Could anyone give me some information about the different towers located at HHV. The Lagoon Tower is not an option and I've already know most people recommend the Ali'i Tower for their additional amenties. But what about the Tapa, Rainbow and Diamond Head towers? I rarely read anything about them.

The little I "have" read about Rainbow, Tapa and Diamond Head are as follows:

Rainbow - oldest tower, closest to the ocean, a lot of people say the rooms are run down.

Tapa - some people don't care for this tower saying it feels like being in a conference hall.

Diamond Head - This tower remains a mystery to me.

Anyone on Fodors with any info on this three towers? Which of them, if given the option, would you stay at? Which, if any, of them would you strongly do your best to have the hotel clerk assign you elsewhere?

TIA!

I think what you should take from the fact that you can name all these towers is that this is a huge property. That puts me off.

I have stayed in the rainbow towers, they were fine. Our room could also be a hotel room anywhere in America. We did not have an ocean view. My biggest warning about this property is never again during any kind of public school break. I was there in August and the pool was more crowded than a public city pool. LONG lines to check in, speak with concierge, drive out of parking. I would not do this again. I remember not being able to swim in the pool with my eyes closed and not hit someone.

We will be at the HHV in July, during the heart of school summer vacation because we're out for the same reason. We're used to vacationing during this period. I also already know that the HHV is a huge complex but that doesn't bother me either. What I'm hoping for is information on the Tapa, Rainbow and Diamond Towers. The Ali'i and Lagoon Towers are usually mentioned in posts regarding the HHV.

I was there in april, with my two kids, and we were in the rainbow tower. To me, the rooms were maybe a tad dated, but the view and proximity to the beach/pool were wonderful. It's really a great hotel, lovely grounds with better wildlife than you'll see in most zoos...lots of nice lounges with great umbrella drinks. Yes, there are kids there, but I didn't find that too distracting (and I brought two of my own). Very accommodating staff. Only complaint: I was not impressed with any of the onsite restaurants. The steakhouse was the best, but I would still leave the compund for dinner.

Will be staying this month at HHV. When you mentioned the steak place being the best, was it called "Village Steak & Seafood?

I have heard Bali by the Sea nice view, but pricey. Heard same thing about Golden Dragon.

What about the Rainbow Lanai? It's a casual place, but wondered if okay to possibly order take out? We have found that after spending all day out and about, my kids DON'T want to go out to dinner, too tired. So, we usually order and go pick up and bring back to room. That way, everyone eats and gets to watch a little tv and relax.

Friday or Saturday nights with Olomana in the rainbow towers lounge is not to be missed if you do go. Remember that. I stop by this hotel every time I am on Oahu to see Olomana. Closest thing I am aware of in Waikiki with local style music.

We stayed in the Tapa Tower a few years ago, and it was very nice, just your average pleasant Hilton hotel room. I certainly had no complaints......... and I think the HHV is great, as long as you are aware that it's a little city (on a fantastic beach) in itself and expect that!

Sarah - Are there any age limits to entering the Olomona Room? It sounds like music we would be interested in.

Bonniebroad - The HHV being a huge complex is part of the reason we're staying there! I don't know when we'll make it back to Hawaii and just ONCE, I really wanted to stay at one of the resort type hotels.

Shannon444 - We're a family too, so I can't complain about kids being at the HHV either LOL.

Mlarsen - if you find out any infos on the different towers, could you post it on Fodors, pretty please? I'm also interested in laid back places to eat; I don't see us eating much at HHV. I can already see another tread coming LOL! Oh well, I'm just happy to be able to PLAN my vacation.

It is a lounge so they may restrict minors. I have never seen kids in there.

Most of the rooms are comparable. Main difference is how long since the last upgrade. Tapa is the largest tower. The upper rooms nearest the ocean and on the Diamond Head side have nice views.
Diamond Head has the most restricted views as it is behind Ali'i from the ocean and not that tall. Rooms are OK. The upper three floors have nice, large one bedroom suites some with very large lanais. Rainbow is fine and the Diamond Head side has great views. half of it remodeled recently. Kalia is the newest. Nice views on the ocean side rooms. Upper floors ahve suits and access to a lounge on the 25th floor.

Sarah - I have to second your recommendation of Olomana - they are terrific and a must-see IMO.

Cats-Do-Dance - When I was in the Paradise Lounge (where Olomana plays) last summer there were some kids in there. I didn't notice that anyone cared, they were with their parents. It's a lovely, open-air lounge and there's a 2 drink minimum, if I remember right. But the music is great - all in Hawaiian, most of it original, and Jerry Santos (the leader) explains the origins before every song. Sometimes other artists or dancers come in so it's a treat to get to see some of the best musicians and dancers in Hawaii.

Oh yeah - there's a pretty good coffee shop just across the street from the HHV - Wailana Coffee Shop. Good food, reasonable prices.