Frommer's Review
Sprawling over 20 acres, Waikiki's biggest resort is a minicity unto itself, so big it even has its own post office. You'll find tropical gardens dotted with exotic birds, award-winning restaurants (including Bali by the Sea), 100 different shops, a secluded lagoon, two minigolf courses, and a gorgeous stretch of Waikiki Beach. This is a great place to stay with the kids: The children's program, one of Waikiki's best, offers a wide range of educational and fun activities, and at three of the resort's restaurants, kids ages 4 to 11 eat free. In 2007, the property underwent a "Village Rejuvenation," with a total revamp of the Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon.
Rooms, which range from simply lovely to ultra-deluxe, are housed in five towers, each with its own restaurants and shopping. This division reduces the chaotic, impersonal feeling you can get from a resort this size. Still, this is the place for a lively, activity-packed vacation; those seeking a more intimate experience might want to look elsewhere. All rooms are large and beautifully furnished (the Tapa Tower rooms were renovated in 2007). If you can afford it, I highly recommend the ones in the Alii Tower, located right on the ocean. Guests in these 348 amenity-laden rooms and suites get the royal treatment, including in-room registration, an exclusive health club and pool, and the full attention of a multilingual staff.
Included in the village is Holistica Hawaii and superplush Mandara Spa (with a state-of-the-art fitness center). A 24-hour hotel business center is located on the ground floor of the Diamond Head tower. The latest addition to the village was the recently opened $6-million Ocean Crystal Chapel, Waikiki's only free-standing resort wedding chapel, ready for couples to say their "I do's."
For those in a hurry to begin their vacation, the Hilton became the first hotel in Hawaii to offer self-service kiosks at the Honolulu Airport so guests can check in and get their room keys before they even claim their baggage and grab a taxi.
Facilities: 16 restaurants; 5 bars; 6 outdoor pools; modern fitness center; spa; watersports equipment rentals; children's program; concierge; activities desk; car-rental desk; business center; huge shopping arcade; salon; room service; in-room massage; babysitting; same-day laundry service; dry cleaning; concierge-level rooms.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
