In ancient Hawaii, the world's most famous beach, Waikiki, served as the playground for Hawaiian royalty. Today, against the stunning backdrop of Diamond Head, Waikiki Beach lines three Starwood properties: the Sheraton Waikiki, The Royal Hawaiian and Sheraton Moana Surfrider. A fourth Sheraton in Waikiki - the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani - is located just a few steps away from the beach.

In front of the Sheraton Moana Surfrider, the beach's colorful and rich history is remembered through the "Beachboys," a group of veteran watermen who offer visitors surfing lessons and outrigger canoe rides Fronting The Royal Hawaiian, visitors can find one of the only restaurants located directly on Waikiki Beach (The Surf Room)...and the only luau on Waikiki Beach (The Royal Luau each Monday evening). The Sheraton Waikiki soars at the center of Waikiki with outstanding beach views from more than 80 percent of its rooms

Further down is the serene and picturesque Gold Coast of Honolulu, where the W Honolulu Diamond Head sits at the foot of Diamond Head. It is along this "Gold Coast" that many visitors to the islands relax and enjoy the splendor of O'ahu.

On the island of Maui, three Starwood properties are located in West Maui with two along dazzling Ka'anapali Beach; the other along what's been called "America's Best Beach" - Kapalua. Long known for its ideal snorkeling, Ka'anapali Beach is a clean, white-sand beach with outstanding views of Lanai and Moloka'i. That's where you'll find the Sheraton Maui and The Westin Maui, intimately nestled at Black Rock, offering added privacy for guests.

Just a few minutes from Ka'anapali Beach, you'll find the Kapalua Bay Hotel above the world-famous Kapalua Bay. The bay's trademark crescent shape protects the shoreline from large waves - providing a relatively safe cove for swimming and snorkeling. The view of the island of Moloka'i from Kapalua Beach is magnificent; and during the winter months, humpback whales can be seen spouting offshore.

On the secluded island of Lana'i is a pair of award-winning, world-class resorts: the Lodge at Koele and Manele Bay Hotel. Both resorts feature luxurious accommodations and breathtaking views of Hulopo'e Beach, dubbed America's most beautiful shoreline.

Hulopo'e Beach, with its adjacent tide pool areas, is part of a marine life conservation district established in 1976. (Also included are Manele Bay and Puupehe Cove.) The designation of this area as such was made in an effort to protect the marine life and its habitat for future generations to observe and enjoy.

Hawaii's oldest island - the Garden Island of Kaua'i - features two resorts that complement each other: Sheraton Kaua'i Resort on the south shore, and Princeville Resort on the north shore. The sunny southern shore of Kaua'i surrounds the crescent-shaped, white-sand Poipu Beach.

Once the playground of Hawaiian Chiefs, the picturesque azure, blue Pacific and the golden shoreline coupled with warm sunny days and mild evenings makes Poipu the perfect place for business or pleasure. Here you'll find the natural wonders of the Waimea Canyon, the Fern Grotto and the dramatic Na Pali coast. The beauty of the valleys and mountains of the north shore of Kaua'i are first glimpsed from Hanalei Valley lookout. Below, green fields of taro grow in beds of water that reflect the sky.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with more than 750 properties in 80 countries and 110,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. With internationally renowned brands, Starwood is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchiser of hotels and resorts including: St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, Sheraton, Westin, Four Points and W brands, as well as Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit www.starwood.com.

Official press release from Starwood Hotels and Resorts
Photos:
Waikiki Beach by John Fischer
Ka'anapali Beach by John Fischer
Hulopo'e Beach by John Fischer
Poipu Beach by John Fischer
Pauoa Bay courtesy of Starwoods Hotels and Resorts