Grand Waikikian by Hilton Grand Vacations

The all-suite Grand Waikikian tower at the 3,000-room Hilton Hawaiian Village offers guests the best of two worlds: quiet condo living close by a full-service resort with restaurants, pools, a luau, and fireworks. From the Hawaiian artifact-filled lobby to the leis handed out at check-in to the comfortable rooms with soaking tubs and fully equipped kitchens, the hotel seems worlds away from the bustling -- and somewhat chaotic -- Hilton Hawaiian Village, even if it's only steps away.
With the wider amenities and the beach of the Hilton just steps away plus large units, the property is best suited to families who will make use of the full kitchens, washer/dryers, and apartment-style setups. Couples could have a quiet time in a one-bedroom suite, but the minute they hit the soaring lobby or take to the grounds, they'll need to watch for darting children. Nightlife options are minimal: The resort is quiet before midnight, and because the property is on the western edge of Waikiki, most nightlife is about a 10-minute cab ride away. If nightlife is important, the Regency on Beachwalk Waikiki by Outrigger is a good option.

The Grand Waikikian by Hilton Grand Vacations Club is located just off busy Ala Moana Boulevard near the Waikiki Marina in Honolulu on the island of Oahu. The tower is on the Western edge of the sprawling Hilton Hawaiian Village complex, adjacent to the Lagoon Tower and the Rainbow Bazaar shops. The tower offers direct access to both Fort DeRussy Beach and the man-made Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon. Waikiki's main drag, Kalakaua Avenue -- a touristy mile-long stretch of shops, restaurants, and high-rise hotels -- is about a 20-minute stroll away, while the bus stops just a few minutes away from the main entrance. The drive to Honolulu International Airport takes about 15 to 20 minutes.

Loosely speaking, the entire 1.5-mile stretch of sand alongside Kalakaua Avenue is known as Waikiki Beach. In reality, it's more like three separate beaches, the borders of which vary depending on whom you ask.
The Hilton Hawaiian Village and Grand Waikikian sit at the edge of a half-mile stretch of Waikiki's beautiful turquoise beach known as Fort DeRussy. Protected by a coral reef, this section is wider and calmer than the main beach, known as Queen's Beach. But the ocean bottom is a bit rocky. Unlike Queen's Beach, Hilton's beach tends to have more room for guests to spread out. Lifeguards monitor the beach all day, and the beach offers activities galore, including surfing lessons.
The five-acre, five-foot-deep Duke Paoa Kahanamoku Lagoon is between the Grand Waikikian and the beach. It's a great place to paddleboard, aqua cycle, or kayak. Chairs, umbrellas, surfboards, and the like can be rented at one of kiosks near the beach.

The 39-story Grand Waikikian has a total of 331 units, including one-, two-, and three-bedroom suites. All rooms have balconies, fully equipped kitchens, and dining and living areas. One-bedroom suites range from 719 to 839 square feet, two-bedroom units from 1,068 to 1,209 square feet, and three-bedrooms can reach up to 2,199 square feet. Decor is classic, with cute accents that make them cheerful. Dark-wood furniture with soft lines combines with a soft earth-tone palette and leaf-shaped ceiling fans to create subtly tropical spaces. Polished wooden floors in living rooms add elegance, while leaf prints on throw pillows and seating are cute touches.
Sitting areas feature sofa beds and dining tables, along with flat-screen TVs with premium cable, and DVD players. Separate kitchens come with fridges, dishwashers, microwaves, ovens, stoves, toasters, and coffeemakers. Washers, dryers, and safes are also available in all units. Wi-Fi is included in the daily resort fee, as are two bottles of water per day. Marble bathrooms are spacious and clean, with separate walk-in showers and soaking tubs, plus hairdryers and a range of toiletries.
Views vary widely; from a two-bedroom suite on the 32nd floor, it's spectacular, but the view from our one-bedroom suite on the 9th floor was blocked by the Hilton's neighboring Lagoon Tower.

Guests at the Grand Waikikian have access to all of the amenities at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, including an impressive array of pools. The 10,000-square-foot Super Pool is the largest in Waikiki and overlooks the pool. It offers tons of lounge seating, food and drinks at a nearby bar, tropical landscaping, and a shallow kids' area. Paradise Pool is a two-tiered heated pool with four waterslides, three waterfalls, two hot tubs, great views of the lagoon and beach, lush landscaping, and plenty of shade -- but not enough lounge chairs. Kalia Pool, adjacent to the spa, is on the fourth floor of the Kalia Tower and offers views of the ocean, mountains, and city skyline. The Tapa Pool and Ali'i Pool are mostly for guests staying in those towers. There’s at least one whirlpool at every pool.
The fitness center is located on the fourth floor of the Kalia Tower. It is large and features an array of cardio machines, weight equipment, and exercise balls. The spa has 25 wet and dry treatment rooms, a full-service salon, and single-sex locker rooms with sauna, steam room, and hot tub.
The 2,000-square-foot kids' club offers full-and-half-day programs for a fee. With parental permission, children can leave the resort and participate on excursions to the zoo and museums in and around Honolulu. Those staying on the grounds participate in activities including Hawaiian crafts, seashell hunts, sandcastle building, swimming, and fishing.
Additionally, there are almost 100 shops at the Tapa Tower Mall, as well valet and self-parking (both for a fee), and a cute wedding chapel.

Grand Waikikian guests get full access to the neighboring Hilton Hawaiian Village. Like many big resorts, it offers dozens of entertainment options, from morning fitness classes (included in the resort fee) 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, including hula dance shows and fire sword swallowers. There is also live music nightly, and an impressive fireworks show every Friday.

The Grand Waikikian does not have its own restaurant, but room service is available and guests are just a five-minute walk from the nearly 20 bars and restaurants at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. Guest can choose from a huge range of dining options, including gourmet cuisine, Mexican street food, pizza, sushi, pub fare, two Starbucks outlets, 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, in particular at the Rainbow Lanai, the property’s main buffet, which serves breakfast daily.
Bali by the Sea is one of the most upscale venues on-site, serving up steak and seafood in a large dining room with sea views. 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.
Room service is available with limited hours.