jd99

After having been to Maui four times and Kauai once, but never Oahu, we are thinking of going there next time. Looking at the Hilton Hawaiian Village due to great looking pools, good beach, etc. We are a couple with a 4-year old who loves the pool and beach. What is the BEST room category/tower to book? Less concerned about cost than quality/location of room.

jd99

Can anyone give me advice on this ?

Ryan

Firstoff, if you've been to Kauai and Maui, Oahu might disappoint. The beach is nice, but can be very crowded and you are basically in a city, albeight a tropical one.

That said, check the Ali'i Tower. It has it's own check in, conceirge and more importantly, it's own pool area (with stairs leading to the beach). It also comes with a continental breakfast and happy hour/appetizers. I'm sure with a 4 year old, not having to wait for breakfast might not be so bad.

We had a standard room with an ocean view. The room itself was nice and the staff was helpful.

In terms of places to eat, Benihana is touristy, but can be fun. Keo's in Waikiki is also nice for Thai/Asian.

islandmom

Have you seen Iolani Koolina- great lagoons for kids. They just completed a Marriott there also. Or the Turtle Bay Hilton? Of course both are away from the action.

Hilton Hawaiian Village is a great spot too. I take my daughter down there all the time to see the fish, birds, turtles etc. They have a great ice cream place and NY deli with breakfast foods also. Fanncy Italian place too- very good!

jd99

Thanks for the help. We know that Oahu is a different animal than Maui or Kauai but since we haven't been there yet, we feel like we should try it. We also want to go to the Big Island and will base this trip (it's only a week) on which island we can get a better deal.

Loungin

You will not be disappointed with Oahu. It too is a beautiful island. What most people don't realize is that when you drive out of Honolulu, you see the same beautiful sights as all of the other islands. Oahu is full of beautiful scenery. My advice would be to drive around the eastern side of the island past Diamond Head. I realize you will have a 4 year old with you, but stop and see Hanauma Bay, great for snorkeling and/or just to sight see. Keep driving around and stop at Lanikai Beach. It's one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Hawaii. I assure you the drive around this island is breath-taking. Don't forget to visit the North Shore too. As for the Hilton Hawaiian Village, it's a wonderful resort. I've stayed there twice. Last year my wife and I stayed at the Ali'i Tower and it was a great experience. As Ryan said it has its own check-in desk & conceirge service. It also has its own gym if you're interested in working out. Both sides of the tower offer great views. However, I can't rule out the Rainbow Tower. Some will tell you that it's old and rundown. I still think it is in good shape and offers great views on both sides of the tower. Also, the Hilton Hawaiian Village offers a great breakfast buffet every morning at the Rainbow Lanai restaurant at the bottom of the Rainbow Tower. The beach area is fantastic. I don't consider it crowded. Yes, there are a lot of people on the beach but not enough to consider it crowded in my opinion. There is plenty of room. The grounds of the Hilton Hawaiian Village are beautiful. That's exactly what it is, it's own village. Everything you would need and want is right there in the village, i.e. shops, food etc. The view of Diamond Head is one that will stay with you forever. Have a safe trip.

jd99

Thanks for that wonderful information. We love Kaanapali in Maui because we like the action there so I don't think we will be put off by people on the beach at the HHV. And the Ali'i Tower sounds like just the ticket -- I can get a room there for less than we would normally pay at the Maui Hyatt and it looks to be just as nice.

Sarah

I would not stay at Hilton Hawaiian Village if you know the hotel will be at full capacity. If you are not going on a school break you will be fine. I had a very bad experience when I went in August. They don't function well at full capacity long lines and crowded pool. It is like staying at a shopping mall when it is full. Other times it is wonderful as I visited (not stayed) many other times.