saltwater pool, ocean view, and perfect sunsets.  What sealed the deal for me was the availability of room service from their anchor restaurant, 100 Sails.  How I missed room service!

Check in was a breeze and the service was exceptional.  Currently, the daily resort charge is waived for kama'aina but includes daily self parking for one car, complimentary cup of Honolulu Coffee Company coffee, 1 eco shopping bag per room per stay with sanitization kits and masks, daily 15% off in-room dining, and other discounts including 10% certain spa services and 20% off golf at Hawaii Prince Golf Club.

The spacious and beautiful lobby of the Prince Waikiki.

Library located at the Mezzanine Level with computers available for guest use.

Complimentary cup of Honolulu Coffee Company coffee per day.

Our jaws dropped when we walked into the gorgeous ocean front suite.  The first thing you will notice is the beautiful ocean and yacht harbor view from the floor to ceiling windows.  What's even more impressive is that the windows open so that you can enjoy the fresh Hawaii air.  The suite is spacious with a living room that includes a dining table, comfy sofa, and love seat.  The one bedroom suite comes with either a king size bed or two queen size beds and a bathroom with both a full sized shower and tub.  

The floor to ceiling windows brighten the spacious ocean front suite.


Dining table with harbor and ocean view is the perfect setting for in-room dining!
Take advantage of the 15% off in-room dining amenity!

So much space that the kids can really spread out.


The two Queen bed option is perfect for families.

Room amenities include LCD Smart TV, large in-room safe, 

mini refrigerator, coffee maker, and hot tea kettle.

There was just so much space that the kids quickly spread out and entered full vacay mode.  We enjoyed the room for awhile and then got changed to check out the pool deck on the 5th floor.  Although the pools were busy, we easily found chairs on the deck.  You can also reserve a cabana if you need additional space.  It was really nice to see that guests were keeping with the social distancing rules.  The pool hours are from 6am to 10pm which really accommodates all guests. 

Cade enjoying the salt water pool. Open from 6am to 10pm.

I'm loving the beautiful adult's only infinity pool!

Plenty lounge chairs are available for use and there are also cabanas for guest rental. 

Enjoy a refreshing beverage and meal from the Hinana Bar on the Muliwai Deck.

Before leaving the room for dinner, we were able to enjoy a gorgeous sunset together.  The Prince Waikiki truly has one of the best sunset views on the island!  

Amazed at the gorgeous sunset views and love that the windows open to let in the natural breeze.

Sun setting over the harbor.

The next morning, I left before sunrise and made sure I activated the blackout remote control blinds and went for a quick hike.  When I got back, the kids were just getting up, but unwilling to leave their cozy beds.  What did finally get them out of bed was room service for breakfast!  With the amenity of 15% off in-room dining, it was a no brainer to enjoy breakfast in the room.  

One of our favorite things about staycation is breakfast in bed!
We enjoyed an acai bowl, avocado toast, and omelet from 100 Sails restaurant delivered to our room.

Even with just one night, we had an amazing stay at the Prince Waikiki.  The kids lamented that they didn't want to leave which proved to me they indeed needed a quick break from their distance learning. Our stay at the Prince Waikiki gave us the time to get away from dishes and homework and reconnect and recharge.  It was so rewarding to hear how much fun the kids had and I loved every minute myself! 

Hawaii residents can take advantage of rates starting from $169 (plus tax) per night if you book by February 19, 2021 for travel through May 31, 2021.  Which is just in time to celebrate the last day of public school and the Memorial Day weekend!  

Thank you to Prince Waikiki for our complimentary suite upgrade!

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A Magical Weekend at the Moana Surfrider, a Westin Resort & Spa

Last month I staycationed at the Moana Surfrider, a Westin Resort & Spa, for the first time.

Opened on March 11, 1901, the Moana Surfrider is often called "The First Lady of Waikiki."

This beachfront hotel evokes nostalgia with its stunning facade and wooden rocking chairs, yet offers modern amenities for a convenient, comfortable stay.

We were fortunate to stay in a corner, ocean front Tower room with the most magical views.

The spacious room included two Westin signature Heavenly Beds, a 32" LCD TV, a mini fridge, coffee maker, and Royal Kona coffee and select Tazo Teas.

Although the location of our room meant we could hear the live entertainment from below at night, I actually didn't mind - it was pretty calming to sit on the lanai and listen to beautiful Hawaiian music against the crashing of the ocean waves.

There are fabulous dining options on property, as well as a spa and pool, and the beach is literally just steps away.

We made sure to get to the pool early so we could snag a seat under one of the few umbrellas.

In the mornings, it was really nice to walk along the beach before the crowd settled in.

A daily resort fee includes two bottles of water replenished daily, a 4x6 photo greeting card, WiFi, a 1-day GoPro camera rental, shopping discounts, a Moana Shopping tote bag, and more!

Valet parking, or self-parking at the nearby Sheraton Princess Kaiulani hotel, are both offered to guests for an additional fee.

I had a lovely weekend at the Moana Surfrider, full of magical memories!

The Moana Surfrider, a Westin Resort & Spa
2365 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
(808) 922-3111

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