Generally speaking ... the hotels along Waikiki are smushed rather closely together. And the pools are relatively small ... because Waikiki Beach is right there!

This is a little out-dated, but it will give you an idea of where the hotels are. Look at #42 and #50. http://www.discounthotelshawaii.com/waikikimap.html

Waikiki is densely developed. If you're looking for a spacious pool area ... I'd go to Maui.

The best pool areas I've seen, believe it or not were at "lesser" hotels. Or at least not the beachfront ones. Queen Kapiolani has a great pool deck that overlooks down towards DiamondHead. The 3-star places like White Sands, Surfjack, Sand Villa, all have nicer pool areas than the fancier beachfront places. Alohilani hotel is just across from the beach with two very nice pools and a spacious bar and pool deck with loungers and cabanas.

All Waikiki beaches are public - and, yes, accessible from the Halekulani.

Pools in Waikiki tend to be smaller than some other areas of the world because land is scarce and expensive.

That has never been an issue for us because we tend to get out and about the island, spending only an hour here and there at the pool. Having US health and safety standards, many other Hawaii visitors do the same.

But if lots of space is a priority for you, perhaps another island may work better. Maui? The Caribs?

I must say though that if you can adjust your expectations, you will be delighted with Oahu~~~~~~~~~~~

Grey's beach is the beach right by Halekulani. It's not huge but many people have no clue it exists.

The pool is nice, but not huge.

There isn't a hotel even close to Halekulani. Stay there and go explore some.

The pool and pool area are big enough for the hotel. At 453 rooms, it is the smallest of the ocean front hotels.

It sits on Grays Beach Waikiki, which is small, but it is there.

Halekulani is by far the best of the beachfront hotels.

Halekulani is IN Waikiki, but not ON Waikiki (Beach) and there is zero chance that White Sands, Surfjack and Sand Villa have nicer pools than Halekulani, Royal Hawaiian or Hilton Hawaiian Village. You can debate about the Moana and two Outrigger hotels, but personally I'd say the Moana Surfrider and Outrigger Waikiki Beach, both who have pools practically ON Waikiki Beach, have nicer pools (see below) especially when you can step into Duke's Barefoot Bar at the Outrigger and The Beach Bar at the Moana from the pool area.

https://goo.gl/maps/WgHAHKtVMWLCj5599 Moana pool

https://goo.gl/maps/Z4YWM6iYUDEMaVubA Outrigger Waikiki Beach pool

I don't believe some of those are even ocean front, much less beach front...,unless they have magically moved!

Halekulani has been our Waikiki area hotel of choice for several years now. Recently returned for two weeks post Covid (yippee) and booked for a couple stays in 2023. Level of service, recently renovated rooms/entire hotel, food, staff professionalism, are 5 star in our opinion. That’s always been our experience.

Guests don’t have to fight for pool loungers. Pool staff will escort you to a spot, set up with terry cloth covers, towels etc. Pool side drink and food service starts late morning. Complimentary snacks offered during the day. Easy beach access for guests at a secured gate poolside (use your room card). Grays Beach is right there or you can walk through the Sheraton Waikiki to main Waikiki if you want that experience. We love this place so much, admittedly we can’t be totally objective. If you decide to book the Halekulani don’t think you’ll have regrets.

{there is zero chance that White Sands, Surfjack and Sand Villa...}

Have you actually seen the pools? Been in them? I have. The largest one I have seen is at Sand Villa. Always a lounger available in a pretty tropical garden setting. Surfjack and White Sands are smaller but very nice.

Thanks. We’re only there for a couple nights and I think we’ll only have 1 pool day, but it’s during spring break. After that we do head to Maui. Thanks!