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I didn't mention it because in a previous post you indicated that the rooms I love were not available. You'll find something fabulous. And, if you book something and find another hotel and/or rate you can always cancel. I would make a reservation and keep checking for specials that may become available for the dates you are traveling. I think the Queen Kapiolani is a good second choice. Cherie

@DCwom - Is this the hotel that has the beautiful aquarium in the lobby? An Outrigger property? Cherie

Also, is anyone in your party a member of the Elks club? They have a fabulous location on Waikiki Beach with a pool. Cherie

Hi @40-LOVE - I think you know the Moana Surfrider is my absolute favorite hotel on Waikiki Beach. When I'm in Hawaii or just about anywhere, I like to sit on the balcony in the morning enjoying a cup of coffee or tea in my p.j.s, and then repeat at night. I think the Hawaiian night skies are magical. So, as I have said before, the RH is not my choice because I don't spend a lot of time sitting in the lobby and public areas. Are you willing to consider a 3-4 star hotel? The Queen Kapiolani has renovated suites that have gorgeous views of Diamond Head and the Ocean. It is across the street from the zoo. And, Trip Advisor gives it 4.5 stars because of reviews. We have stayed there once, pre-renovation, and usually make a reservation at their restaurant, The Deck, when we are in Waikiki. Their pool area has beautiful views but is fairly small. The staff is awesome. It is 2 blocks from the beach. I agree with post #20 and if I were you, I would book a suite with 2 beds for 2 people. However when you check in the 3rd person in your party should not be standing with you. They do notice. And, I would not request cleaning everyday. Since the housekeeping staff will be cleaning for 3 people it's nice to give them a break. I do it when I am only one person in a room. I do not change my towels twice a day at home and it's not necessary when I travel. You will be traveling during Spring Break so expecting an upgrade as a Bonvoy member at a Marriott property will be more difficult. Also, I'm sure you are using AAA and/or senior rates if they apply to you. Cherie

I think the app and entree orders in the Canelleto and Pinnacle are huge. At home we usually share an app and an entree. Thankfully the Canelleto let us do this. Even sharing an app, entree, and dessert, we left food on the plates. I would definitely ask for this in the Pinnacle next time. Who needs two huge pork chops plus sides? Yikes. It was just too much food. JMO. Cherie

Also, you can take a couple chairs, umbrella, and collapsible cooler in one bag on your airline for @$75 and have everything you need. How do I know? Because we have done this. There is a charge for your oversized bag but less than a one day rate for a beach set up. And you can drop the items off at a thrift store or give to other guests or beach staff. JMO. Cherie

I have nothing to add from my posts on your previous thread except...don't "cut off your nose to spite your face". A couple years back there was a poster on the HAL forum that ranted and raved about how horrible HAL was and stated it was his LAST HAL cruise. He cruised HAL and other lines. Well, that person now includes HAL in his cruises. When "the grass looks greener on the other side" sometimes it's not. Wishing you many memories from family vacations. Cherie

If you choose not to use beach services that offer beach set ups on the beach that is used by the Halekulani, Sheraton, and Royal Hawaiian, and you have a car...you can stop at Costco on your way from the airport and pick up an umbrella and chairs and set up anywhere you would like, and you don't have to vacate them @6pm. Also, there are a couple of really great thrift stores and a K-Mart off the Nimitz that have great deals on umbrellas and chairs. You can find some amazing Aloha shirts in the thrift stores...there are racks and racks. Since the beaches are public there are great aerial photos of private umbrellas and chairs set up in front of the RH and other hotel set ups behind ropes. JMO Cherie

I'd like to add a couple of my favorites: Tex Drive In - Honokaa - Big Island Teds - Sunset Beach, Oahu Teds makes amazing pies also, plus breakfast and lunch. Cherie

Also, if you are staying at the RH you can reserve cabanas and chairs at the Sheraton resort pool. This is really nice because you can choose a location that suits you. I can't remember what the cost is but it is worth it to me, just like reserving a beach set up at the RH is worth it to me. And remember, all beaches in Hawaii are public so the beaches in front of hotels and condos are not private. Since the Sheraton also does not have a beach I think there is a beach services co at that end of the beach that services the beach adjacent to the Halekulani, Sheraton, and in front of the RH. Cherie

We had a fabulous tour with Sebastian Mansilla Teodori in Ushuia. We arranged him thru Tours By Locals but he can be contacted directly at 5492901476656. We customized a tour for 4 of us and it was just perfect. Sebastian was such a good guide and fun to be with. Cherie

For anyone interested...Jeff Farschman's photos and review of Nuuk and Nuuk and Qornup Fjords are great. amazingvoyages2.blogspot.com. So happy they made at least two days in Greenland. Cherie

It must have been a fabulous offer. Good for you. Cherie

Time for a good TA? Cherie

One other thing to think about is the time of day that you visit. Everyone says "go early". That is when everyone goes and the tour buses arrive. Our favorite time for Pearl Harbor is the last tour of the day when the crowds have left. It is a special time. Some will say that the winds pick up in the p.m. and the boat out to the Arizona can be cancelled. We have never had this happen, but also something to think about. I would take a taxi or uber/lyft. The National Park Service website is really helpful in planning a visit. Cherie

@princeton123211 I love the Bonvoy hotels on Waikiki and benefits that come with staying at them. We booked the Royal Hawaiian once because of access to other properties pools, and the ability ton choose and reserve ahead one of their beach umbrellas. We have enjoyed eating at the RH and walking thru the hotel/grounds, but I enjoy a private balcony. It is a beautiful property but not our go to. So happy that you enjoy it. March is spring break so 40-LOVE may encounter more families at the pools. Since we are fortunate, like you, to visit Hawaii several times a year we all have things that we look for in our favorite spots. There are so many fabulous places to stay. JMO. Cherie

@40-LOVEHave you looked at the Hyatt Regency? It has amazing views from it's rooms. We liked the Regency Club rooms for the access to the club. It also has a huge pool deck looking out to the ocean. Cherie

Hi 40-Love, Personally I would not want to be in the Ritz residences or Halepuna just because of location. You want a nice pool and for me that eliminates the Royal Hawaiian. It is not large and very busy. The newer wing with the pool have balconies but not many rooms in the historic part have balconies. Have you thought of the Kahala Hotel and Resort, not too far out of Waikiki? It is in a beautiful spot. Except for the hotel and grounds most everything else is a drive. But if you want a beautiful quiet spot I think the Kahala would be great. I have not stayed there in years but it still gets good reviews and has had a couple of renovations. If you want to get out of the Waikiki/Honolulu area the Turtle Bay Resort on North Shore is also nice, but a drive. I'm a huge fan of the North Shore and have stayed here several times. The Kaimana Beach Hotel by Otani is also in a spot out of all the Waikiki/Honolulu traffic. It has one of my favorite restaurants, Hau Tree. Only problem is it does not have a pool. Let me know if there is anything else I can help you with. Cherie

Does anyone know if you can do a private fishing excursion and bring your catch back to be prepared by the chefs? I would be willing to pay a charge for that. Cherie

shiner6 - Sounds like you were able to get early fixed dining. That's great. Keep us posted regarding your dining reservations, it is helpful to all of us who plan ahead and may not realize HAL has made a change. Cherie

@FlaviaOfTheMonth We always had lemons and limes from the bartenders or Lido for our beverages. Besides lime juice my husband's margaritas and mai tais only include alcohol and ice. I think I will ask for lemon vodka on the rocks and add what I want. Thank you again for such a great review and good info. Cherie

If Cristian is booked I can also recommend a fabulous guide in Santiago and the environs. Mauricio did our airport pickup, tour of Santiago, day in the Andes, and transportation to Casa Marin. I fell in love with Chile, Cherie

I love this review. Sounds like you had such a great time. I so agree about being able to see beauty from the ship on sea days. That's what we loved about the 22 day Antarctica cruise and why we have booked the Islands of the South Pacific in 2026. Those plastic containers were a bit disturbing, but necessary for the bar staff. We asked for alcohol and mixers separately and mixed our own drinks. When a bartender took out the "maragarita" mix for my lemon drop I knew there would be too much sugar. I haven't figured out how to get a not too sweet lemon drop, my drink on the way back to our cabin after the evening entertainment. I started asking for no sugar rim and extra lemon juice. The bartender at the Lido pool bar gave me lots of fresh lemon juice. Again, I really enjoyed your review, thank you for taking the time to post. Cherie

bartexas - I don't think that it is just "discount" airlines that use buses to board and deboard in Europe. In November/December 2023 we took 15 flights and it was not unusual to see buses outside the plane instead of a jet bridge. And these were major airports and major airlines. When landing in Helsinki when it was -11 I wanted to scream when I saw the buses. I think Frankfurt has been using buses for decades. I do think that the extra costs add up on "discount" airlines and they are no longer discount but have to disagree that only "discount" airlines use the buses in European or African airports. Cherie

RClark6369@aol.com - Have you looked at the Athens Gate Hotel?