The Hale Koa hotel is my choice of stay in Waikiki. I've stayed at other properties in town, including its more popular neighbor next door a few times. But when it comes down to it, Hale Koa is it.
The other day at work, a co-worker and I were talking about why the hotel is a choice of stay for us and our families whenever we're on Oahu. It came down to the sense of community felt while staying there. You're in company of those who have served or families of those who have served or are still serving. For those who don't know, the hotel is one of four Armed Forces Military Recreation Centers located worldwide, and one of two located in the Pacific. To stay at these hotels, you have to be affiliated with the US military through direct service or a family member serving. Restaurants, pool, spa, the beach - it has all of that in a prime location that the military is blessed to have.
Even when we were stationed there, we did 'staycations' at the Hale Koa a few times, as it was a good way to get away from the neighborhood and enjoy the feeling of being a tourist, which unless you're stationed there may not make any sense. Anyway, it was and is always a good time staying there.
Some pics from recent island trips...
