Aqua Fall Deals Include Ilikai
Aqua Hotels and Resorts is featuring their 99 days of Fall promotion. You can stay at any of their 12 Waikiki properties for $69 to $99 per night. This offer is valid between September 8 and December 16 and can be booked directly on their website.
It’s also a great opportunity to check out their latest property, the famed Ilikai Hotel.
The Ilikai, which opened in 1964, is one of Waikiki’s most famous beachfront hotels. Rates begin at $95 a night this fall.
I toured the Ilikai in July after it was rebranded an Aqua property. The 203 rooms managed by Aqua are located in the top fourth of the hotel. I was impressed at the generous size of the rooms which begin at 600 square feet.
The front desk staff pictured here were glad to be back at work after the two month closure when the former owner defaulted on $115 million in debt. During my tour I met with hotel manager, Ike Cockett, who has since left the property.
Hollywood and Presidential Trivia at the Ilikai
Hawaii Five-O began each episode with Steve McGarrett standing on the Ilikai Penthouse balcony. I stood one floor below on my tour and took in the famous view.
During its heyday, many luminaries stayed at the Ilikai including:
Elvis Presley, Lucille Ball, Mickey Mantle, Redd Foxx, Ed McMahon, John Travolta, John Denver, Tina Turner, Presidents Lyndon Johnson and Gerald Ford, Dolly Parton, and Stevie Wonder.
I am currently booked at the Aqua Wave this upcoming Oct. I saw a post by you that you liked that property also. Of all the ones by Waikiki beach, which ones would be your favorite? Wondering if it is worth the hassle of switching my reservation.
Hi Kyle.
We’ve always had a good experience at Aqua. Each property is unique and different. We haven’t stayed at the Aqua Wave before. If you do, let us know what your experience is like.
For our favorite, we always like the Park Shore (ocean view room) because of its location and view. The rooms, however, are small and haven’t been renovated (unlike the Aqua Wave).
Recently we’ve had good success using Priceline to stay at the Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki (use the search function to find our post on this).
Aloha from Rob
Beat of Hawaii
hi guys. thanks again for the site. coming to oahu next week. right now, i’m booked at the park shore (thanks for the tips). the ilikai seems to be running a new special and the rooms look nice. i’m just not sure which place and area would be the best. we love the beach – so having a nice swimming beach steps away is key. i know both areas are by the beach – the ilikai area beach looks bigger. we also want to be in a calmer area, but one that enables us to walk around for food, etc – any ideas about which end is better – ilikai vs park shore? pls help!
Hi “K”
When it comes to calm Honolulu beaches, my preference is Ala Moana Beach park. There are pros and cons on both hotels. Park Shore is intimate, but has small rooms. Ilikai (with Aqua’s help) is still getting their act together after their recent closure and reopening. But if it is beach based, I’d go Ilikai (which is a 10 minute walk from Ala Moana beach).
Aloha, Rob