We stayed at the same hotel as last year, but it was a rather different experience. We were spoiled because last year's room was on the corner near the top of the old wing, and we had a full view in both directions, unblocked by any other buildings. This year we were in a "partial ocean view" which basically means you had to lean off your balcony to see the ocean. We also could see the city, which was quite lovely, also noisy, and had a extensive view of approximately 200 balconies on the next hotel some of which we would rather have not seen! Not to mention they could see us, too.

telephoto of dawn beach

The view toward the beach (upper right corner)

We were supposed to get an upgrade but we were so eager to jump into the sea that we couldn't wait, took what they offered, 15th floor, lone king-sized bed and all, and got a rollaway added. It was very comfortable, despite longish waits for the elevator, frustrating t.v. remote control,  and occasionally less than helpful desk staff. We only ate one dinner and one breakfast at the hotel -- the a la carte menu made us feel financially challenged ($40 for a steak, $12 for added green beans, $10 for a potato, $3 for mustard!), but we did enjoy quite a few equally expensive drinks and appetizers on the terrace after swimming, at least until we discovered Happy Hours at other hotels and restaurants nearby!

the view from the rockers

Our second favorite outdoor spot was on the rockers on the porch facing Kalakaua Street. We could watch all the Japanese brides get into their limosenes, eat takeaway breakfast from the ABC store, and check out the passing surfers and shoppers, and of, course, wait for our shuttles to arrive. This is the only place we saw that offered rockers!

We checked out other hotel rooms, and may look nearby next year. It's a real tradeoff -- we could stay longer if we were wiling to walk (or lean out) farther!

The Moana is the middle tower, directly across form the farther moored boat, but our room is obscured by the next hotel. This was taken from the top of the Sheraton, three hotels down.

"Our" beach