Oahu-Hilton Village Fireworks
Jul 13th, 2005, 12:29 PM
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Oahu-Hilton Village Fireworks
As you can tell from my previous posts, still not sure where to stay in Honolulu.
Anyway, looking at the Hilton Hawaiian Village and wondering if the Ali Tower is really worth the extra splurge? Or maybe the Kalia Tower? Would like to stay in an ocean view room, with best views of the Friday night fireworks from our balcony? Which tower at HHV would be best to stay in? Thanks again..
Anyway, looking at the Hilton Hawaiian Village and wondering if the Ali Tower is really worth the extra splurge? Or maybe the Kalia Tower? Would like to stay in an ocean view room, with best views of the Friday night fireworks from our balcony? Which tower at HHV would be best to stay in? Thanks again..
Jul 13th, 2005, 01:17 PM
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I would think that from any ocean view room at HHV you could see the fireworks well.
The fireworks are nice. But, these are weekly fireworks and they only last a few minutes.
Rooms with ocean views are great, but don't let a few minutes of fireworks determine the the kind of room you want.
I've only seen the fireworks from the beach there. There is no crowd to deal with like there would be at an annual fireworks display.
The fireworks are nice. But, these are weekly fireworks and they only last a few minutes.
Rooms with ocean views are great, but don't let a few minutes of fireworks determine the the kind of room you want.
I've only seen the fireworks from the beach there. There is no crowd to deal with like there would be at an annual fireworks display.
Jul 13th, 2005, 02:39 PM
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I just looked at some of your previous posts.
Have you decided on which islands you are going to? As you probably noticed from my posts, I always recommend Oahu. But, the other islands also have a lot to offer.
Here is a great site for Maui. It's from Maui Jon. His site doesn't seem to be influenced by businesses that may pay a fee to have their name mentioned as most sites do. www.mauihawaii.org
Here is a lot of info for Oahu. Most of the websites are good for all islands.
List of things to do on Oahu
These are some hints/suggestions for things to do and see on Oahu.
Arizona Memorial: (free) get there early, preferably by 8am. Opens at 7:30am. If you get there after 10am the lines can get long and you may spend 1-2 hours in line. Battleship USS Missouri and Submarine USS Bowfin are in the same area. These are about $15 each so you can go or skip them. Look for coupons in brochures for two for one. You can take pictures of them from Arizona Visitors Center and the Arizona tour ferry. Go on the lawn behind the Visitor's Center. You can also walk around the Bowfin Memorial area for free without taking the tour. Its worth the time. The Swap Meet is only a couple blocks from here at Aloha Stadium.
Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC): www.polynesia.com General Admission about $40, but I prefer the buffet package ($55) or the luau buffet package ($75). The evening 'Horizon' show is the best Polynesian show in all of Hawaii. It comes with all ticket price options. The higher priced ticket packages get the better seating for 'Horizons'. Also the earlier you get there, the better the seating is for 'Horizons'. The Ali'i Luau Show that is part of the luau package is also a good Polynesian show. IMAX, Canoe Pageant, Samoa and Tonga villages and Canoe ride are the best other attractions (these are included with any type ticket). Plan on this as an all day event. Get there by 1pm (earlier if possible), leave around 9:30pm. When I take visitors, I try to keep on this schedule: IMAX 1:30, Canoe Pageant 2:30, Samoa 3:00, Tonga 4:00, Canoe Ride around 4:30, regular buffet or Ali'i luau buffet 5pm and 'Horizons' at 7:30. The other villages are nice also, but there is not enough time for all of them. You will have time to do some shopping or looking around between the buffet or luau and 'Horizons'. Closed on Sundays. You can go back for free for two days. Check with PCC employees for instructions before leaving the Center if you want the extra days.
Diamond Head Summit: Drive right into the crater and hike to the top. ($5 per carload or $1 each if you walk into the crater). I prefer to drive in. Awesome 360 degree view from the summit. Best time is around 8am or around 4pm. In between it can get hot walking to the top. Takes about 1 - 1 1/2 hours roundtrip.
Punchbowl (National Cemetery of the Pacific): (free) While you are there, drive to the overlook area. Short walk to the summit that overlooks the entire city. If you have time, take the Mt. Tantalus/Round Top drive through a rain forest. Stop at the Puu Ualakaa State Wayside about 2/3 of the way to the top of the mountain. It has an awesome view of the city from Waikiki to Pearl Harbor. Punchbowl is near the bottom of Mt. Tantalus.
Hanauma Bay: Snorkel. Its for any age. You can rent snorkeling equipment there or some places in Waikiki or bring your own. Closed on Tuesdays. Try to get there as early as possible. If you drive, the parking lot gets filled up by 9:00 or 10:00. ($1 for parking, $5 for each person). You can reserve snorkel tours with several companies. They provide equipment, transportation, etc. They seem to have better equipment than the park does. You can also take the city bus. But the first city bus doesn't leave Waikiki until 8:30 am. Website: http://www.co.honolulu.hi.us/parks/f...ay/welcome.htm
Byodo-In-Temple (Valley of the Temples): $2 each. Just past Kaneohe.
Chinaman's Hat: (free) Kualoa Regional Park is just past Byodo-In-Temple. Nice for pictures, picnic, swimming.
Swap Meet: You can buy almost any souvenirs here much cheaper than anywhere else. All items are new. Vendors wrap around the stadium twice. Located at Aloha Stadium near Arizona Memorial. Open Wed, Sat, Sun.
Hilo Hattie's: Nice place to shop. Higher prices than swap meet, but not too much more on many items. Has good selection of clothing, candies and souvenirs. Check brochures for coupons. Can take free Hilo Hattie's shuttle from Waikiki.
Ala Moana Beach Park: (free) Nice beach. Great sunset location in the winter. Walk all the way out to the end of Magic Island. Great view of Waikiki, Diamond Head, Ala Wai Boat Harbor (shown in opening scene of Gilligan's Island).
Hike to Manoa Falls: (Free) You can drive right up to the trailhead and park for free. Or you can pay a few bucks in a nearby lot to have someone "watch" your car. One mile one way. Short hike through a rain forest also bamboo there. Treetops restaurant there (at the previous Paradise Park site) has a good Chinese buffet.
Hike to Makapuu Point Lighthouse: (free) Great view from here. Easy one mile hike. In winter months (mid-November to mid-April) it's great for whale watching.
Other Hiking on Oahu:
http://www.hawaiitrails.org/
http://www.backyardoahu.com/
http://home.hawaii.rr.com/oahuhikingtrails/home.html
http://oahuhiking.com/
North Shore Beaches: Haleiwa, Banzai Pipeline (Ehukai Beach), Waimea Beach, Sunset Beach, Shark's Cove & Chun's Reef. Chun's Reef has sea turtles. Other nice stops for pictures in the area. Can be huge waves in winter. Good snorkeling at Shark's Cove and Chun's Reef in the summer.
Other beaches: There are close to 100 beaches on Oahu. Besides North Shore and Waikiki beaches these are some of the better ones: Makaha Beach (west shore), Waimanalo Beach, Lanikai Beach, Sandy Beach, Hanauma Bay and Kailua Beach (east/Windward side), Ala Moana Beach Park (south shore). All public beaches are free except Haunama Bay.
Dole Pineapple Plantation: On H-2 just past Wahiawa. Can visit on the way to or back from the North Shore. Nice gift shop to browse, but expensive. Go behind the center for pineapple exhibits and carp feeding pond.
Kualoa Ranch: Several movies have been set here: (Jurassic Park, Mighty Joe Young and others), ATV rides, horseback riding, tours. Located across from Kualoa Regional Park.
Waikiki: Beaches, shopping, dining, nightclubs, shows, some museums. Wide range in dining prices. $3-4 breakfasts, $6-10 lunch buffets, $20-$25 fine dining and anywhere in between. Best Waikiki shows: Creation: A Polynesian Journey, John Hirokawa's Magic of Polynesia, Society of Seven, Blue Hawaii (Elvis impersonator), many more to chose from. Many Waikiki shows offer cocktail show along with the dinner show. They seat you after everyone else has eaten. Regular price of shows around $40-$60. Cocktail show about $25-$35. There are several short free hula shows and other demonstrations in Waikiki daily. Check the brochures for location, days and times. Check brochures for coupons for shows/dining/shopping, etc.
Downtown Area: Aloha Tower (take elevator to the top, nice view), Chinatown, Hawaii Maritime Center, Iolani Palace, Bishop Museum, other museums.
Botanical Gardens: Oahu has many botanical gardens. Most are free, the others charge a few bucks. Haiku Garden in Kaneohe is nice and is a nice stop if you are taking an island driving tour. Located near Byodo-In-Temple (Valley of the Temples). Check brochures or get info on-line. Search: oahu botanical gardens
Other: Sea Life Park, Zoo, Aquarium, Dinner cruise, whale watching cruise, submarine tours, parasailing, helicopter tours, horseback riding, Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park, scuba, surfing lessons, other luau shows (Germaine's, Paradise Cove). Many other attractions, things to do. Check the brochures.
Brochures: (free) Can be found in the airport baggage claim area or at hundreds of news stands throughout Waikiki, in hotels, in stores, and at some attractions. These are excellent "things to do and see" guide books (maps, attractions, beaches, dining, night clubs, etc.). There are a lot of coupons in these for dining, shopping, etc. The best brochures are: 'This Week on Oahu', 'Oahu Gold', '101 Things Oahu', 'The BEST of Oahu'. Some of these brochures can also be found for other islands (Maui, Kauai, Big Island) unique to that island. Most of these brochures also have on-line versions.
Websites:
www.thisweek.com 'This Week On Oahu' They will send up-to-date brochures for a few bucks. Also This Week Maui, Kauai, Big Island.
www.spotlighthawaii.com 'Oahu Gold' They will send up-to-date brochures for a few bucks. Also Maui Gold, Big Island Gold, Kauai Gold.
www.gohawaii.com This is the official site for Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau. They will send a free brochure.
www.101thingstodo.com
www.visit-oahu.com Oahu Visitors Bureau, for free brochure 1-877-525-6248 (toll free)
www.hawaii.com Good site for comparing hotel locations, prices, etc.
www.hawaiiweb.com
www.alternative-hawaii.com
www.hawaii-hotels.com Compare hotels
www.bookit.com Compare hotels
www.alohafriends.com
www.honoluluadvertiser.com one of two main Honolulu newspapers, has dining & entertainment guides, TGIF calendar
www.starbulletin.com one of two main Honolulu newspapers, also has dining & entertainment
www.alohatower.com
Automobiles: Oahu is the only island that you can get around by bus. Oahu has a good bus system, but a rental vehicle gets around a lot better. Parking in Waikiki can be a problem at times. If you plan on renting a car, make sure your hotel allows parking at the hotel or in a nearby lot or garage. Get the parking pass at the hotel registration area. Probably $8-$14/day to park at the hotel. You can get city bus passes at any ABC store in Waikiki for $20 for 4 days. Or you can pay $2.00 per trip. There are also many shuttles, tour buses and vans and trolleys that go to many places (some are free).
Internet Search Engines: Use Yahoo, Google, Dogpile or any other search engine to find information on any thing else on Oahu (or other island) that may interest you. Type in: hiking hawaii, hiking oahu, bed and breakfast oahu, condominiums oahu, botanical gardens oahu, oahu hotels or any other terms that will get you information.
Hotels: Most hotels (or hotel chains) have their own 800 numbers and/or websites: www.outrigger.com www.sheraton.com www.ohanahotels.com, etc. Or you can use a search engine to find the website or use the search engine's yellow pages for the phone number.
Entertainment Book
Entertainment books for Hawaii and many other locations can be purchased online at www.entertainment.com. They cost around $35-$40 plus shipping or if you wait until mid-March, the price is reduced to about $25 (or less) with free shipping. Expires November 1.
Coupons include half price tickets for John Hirokawa's Magic Show. Hundreds of other coupons for reduce price luaus, shopping, dining, movies, attractions, etc. The Hawaii book also has many mainland coupons for hotels, car rentals, Universal Studios, Sea World, etc.
Phone Cards: If you don't have a cell phone, the best phone cards right now can be found at Costco or Sam's Club. Right now they are only $.03/m, 24 hours a day, seven days a week with no monthly charge. Can be used from pay phones ($.25 or eight units surcharge from pay phone), hotels, homes.
Have you decided on which islands you are going to? As you probably noticed from my posts, I always recommend Oahu. But, the other islands also have a lot to offer.
Here is a great site for Maui. It's from Maui Jon. His site doesn't seem to be influenced by businesses that may pay a fee to have their name mentioned as most sites do. www.mauihawaii.org
Here is a lot of info for Oahu. Most of the websites are good for all islands.
List of things to do on Oahu
These are some hints/suggestions for things to do and see on Oahu.
Arizona Memorial: (free) get there early, preferably by 8am. Opens at 7:30am. If you get there after 10am the lines can get long and you may spend 1-2 hours in line. Battleship USS Missouri and Submarine USS Bowfin are in the same area. These are about $15 each so you can go or skip them. Look for coupons in brochures for two for one. You can take pictures of them from Arizona Visitors Center and the Arizona tour ferry. Go on the lawn behind the Visitor's Center. You can also walk around the Bowfin Memorial area for free without taking the tour. Its worth the time. The Swap Meet is only a couple blocks from here at Aloha Stadium.
Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC): www.polynesia.com General Admission about $40, but I prefer the buffet package ($55) or the luau buffet package ($75). The evening 'Horizon' show is the best Polynesian show in all of Hawaii. It comes with all ticket price options. The higher priced ticket packages get the better seating for 'Horizons'. Also the earlier you get there, the better the seating is for 'Horizons'. The Ali'i Luau Show that is part of the luau package is also a good Polynesian show. IMAX, Canoe Pageant, Samoa and Tonga villages and Canoe ride are the best other attractions (these are included with any type ticket). Plan on this as an all day event. Get there by 1pm (earlier if possible), leave around 9:30pm. When I take visitors, I try to keep on this schedule: IMAX 1:30, Canoe Pageant 2:30, Samoa 3:00, Tonga 4:00, Canoe Ride around 4:30, regular buffet or Ali'i luau buffet 5pm and 'Horizons' at 7:30. The other villages are nice also, but there is not enough time for all of them. You will have time to do some shopping or looking around between the buffet or luau and 'Horizons'. Closed on Sundays. You can go back for free for two days. Check with PCC employees for instructions before leaving the Center if you want the extra days.
Diamond Head Summit: Drive right into the crater and hike to the top. ($5 per carload or $1 each if you walk into the crater). I prefer to drive in. Awesome 360 degree view from the summit. Best time is around 8am or around 4pm. In between it can get hot walking to the top. Takes about 1 - 1 1/2 hours roundtrip.
Punchbowl (National Cemetery of the Pacific): (free) While you are there, drive to the overlook area. Short walk to the summit that overlooks the entire city. If you have time, take the Mt. Tantalus/Round Top drive through a rain forest. Stop at the Puu Ualakaa State Wayside about 2/3 of the way to the top of the mountain. It has an awesome view of the city from Waikiki to Pearl Harbor. Punchbowl is near the bottom of Mt. Tantalus.
Hanauma Bay: Snorkel. Its for any age. You can rent snorkeling equipment there or some places in Waikiki or bring your own. Closed on Tuesdays. Try to get there as early as possible. If you drive, the parking lot gets filled up by 9:00 or 10:00. ($1 for parking, $5 for each person). You can reserve snorkel tours with several companies. They provide equipment, transportation, etc. They seem to have better equipment than the park does. You can also take the city bus. But the first city bus doesn't leave Waikiki until 8:30 am. Website: http://www.co.honolulu.hi.us/parks/f...ay/welcome.htm
Byodo-In-Temple (Valley of the Temples): $2 each. Just past Kaneohe.
Chinaman's Hat: (free) Kualoa Regional Park is just past Byodo-In-Temple. Nice for pictures, picnic, swimming.
Swap Meet: You can buy almost any souvenirs here much cheaper than anywhere else. All items are new. Vendors wrap around the stadium twice. Located at Aloha Stadium near Arizona Memorial. Open Wed, Sat, Sun.
Hilo Hattie's: Nice place to shop. Higher prices than swap meet, but not too much more on many items. Has good selection of clothing, candies and souvenirs. Check brochures for coupons. Can take free Hilo Hattie's shuttle from Waikiki.
Ala Moana Beach Park: (free) Nice beach. Great sunset location in the winter. Walk all the way out to the end of Magic Island. Great view of Waikiki, Diamond Head, Ala Wai Boat Harbor (shown in opening scene of Gilligan's Island).
Hike to Manoa Falls: (Free) You can drive right up to the trailhead and park for free. Or you can pay a few bucks in a nearby lot to have someone "watch" your car. One mile one way. Short hike through a rain forest also bamboo there. Treetops restaurant there (at the previous Paradise Park site) has a good Chinese buffet.
Hike to Makapuu Point Lighthouse: (free) Great view from here. Easy one mile hike. In winter months (mid-November to mid-April) it's great for whale watching.
Other Hiking on Oahu:
http://www.hawaiitrails.org/
http://www.backyardoahu.com/
http://home.hawaii.rr.com/oahuhikingtrails/home.html
http://oahuhiking.com/
North Shore Beaches: Haleiwa, Banzai Pipeline (Ehukai Beach), Waimea Beach, Sunset Beach, Shark's Cove & Chun's Reef. Chun's Reef has sea turtles. Other nice stops for pictures in the area. Can be huge waves in winter. Good snorkeling at Shark's Cove and Chun's Reef in the summer.
Other beaches: There are close to 100 beaches on Oahu. Besides North Shore and Waikiki beaches these are some of the better ones: Makaha Beach (west shore), Waimanalo Beach, Lanikai Beach, Sandy Beach, Hanauma Bay and Kailua Beach (east/Windward side), Ala Moana Beach Park (south shore). All public beaches are free except Haunama Bay.
Dole Pineapple Plantation: On H-2 just past Wahiawa. Can visit on the way to or back from the North Shore. Nice gift shop to browse, but expensive. Go behind the center for pineapple exhibits and carp feeding pond.
Kualoa Ranch: Several movies have been set here: (Jurassic Park, Mighty Joe Young and others), ATV rides, horseback riding, tours. Located across from Kualoa Regional Park.
Waikiki: Beaches, shopping, dining, nightclubs, shows, some museums. Wide range in dining prices. $3-4 breakfasts, $6-10 lunch buffets, $20-$25 fine dining and anywhere in between. Best Waikiki shows: Creation: A Polynesian Journey, John Hirokawa's Magic of Polynesia, Society of Seven, Blue Hawaii (Elvis impersonator), many more to chose from. Many Waikiki shows offer cocktail show along with the dinner show. They seat you after everyone else has eaten. Regular price of shows around $40-$60. Cocktail show about $25-$35. There are several short free hula shows and other demonstrations in Waikiki daily. Check the brochures for location, days and times. Check brochures for coupons for shows/dining/shopping, etc.
Downtown Area: Aloha Tower (take elevator to the top, nice view), Chinatown, Hawaii Maritime Center, Iolani Palace, Bishop Museum, other museums.
Botanical Gardens: Oahu has many botanical gardens. Most are free, the others charge a few bucks. Haiku Garden in Kaneohe is nice and is a nice stop if you are taking an island driving tour. Located near Byodo-In-Temple (Valley of the Temples). Check brochures or get info on-line. Search: oahu botanical gardens
Other: Sea Life Park, Zoo, Aquarium, Dinner cruise, whale watching cruise, submarine tours, parasailing, helicopter tours, horseback riding, Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park, scuba, surfing lessons, other luau shows (Germaine's, Paradise Cove). Many other attractions, things to do. Check the brochures.
Brochures: (free) Can be found in the airport baggage claim area or at hundreds of news stands throughout Waikiki, in hotels, in stores, and at some attractions. These are excellent "things to do and see" guide books (maps, attractions, beaches, dining, night clubs, etc.). There are a lot of coupons in these for dining, shopping, etc. The best brochures are: 'This Week on Oahu', 'Oahu Gold', '101 Things Oahu', 'The BEST of Oahu'. Some of these brochures can also be found for other islands (Maui, Kauai, Big Island) unique to that island. Most of these brochures also have on-line versions.
Websites:
www.thisweek.com 'This Week On Oahu' They will send up-to-date brochures for a few bucks. Also This Week Maui, Kauai, Big Island.
www.spotlighthawaii.com 'Oahu Gold' They will send up-to-date brochures for a few bucks. Also Maui Gold, Big Island Gold, Kauai Gold.
www.gohawaii.com This is the official site for Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau. They will send a free brochure.
www.101thingstodo.com
www.visit-oahu.com Oahu Visitors Bureau, for free brochure 1-877-525-6248 (toll free)
www.hawaii.com Good site for comparing hotel locations, prices, etc.
www.hawaiiweb.com
www.alternative-hawaii.com
www.hawaii-hotels.com Compare hotels
www.bookit.com Compare hotels
www.alohafriends.com
www.honoluluadvertiser.com one of two main Honolulu newspapers, has dining & entertainment guides, TGIF calendar
www.starbulletin.com one of two main Honolulu newspapers, also has dining & entertainment
www.alohatower.com
Automobiles: Oahu is the only island that you can get around by bus. Oahu has a good bus system, but a rental vehicle gets around a lot better. Parking in Waikiki can be a problem at times. If you plan on renting a car, make sure your hotel allows parking at the hotel or in a nearby lot or garage. Get the parking pass at the hotel registration area. Probably $8-$14/day to park at the hotel. You can get city bus passes at any ABC store in Waikiki for $20 for 4 days. Or you can pay $2.00 per trip. There are also many shuttles, tour buses and vans and trolleys that go to many places (some are free).
Internet Search Engines: Use Yahoo, Google, Dogpile or any other search engine to find information on any thing else on Oahu (or other island) that may interest you. Type in: hiking hawaii, hiking oahu, bed and breakfast oahu, condominiums oahu, botanical gardens oahu, oahu hotels or any other terms that will get you information.
Hotels: Most hotels (or hotel chains) have their own 800 numbers and/or websites: www.outrigger.com www.sheraton.com www.ohanahotels.com, etc. Or you can use a search engine to find the website or use the search engine's yellow pages for the phone number.
Entertainment Book
Entertainment books for Hawaii and many other locations can be purchased online at www.entertainment.com. They cost around $35-$40 plus shipping or if you wait until mid-March, the price is reduced to about $25 (or less) with free shipping. Expires November 1.
Coupons include half price tickets for John Hirokawa's Magic Show. Hundreds of other coupons for reduce price luaus, shopping, dining, movies, attractions, etc. The Hawaii book also has many mainland coupons for hotels, car rentals, Universal Studios, Sea World, etc.
Phone Cards: If you don't have a cell phone, the best phone cards right now can be found at Costco or Sam's Club. Right now they are only $.03/m, 24 hours a day, seven days a week with no monthly charge. Can be used from pay phones ($.25 or eight units surcharge from pay phone), hotels, homes.
Jul 13th, 2005, 02:47 PM
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We just returned from staying next door at the Hale Koa. I LOVE this end of Waikiki Beach..so uncrowded, wide and clean. We saw the fireworks but were not impressed. I think any hotel in that area would be fine..
Jul 14th, 2005, 04:05 AM
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After reading all these "great" posts, I'm now thinking maybe we should just "SKIP" the HHV and stay someplace more central, like Moana Surfrider, Royal Hawaiian, the Hyatt, or maybe splurge for the Halekulani, but heard there is some construction going on around there and the beach area is not great. Really don't want to spend top dollar for a Waikiki beach area hotel since it's overcrowded and the pool and beach areas don't really look that great. We only plan to visit for a few days before heading to Maui, Hawaii, and Kauai. Decisions, decisions... Thanks again Fodorites!
Jul 14th, 2005, 04:18 AM
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DO stay at HHV. It's a very nice resort with plenty of restaurants and its own shopping center. There are a number of pools. The huge one in the center is very nice.
I stayed in a poolside room at Ali'i tower and could see the fireworks from my balcony. The best views, though, would be from the rainbow tower as it is right on the beach. The others all sit back. Ali'i is also close to the beach, but I've not been in an ocean view room there. My balcony overlooking the big central pool (and entertainment... singing and hula) was absolutely delightful.
Carol
I stayed in a poolside room at Ali'i tower and could see the fireworks from my balcony. The best views, though, would be from the rainbow tower as it is right on the beach. The others all sit back. Ali'i is also close to the beach, but I've not been in an ocean view room there. My balcony overlooking the big central pool (and entertainment... singing and hula) was absolutely delightful.
Carol
Jul 14th, 2005, 05:44 AM
#7
Carol, were the pool view rooms noisy at night? I am a light sleeper and with the time change, I will most likely be in bed earlier than here on the east coast. How was the Ali Tower? I have requested this one, but we are going on HH points. Hubby is a diamond, so I am hoping they put us in this tower. I hear it is very nice.
I am actually arriving on a Thurs eve rather than Fri, so that I don't miss their fireworks and activities on Friday nights.
I am actually arriving on a Thurs eve rather than Fri, so that I don't miss their fireworks and activities on Friday nights.
Jul 14th, 2005, 09:38 AM
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I also have HH Points to use (but we're not DIAMOND Level), but when I contacted Hilton, they told me I could only be guaranteed a "standard" room. Really don't want to take chance getting an average room with no view, but will probably book the Ali Tower.
Maybe we should book the package with the breakfast, or not really worth it???
Maybe we should book the package with the breakfast, or not really worth it???
Jul 14th, 2005, 02:28 PM
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GailK - Whether or not you end up at the HHV, be sure to go there on Friday or Saturday nights - in the Paradise Lounge they have an excellent group - Olomana. It's an open-air lounge on the 2nd floor back by the pool - no cover charge, but a 2 drink minimum. Olomana is a local recording group and are really good.
Kind of across the street (kitty-corner)form the HHV is a good coffee shop with reasonable prices - Wailana Coffee Shop.
Kind of across the street (kitty-corner)form the HHV is a good coffee shop with reasonable prices - Wailana Coffee Shop.
Jul 14th, 2005, 07:53 PM
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Wailana coffee shop is the best dining place in Waikiki. It's not a coffee shop as one might know it. It has a good dining room. It serves the absolute best coffee on this earth. The prices are reasonable, the service is good, and the food is great. Check it out.
Jul 15th, 2005, 05:49 AM
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HHV is starting to look good now, haha, and the room rates are pretty decent. Wondering if we can we still WALK from HHV to the busier Waikiki beach area? I've heard parking and traffic in that area can be hectic..
Jul 15th, 2005, 06:01 AM
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girl on the go...
I have stayed at Ali'i tower two times and found it to be very peaceful. I've always been on higher floors. If you are on a lower floor, you might hear noise from down below.
My first time at Ali'i, we stayed in a garden view room and had a talking bird down below that started early and didn't stop until they covered him at dusk. He (she?) kept saying LoHA (an attempt at aloha). It was funny at first, but got a bit old. LOL Rooms are very nice in Ali'i. I've not stayed in other towers at HHV, but it is obvious that Rainbow tower is the closest to the beach and no doubt best beach views. But I like the 2nd floor private pool/exercise room/breakfast counter that Ali'i has, for Ali'i guests ONLY.
I have stayed at Ali'i tower two times and found it to be very peaceful. I've always been on higher floors. If you are on a lower floor, you might hear noise from down below.
My first time at Ali'i, we stayed in a garden view room and had a talking bird down below that started early and didn't stop until they covered him at dusk. He (she?) kept saying LoHA (an attempt at aloha). It was funny at first, but got a bit old. LOL Rooms are very nice in Ali'i. I've not stayed in other towers at HHV, but it is obvious that Rainbow tower is the closest to the beach and no doubt best beach views. But I like the 2nd floor private pool/exercise room/breakfast counter that Ali'i has, for Ali'i guests ONLY.
Jul 15th, 2005, 08:02 PM
#15
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Gail - "Wondering if we can we still WALK from HHV to the busier Waikiki beach area? I've heard parking and traffic in that area can be hectic." The entire strip is only a mile or so long. Much less if you walk along the beach.
Jul 16th, 2005, 06:05 AM
#16
Hey Dusty, You are a wealth of information. I have already bookmarked your "things to do in Oahu" to read later. I will be posting many questions as we get closer. Can you recommend a good guide book for Oahu? We are spending 6 nights there and three on Kaui.
Jul 16th, 2005, 12:00 PM
#17
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I would prefer the Halekulani, Royal Hawaiian, and Moana Surfrider in that order over the HHV which is always overcrowded, noisy, and not conveniently located near enough to Waikiki Beach attractions. The HHV is OK if you wish to spend all of your time there.
Jul 16th, 2005, 12:40 PM
#18
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girlonthego - The Revealed series are good guide books:
Oahu Revealed
Maui Revealed
Kauai Revealed
Big Island Revealed
I've only looked through the Oahu one though. The brochures, websites, etc. are good enough for me. But, I lived on Oahu for several years in the 70s and again for the past 5 years.
Oahu Revealed
Maui Revealed
Kauai Revealed
Big Island Revealed
I've only looked through the Oahu one though. The brochures, websites, etc. are good enough for me. But, I lived on Oahu for several years in the 70s and again for the past 5 years.
Jul 16th, 2005, 12:44 PM
#19
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I've taken a number of walks from HHV by sidewalk and by beach and it isn't a bad walk to tourist part of Kalakaua Avenue. Because HHV is at the "end" of the beach, you don't get the passers by on the beach that you get at some of the other beachfront hotels. The HHV beach is also considerably wider.
Enjoy your stay!
Enjoy your stay!
Jul 16th, 2005, 05:37 PM
#20
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Dusty may I make a sugestion? Your list of hints is really terrific, but very long to scroll through.
Instead of always pasting the whole thing, you could make one separate post with the whole list. When you want to offer it to people, just paste a link to the other post in your reply to them.
Instead of always pasting the whole thing, you could make one separate post with the whole list. When you want to offer it to people, just paste a link to the other post in your reply to them.
