Aloha! There’s a reason people call Hawaii paradise — it is.
We’ve been to Hawaii many times and over the last few years, we’ve been fortunate enough to stay at Hilton Grand Vacations (HGV) resorts. If you're going to use all your Points, this is a good place to use them. For this article, I’ll focus on Hilton Hawaiian Village.
We’ve stayed at The Grand Islander, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club and Grand Waikikian, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club. Later this year, we’ll be adding Lagoon Tower, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club to that list. Before joining HGV, we stayed in other buildings throughout the village.
This resort is unlike any other. Between the shopping, restaurants and expansive beachfront, there’s always something to do. One of the best things about staying here is using it as a base to explore the beauty of Oahu.
A Smooth Arrival And Comfortable Stay At Hilton Hawaiian Village
The Suites are beautiful, tastefully decorated and exceptionally clean. One of the first perks you'll notice is the arrival process. When you get to Hilton Hawaiian Village, you can bypass the main resort check-in desk and head directly to the area at which your stay is located.
The front desk staff is friendly and helpful. They provide useful information to navigate the property. Keep the resort map close by because this place is huge.
Why We Love HGV Accommodations
The Suites are equipped with everything you need for a comfortable stay. From the large TVs and great-smelling bath amenities to the kitchenette supplies and comfortable beds, it’s easy to see why we keep coming back.
One feature I especially appreciate is the Hamilton Beach BrewStation coffee maker included in every Suite, complete with coffee packets. The best part is that there’s no glass carafe to break. I like it so much that I now have two of them at home.
I usually set the coffee maker to start brewing at 6 a.m. I know what you're thinking: "6 a.m.? On vacation — are you crazy?" My wife would definitely say yes. For me, there’s nothing better than taking a fresh cup of coffee out to the lanai to watch the sunrise. The peaceful mornings are one of my favorite parts of every trip.
Shopping And Essentials At Hilton Hawaiian Village
Hilton Hawaiian Village has everything you need for food, drinks and vacation essentials.
ABC Stores are everywhere in Hawaii, and there are two located right on the property. They’re great for picking up groceries, wine, liquor, souvenirs and gifts.
We’ve done so much shopping in Hawaii over the years that we’ve had to buy an extra piece of luggage for the trip home. Twice. Thankfully, the ABC Stores sell luggage, too.
If you think you have enough room in your suitcase before heading to Hawaii, think again.
Rental Car Tips For Oahu Visitors
There is a car rental location on the property. If you rent a vehicle there, parking in the resort garage is available at half-price.
As a business analyst, I tend to overanalyze everything. This time it paid off. I compared the cost of renting a car at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, also known as Honolulu International Airport, and paying full-price parking at Hilton Hawaiian Village against taking a shuttle, taking an Uber or Lyft from the airport, renting a car at the village and receiving the discounted parking rate.
While the discounted parking is attractive, the savings from renting directly at the airport were significant enough that we still spent less overall by doing that and paying full parking rates at the resort.
Quick tip: If you're staying at The Grand Waikikian, you can access the parking garage without even leaving the building.
Exploring Oahu's Best Hiking Trails
If you enjoy hiking, Oahu offers some incredible options just a short drive from the resort. The trails range in difficulty, making it easy to find one that fits your comfort level. The Makapu‘u Lighthouse Trail is a relatively moderate walk with beautiful ocean views. Diamond Head offers a bit more of a challenge and is one of the island’s most iconic hikes.
Then there’s Koko Head Trail, also known as the Koko Crater Railway Trail.
It is, without question, the most physically demanding experience I’ve ever had.
I’ve completed all three hikes twice and the views at the top are worth every step. The photos are frame-worthy.
After hiking Koko Head, do yourself a favor and stop at Leonard’s Malasada Truck on the drive back. Fresh, hot malasadas never taste better than they do after earning them on that trail.
Quick tip: Start these hikes early. They become crowded and temperatures climb quickly as the day progresses.
Also, if you plan to hike Diamond Head, be sure to reserve your entry time online in advance. It’s absolutely worth it.
Key Takeaways
A Resort Within a Resort: Hilton Hawaiian Village offers everything from dining and shopping to beach access, making it easy to enjoy your stay without ever leaving the property.
Hilton Grand Vacations Perks Enhance the Experience: Dedicated check-in locations, spacious accommodations and well-appointed amenities help make every arrival smooth and comfortable.
Location Makes Exploration Easy: The resort’s proximity to Waikiki, local attractions and downtown Honolulu makes it a convenient home base for discovering the island.
Plan Smart and Save: Comparing transportation and parking options ahead of time can help you make the most of your travel budget.
Memories Keep Bringing You Back: Exceptional service, comfortable accommodations and new adventures each visit make Hilton Hawaiian Village a destination worth returning to.
FAQs
Q: Are the Hilton Grand Vacations Suites equipped for longer stays?
A: The accommodations include in-room amenities such as kitchen or kitchenette supplies, coffee makers, comfortable furnishings and other conveniences designed for an extended vacation experience.
Q: Can groceries and vacation essentials be procured leaving the resort?
A: Multiple stores on the property offer groceries, beverages, souvenirs, travel essentials and even luggage if you need extra space for your purchases.
Q: Is a rental car necessary for an Oahu vacation?
A: Many visitors use shuttles, rideshares or a combination of transportation options depending on their plans and how much of the island they intend to explore.
Q: Is Hilton Hawaiian Village a good option for first-time visitors to Oahu?
A: Its central Waikiki location provides convenient access to beaches, attractions, dining and many of Oahu’s most popular experiences.
Q: What makes travelers return to Hilton Hawaiian Village year after year?
A: For many visitors, the combination of resort amenities, comfortable accommodations, convenient location and memorable island experiences creates a vacation they look forward to repeating.
