Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort

With five guest towers housing a total of 3,386 rooms, five pools, 18 bars and restaurants, nearly 100 shops, direct beach access, a lagoon, and even a few dozen species of animals in residence (including parrots and turtles), the Hilton Hawaiian Village is in a class by itself. Covering 22 acres, it's also the largest resort in Hawaii.
The western Waikiki location might seem out of the way on a map -- and in fact the hustle and bustle of central Waikiki is a 15-minute walk -- but it doesn't matter. Because this Hilton is virtually a small town, guests generally stay within the extensive grounds, enjoying the seemingly endless activities (kayaking and hula-dancing lessons) and entertainment (nightly music, Friday-night fireworks, and the popular Starlight Luau, to name a few). For a city hotel, it doesn't feel like you're in a city, especially when strolling the lushly landscaped grounds.
Above all, the calm waters, fine beaches, five pools, extensive activities, and reasonably priced rooms make the Hilton a favorite among families. (Vacationing couples and business travelers may want to seek refuge in the luxury Ali'i Tower, renovated in 2013 and featuring a quieter private pool and concierge services.) And that family-friendly reputation is well-deserved. Just keep in mind that with endless amenities and conveniences comes endless lines. Long waits are par for the course throughout the village. Mobs gather every morning at the Rainbow Lanai for the breakfast buffet. Guests seem to stake out poolside lounge chairs at the crack of dawn (by 8 a.m., every chair had been claimed with a towel, T-shirt, or beach read). And the half-hour line for the Starlight Luau snakes up several escalators to the roof of the hotel's conference center.
But for travelers wanting a self-contained resort on Oahu, especially families, the Hilton Hawaiian Village is a top choice. And it's generally a better value than the luxury mega resorts outside of Waikiki, such as The Kahala Hotel & Resort. Note that meal plans are not available. Also, special “Kamaaina rates” are available for Hawaii residents.

The Hilton Hawaiian Village lies on the westernmost end of Waikiki along Kalia Road, an area known more for its business hotels and shopping malls than its fabled sand and surf. Still, it offers direct access to two beaches where guests can book day trips and practice water sports. Waikiki's main drag, Kalakaua Avenue, a touristy mile-long stretch of shops, restaurants, and high-rise hotels is about a 15-minute walk away along Kalia Road, though some prefer the more scenic beach route, which makes the walk a little bit longer. Restaurants near the hotel include Red Lobster, Hard Rock Café, and The Cheesecake Factory. Guests can also walk in about 12 minutes to the Ala Moana, one of the island’s best malls. Honolulu International Airport is a 20-minute cab ride away, as is Diamond Head. For those wanting to rent a car, several car rental companies -- National, Enterprise, Hertz, Alamo, and Dollar – are in the immediate surrounds.

The hotel’s 3,000-plus rooms are spread over five huge towers built on 22 acres of lush beachfront grounds. There are dozens of different room types, ranging from standard units to Oceanfront One-Bedroom Suites. Decor varies between rooms and towers: some have a bit dated wooden furniture (select pieces have local flair and others are downright generic), carpeting that looks at least a couple of decades old, and white walls hung with run-of-the-mill artwork, while those in the Ali’i Tower were renovated in 2013 (and received some updates in 2018) and are more stylish, with sleeker furniture and a soft neutral palette. Units in the Kalia, Tapa, and Diamond Head buildings (known collectively as the Village Towers) offer resort, ocean, or Diamond Head views, while those in the Rainbow and Ali’i towers, which are located closest to the beach, offer panoramic ocean views from most, or lagoon vistas. All rooms have furnished balconies.
In-room amenities are similar across the board, except in the Ali’i, which is considered the premium tower and offers additional perks. Flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, radios with MP3 hookups, DVD players, and coffeemakers are all standard, while upgraded Ali’i Tower units are outfitted with extras such as robes, slippers, free bottled water, and beach bags. The mandatory resort fee covers in-room Wi-Fi and use of PlayStation 3s (games and movies can be borrowed free of charge as well). Hilton’s signature beds get good reviews, and all come topped with comforters and several pillows. Straightforward bathrooms have shower/tub combos, plus separate showers in some.

True to its name, the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort is a veritable village, with more dining options and things to do than you can expect to experience in a weeklong vacation. Its five pools include the largest pool in Waikiki, complete with a shallow area for kids, easy access to food and drinks, and cute tropical landscaping. There are also a private pool for Ali’i Tower guests and a two-tiered heated pool with four waterslides. All pools have at least one whirlpool, and towel service is available daily until late afternoon.
The Hilton Hawaiian Village sits on a half-mile stretch of Waikiki’s beautiful turquoise beach known as Fort DeRussy, which is protected by a coral reef and has calm waters. Loungers, umbrellas, surfboards and the like can be rented for a fee at any of the four kiosks near the beach. Additionally, the five-acre, five-foot deep Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon is a great place to paddleboard, aqua cycle, or kayak.
Located on the fourth floor of the Kalia Tower, Mandara Spa has 25 treatment rooms, an outdoor pool with a whirlpool, and a hair and nail salon, as well as locker rooms with saunas and steam rooms. The adjacent fitness center has a variety of cardio and strength-training machines with individual screens, free weights, and exercise balls. There are also almost 100 shops on the premises, plus a post office and a huge garage with self or valet parking (both for a fee).
The cute Ocean Crystal Wedding Chapel is the most popular wedding venue on-site (hosting up to five weddings a day), but couples can also choose from a wide range of other ceremony locations, both indoors and outdoors. Halls, ballrooms, and boardrooms can also be rented out for corporate events.

Like many big resorts, the Hilton Hawaiian Village offers dozens of entertainment options, from morning fitness classes to lei-making, ukulele, and hula dancing lessons. The most notable attraction is the Starlight Luau, which packs in close to 500 hotel guests and others several nights a week. Tickets are required and include buffet dinner and performances, such as hula dance shows and fire sword swallowers. Live music is provided nightly and an impressive firework show takes place every Friday.
For a half-day or full-day fee, Camp Penguin provides plenty of activities and day trips for kids ages 5 to 12. Family-friendly movies are screened twice a week free of charge.

With nearly 20 bars and restaurants, the Hilton Hawaiian Village offers a huge range of dining options, including gourmet cuisine, Italian, Mexican street food, pizza, sushi, pub fare, two Starbucks outlets, ice cream, and a convenience store with grab-and-go items such as sandwiches, salads, and snacks. Some venues are only open for dinner, but others serve all three main meals as well as snacks throughout the day. Expect long waits at some of them, particularly Rainbow Lanai, the property’s main buffet that serves breakfast daily.
Bali by the Sea is one of the most upscale venues on-site, offering steak and seafood in a large dining room with sea views, but most other restaurants have a more casual, family-friendly atmosphere. Of all the restaurants with entertainment, the Starlight Luau is the most popular and reservations are required. The all-day Tropics Bar & Grill is also popular for its beachside setting and live music every night.
Room service is available during limited hours. There are no half-board, full-board, or all-inclusive packages here.