PRICE:
Frommer's Exceptional

Located on 32 acres of oceanfront property, the Orchid is the place for watersports nuts, cultural explorers, families with children, or those who just want to lie back and soak up the sun. This elegant beach resort takes full advantage of the spectacular ocean views and historical sites on its grounds. The sports facilities here are extensive, and there's an excellent Hawaiiana program: The "beach boys" demonstrate how to do everything from creating drums from the trunks of coconut trees to paddling a Hawaiian canoe or strumming a ukulele. I recommend spending a few dollars more to book a room on The Fairmont's Gold Floor, which offers personalized service, a lounge (serving complimentary continental breakfast, finger sandwiches in the afternoon, and appetizers in the evening), and exquisite ocean views. Any room in this luxury hotel features big lanais, sitting areas, and marble bathrooms, each with a double vanity and separate shower. The Spa Without Walls allows you to book a massage just about anywhere on the property -- overlooking the ocean, nestled deep in the lush vegetation, or in your room. The Orchid's four restaurants are all wonderful, with a casual, relaxed, necktie-free atmosphere. The Keiki Aloha program, for kids 5 to 12, features supervised activities like watersports and Hawaiian cultural activities. Some special money-saving family packages are also available. I applaud The Fairmont Orchid for dropping the obnoxious "resort fee" and allowing guests to pay for the extra services they want. Facilities: 4 restaurants (including Norio's Sushi Bar & Restaurant and Brown's Beach House); 5 bars (w/evening entertainment in the Paniolo Lounge); large outdoor pool; 2 championship golf courses; 10 award-winning Plexipave tennis courts (7 lit for night play); well-equipped fitness center; outstanding spa; 2 lava rock whirlpools; watersports equipment rentals; bike rentals; year-round children's program; concierge; activities desk; car-rental desk; business center; shopping arcade; salon; room service; babysitting; same-day laundry/dry cleaning.

Copyright: Excerpted from Frommer's Hawaii 2007, (c) 2007, Wiley Publishing, Inc.

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