The unit is comfortable and adequate for a trip to Waikiki. I felt like we could get a better value elsewhere, though. The views of any mountains are 90% blocked by other high rises, and the noise of the street can be annoying (and even more-so with the patio doors open). The unit is a bit of a ways away (1+ miles) from more of the Waikiki stuff and restaurants you might want to do there, but the beach and pool are excellent and close. The house rules were a put-off - not because of anything weird, but because you're asked to ensure the unit is clean and take out the trash before leaving or facing a fee above and beyond the cleaning fee you're already paying (Wait, why'd I pay a $170 cleaning fee, then?). Oh, and the line about clogging the toilet and having to pay for a plumber.
We had a great time in the unit, and the Ilikai is nice, but next time I would look for something with an Ocean view or Diamond Head view, or just stay at another place than the Ilikai.
Pro's
- Great pool. The water is warm, and they provide towels. However, they limit to 38 people in the area and 15 in the pool. We didn't have problems because we swam early, and people would start to arrive around 11am. The pool is on the lobby level, and opens at 7am. There's a sunbathing pool on the 2nd level, and that opens at 10am.
- The King-size bed is fantastic, and the sheets and pillows were comfortable. The ceiling fan above the bed keeps a nice, cool breeze going which was fantastic to sleep with.
- Cinnamon's for breakfast. Hotel restaurants are usually expensive and not very good, but Cinnamon's has great breakfast. It's about the same price as the IHOP across the street, and much better too. Try the Kalbi Loco Moco, it's delicious. Family loved the pancakes.
- The unit has a northerly view, so you didn't get blasted with sun. We would have the patio door open and the ceiling fan going and get a nice, cool breeze while enjoying the bright view from the bed. Granted, much of the view was other buildings, but it was still better than gray Michigan this time of year.
Con's
- The condo is loud, but not from neighbors. The balcony overlooks Ala Moana Blvd, and the traffic noise can be a lot, and even more-so if you have the patio door open. If you're used to living in NYC, then this may be fine. One afternoon we were napping with the patio door open, and it sounded like a semi truck was parking directly on us. On the plus side, the traffic sound usually abates after 9pm, with only the occasional motorcycle or racecar in the middle of the night.
- The TV system is confusing, even for someone not boggled by technology. When you turn on the "Roku" TV, it asks you questions that seem unrelated to just watching tv. But it's asking when you want to be signed out of streaming services, so you can use your own netflix or hulu accounts and not worry about it when you leave. The cable box is apparently plugged into HDMI3, by the way. The next time you turn on the tv, it'll ask you if you want to be notified about things and to enter an email address if you click the wrong option.
- The kitchen is well stocked with pans and utensils and plates, but no dishwasher. Not a big deal, but if you don't hand-wash your dishes before you leave you might find you pay a "$50+ fee" (from the house rules).
- There's no Friday night fireworks since Covid hit. However, there is music on Sunday nights in the courtyard...
FYI's
- Main elevators at the Ilikai are extremely busy, almost all day long. A line forms on the lobby level, and people usually limit to 4 going up. People are more relaxed about numbers when going down to the lobby. There are a couple of other service elevators that are usually quicker. If you have a line in the lobby, use the Bather's Elevator or the Service Elevator. Otherwise, expect to wait about 5 minutes. Doesn't sound like a lot until you're waiting for it.
- There is a market on the lobby level that has almost everything you could want. However, prices are about 3x normal... so be prepared to pay extra for the convenience. If you're able to plan ahead, buy or bring any food and snacks you want. The refrigerator is normal sized and holds a lot. Bring toiletries, including soap/shampoo... the bathroom only has towels and toilet paper.
- The Hertz at the Ilikai has been closed for awhile, and any nearby car rental spots seem to close at 5pm and don't accept after-hours returns. I'm not sure about paying for parking at the Ilikai if you rent a car, I think I heard it was $40/day.
- The laundry is not in the unit, but a laundry room on each floor of the building. Plan to spend $5 for a load of laundry, $2.50 to wash, $2.50 to dry. There's a change machine on the 7th floor laundry room. Take the stairs or the service elevator, located by the trash room.
- The unit had 2 beach towels in the bathroom closet, and no beach chairs or umbrellas. Bring your own beach towels... we had a surprisingly hard time finding these at the Ala Moana mall. Chairs and umbrellas can be rented down next to the market. Rental rates are actually pretty reasonable - you can get two chairs and umbrella for $105/week. This is a lot more reasonable than the rates at the Hawaiian Village rental booth.
- The food court at the Ala Moana mall is definitely worth a visit. Better than your normal "mall food"