Hyatt Regency Waikiki Resort & Spa - Honolulu, Hawaii - Grand Hotel on Waikiki Beach

When it comes to brand-name hotels in Hawaii, the four-diamond-rated Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa has been a pacesetter since 1978. Its enormous second-floor lobby wraps around a 40-story atrium, filled with waterfalls, parrots and lush vegetation. Overlooking Waikiki Beach, the resort's twin towers offer majestic views from 1,229 guestrooms, each one styled with Hawaiian d,cor.

The two-bedroom Presidential Suite on the 40th floor ranks among the most elegant accommodations in Hawaii. Its interior covers 2,452 square feet, with a living room occupying almost one-third of that space, and there are six outdoor lanais. The master bedroom features a king-sized bed, a 32'' television, and full bath with separate tub and shower. In the second bedroom are two double beds, a television, and full bath.

The Presidential Suite includes a separate den or office area, a dining room with seating for eight, and a separate kitchen with a full-size refrigerator and complete cooking facilities, china service and glassware. There is also a wet bar with its own refrigerator and a complimentary standard stocked bar.

The Hyatt Regency's other units feature either mountain or oceans views. Typical of these is the Deluxe Ocean View, with 500 square feet of interior space, a private balcony, two queen beds, a large deluxe bath, and a seating area. Units on the Regency Club floors provide access to a private rooftop sundeck and whirlpool, all-day concierge service, a complimentary continental breakfast, and pupus (appetizers) served every afternoon in the Club lounge area.

As part of its recent $54 million renovation, the Hyatt Regency Waikiki has opened a new 24-hour StayFit Fitness Center. Use of the facility is complimentary for guests, who will appreciate access to its cardio and strength-training equipment, flat screen televisions, scheduled exercise programs, and professional support staff. The Fitness Concierge can provide workout apparel, swim goggles, towels and maps for local running and walking paths.

Beach activities are a big part of any stay at the resort, of course, as are functions on the recreation deck with its luxurious pool and twin Jacuzzi tubs. Apart from swimming, sunning and ordering poolside cocktails, guests can enjoy live Hawaiian entertainment performed at the Elegant Dive Pool Bar, lei making demonstrations, hulacise (hula exercise), and more.

Each weekend at the Hyatt Regency begins with "Aloha Friday,'' when drums beckon everyone to the Great Hall for a free Polynesian show. It features Tahitian drummers, dancers and a live fire-dance performance. In the evening, the action moves to Kuhio Beach for a torch lighting ceremony at the statue of Duke Kahanamoku, a legendary local surfer.

With more than 60 unique boutiques in a three-level shopping mall, 19,000 square feet of function space, and ongoing family activities like Camp Hyatt Waikiki, there isn't much reason for guests to leave the huge resort, other than sightseeing. There is even a two-story, 10,000 square-foot day spa-the Na Ho'ola Spa-with a dry sauna, steam showers, relaxation room and a full menu of tropical facials, body scrubs, detoxifying wraps, and tension-relieving massages.

Three award-winning restaurants are located on the premises, too. The Colony has been part of the Hyatt Regency Waikiki from the beginning, serving Hawaii's finest fresh seafood and cut-to-order steaks. Ciao Mein features a fusion of Chinese and Italian cuisines, while the Terrace Grille offers casual dining and regional specialties in an open-air atmosphere, with beach and pool views below.

The Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa is located at 2424 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96815. Valet Parking is $33 per day for guests; self-parking costs $28 per day, or $4 for every half hour. An indoor parking garage is also located directly across the street.