The Hilton Hawaiian Village – Waikiki, O’ahu

The Hilton Hawaiian Village in beautiful Waikiki, O’ahu is one of the most popular hotel complexes on the island. It offers a safe, upper-end Hawaiian experience for the discerning traveler in search of comfort, convenience, great shopping and food. (This means that if your idea of great travel is staying in a cheap motel, getting off the beaten path and meeting the locals, then the Hilton Hawaiian Village will not suit your needs, unless you use it as a home base for your island adventures, allowing you a luxury sleep at the end of your day.) If, however, a sense of luxury and beautiful hotel grounds with a Hawaiian feel is your idea of a good time, then read on for our review!

NOTE: Click on pictures for a larger view. See also Islands of Hawaii

The Hotel

The Hilton Hawaiian Village is located directly on a broad swath of safe, swimmable beach in beautiful Waikiki, with a fabulous view of the famous Diamond Head mountain.

Honolulu and Waikiki are alongside each other, and the Honolulu airport is perhaps 20 minutes (without excess traffic) away by car or taxi.

The Hilton grounds are impressive, meandering around several tall towers with rooms of varying categories and views. There are myriad pools and waterfalls to enjoy, some with waterslides, and a central landscaped garden and shopping village.

All of the grounds, from street to beach, are impeccably landscaped and well kept, leaving the visitor to enjoy wandering through the ‘village’ to their heart’s content.

Shopping & Dining

You will find stores of every variety at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, from the ABC Store for convenience items and inexpensive souvenirs, to boutiques selling bathing suits and sarongs, designer and local jewels, pearls grown in shells to delight guests, and designer boutiques such as Louis Vuitton.

There are plenty of shopping opportunities within walking distance of the hotel, however almost everything you might need is available on sight. You may wish to leave for dining alternatives, although there are plenty of choices within the village. You will find everything from beachside casual fare to fine dining in a la carte restaurants within the Hilton Hawaiian Village. Note that food and drinks are not part of the room fees at the Hilton, and any expenses incurred can be signed to your room.

Nearby and within walking distance are some different and sometimes less expensive options; an Oriental buffet and a Thai restaurant and an IHop and Coffee House respectively are right across the street.

O’ahu Scenery & Beaches

Whether you rent a car or book and excursion or two (your travel agent or even the concierge staff at the Hilton will be pleased to help), there is plenty to see and do on the beautiful island of O’ahu. The beaches are beautiful and surfing opportunities abound for the more adventurous. Sandy Beach is a local hangout for very experienced surfers – you will not be allowed to swim unless you are demonstrably capable of handling the strong surf.

Sandy Beach, O’ahu

Other, calmer beaches are plentiful – try driving north-east towards Kailua for beautiful and swimmable beaches such as Makapu’u and Waimanalo. The waves splashing up in many places as you circumvent the island are absolutely stunning, and are themselves worth the drive. You may see whales, marvel at the famous Halona blowhole, and you will enjoy the black rock formations created by long-frozen lava flow.

Calmer Waters at Waimanalo Beach

Driving through the mountains is another breathtaking experience. You’ll find the weather changes as you drive around the island and as you change altitudes from beach to mountain pass. Be sure to take the winding jungle road to the Pali lookout, purportedly considered by Mark Twain to feature the most beautiful view in the world.

Back at the Hilton Hawaiian Village in the evening, you’ll find hand-lit torches and musical accompaniment to whatever you do, and the atmosphere is pure magic as guests gather on the beach to watch the famed Oahu sunset.

Hilton Hawaiian Village at Sunset

A Beautiful Hawaii Sunset

Enjoy!

TIP: Wherever your travel plans may take you, be sure and check out the deals from Orbitz, one of the most competitively-priced travel providers we’ve found. (Example: last weekend on the way home from Hawaii, I needed a one-night hotel in Vancouver, British Columbia. Having researched on both Expedia and Orbitz for price comparisons, I booked through Orbitz at a rate of $110 for the same hotel which was $192 on Expedia. That’s the truth!)

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