Does Hawaii have a resort area like Cancun or is it all mid-city high-rise hotels like I see in Honolulu?

My wife and I want to spend a week in Hawaii and we have never been before. We've been to Cancun and we like the hotel area there where the hotels are not located in the middle of downtown. I looked at Honolulu and the hotels look like they are all high-rises in the middle of downtown. Granted, they are still near the beach, but that's not the atmosphere we really want. We were at the Gran Melia in Cancun and it has wonderful gardens in the atrium with several pools at sea level. Is there anything like that on any of the islands in Hawaii?

Does Hawaii have a resort area like Cancun or is it all mid-city high-rise hotels like I see in Honolulu?
There are several resort type hotels of the type that you're describing on some of the outer islands.



Check out The Grand Wailea on Maui, Hapuna Beach Hotel on the Big Island (named Hawaii), or the Mauna Kea Beach Resort (which is the neighbor to the Hapuna Beach). These bigger resort type hotels will give you more of what you're looking for I believe.



There is one such hotel on the island of Oahu. That hotel is the Ko'olina Resort and Spa and is located basically on the opposite of the island from Waikiki and is a 2 hour drive from the airport.



Of course, all of these hotels are not cheap and room rates will run you in the $600/nt price range for a standard room.



Good luck and happy travels!
Reply:Hawaii resorts http://www.how2vacation.com/Hotels/USA/H...
Reply:If you are looking for a serene beach-like setting as opposed to "city life" i suggest you not go to honululu (aka oahu). Instead... pick another island such as the big island (hilton waikoloa resort is WONDERFUL!) or maui... they are more laid back tropical vibes as opposed to big city vibe.
Reply:I would recommend a 3/4 split up of your week and see 2 islands. You never know when you will go back. Hit Maui and the Big Island or Oahu. If you go to Oahu you can stay on the west or north shore. There are resorts for people who don't want the big city experience.
Reply:There is lots to the islands beside Honolulu and Oahu. You can visit other parts of this island or go to another island. Yes they have resorts like Cancun. Look on the Internet and you can even find homes to rent if you like that. Most travel agents have full packages at resorts away from the big tourist places. You can fly direct to other places and not go through Honolulu.
Reply:First, don't look for hotels in Honolulu. Look for hotels in Waikiki, that is the resort area. I have been to both Cancun and Waikiki, and much more prefer Waikiki. Everything is within walking distance, and attractions like Pear Harbor are an easy ride away. You might want to look into the Sheraton resorts (we stayed at the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani), which is right across from Waikiki Beach and right next to the International Marketplace. We loved it. Or, look into the Outrigger hotels for a very Hawaiian experience. My preference, though, would be to stay on the island of Maui. There is lots to do, like there is in Cancun, but it's a lot prettier than Cancun. I hope this helps.
Reply:Only Honolulu has the high rises and is city-like. The rest of Oahu and the other islands are very rural. It sounds like you would absolutely love Kauai. I was just there in January... try the Poipu area.