Place to sleep ::
Don't be deterred by the Hollywood-ish name. Celebrity Resorts manages this timeshare 'resort', but in person, it's an unpretentious, old-fashioned low-rise hotel. Rooms are spread across three-story buildings surrounding a pool, hot tub and a thriving garden of tropical foliage.

Much more than most, this hotel strives to create a 'guest community'. So if you enjoy poolside gatherings and knowing your neighbours, you'll enjoy staying at Celebrity Resorts. It is a pleasant, if modest, haven among the nondescript high-rises in Waikiki. While furnishings are dated, the rooms are clean and comfortable, and all units include kitchenettes/kitchens.

Some of the one-bedroom suites have two bathrooms, and there's a well-equipped ADA room downstairs. The hotel manager is extremely personable and eager to please - ask him about the group activities, which include all-you-can-eat pancake breakfasts for 3.00/person, scuba lessons in the pool, orientations and live Hawaiian music. It might seem rather juvenile and 'college dorm' but it really does exemplify local-style friendliness.

Place to Eat ::
Roy's Ko Olina is now open! Overlooking the lagoon, faux waterfalls and 18th hole of the resort's Ko Olina Golf Club, the restaurant features Roy's signature open kitchen and, unlike the original Hawaii Kai (Honolulu) flagship, serves lunch. Helming the kitchen is executive chef Michael Leslie. Maybe the restaurant will help ease freeway traffic by attracting residents and visitors to the fast-developing West side for dinner.