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Comparing Hilton Waikiki Beach Vs. Hilton Hawaiian Village involves working out which has the best beach, accommodations, amenities, and atmosphere. For us, the Hilton Hawaiian Village with its rainbow tower is the winner because we love the direct oceanfront access, the beachfront bars, the greenery (and penguins) in its tropical grounds, and the way the resort hugs the edge of the golden sand Waikiki beachfront with its calm waters.
We especially love the bar at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, which sits on the beach’s edge. It is the perfect place for a sundowner cocktail.
Neither hotel is our number one choice in Waikiki. If you can stretch to it we love the Halekulani and Royal Hawaiian in Waikiki and the Four Seasons Oahu beyond Waikiki.
Book your next Hilton, Waldorf Astoria, LXR Hotel & Resorts, or Conrad stay via our luxury travel concierge, and we can secure you free loyalty-style benefits (on top of your own status and membership benefits), room upgrades and perks, for no extra cost.
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1. Location
Hilton Waikiki Beach is situated in the heart of Waikiki. This hotel offers convenient access to the famous Waikiki Beach and nearby shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
Unfortunately, this location is set back from the beach, so you have to cross a couple of roads to get to the beach. The location also means that none of the rooms have the same oceanfront views that you will get from some rooms at the Hilton Hawaiian Village.
Hilton Waikiki Beach is more central to the action, with attractions like the famous Dukes Waikiki restaurant and the International Market Place all within a 5-minute walk. All the major beachfront hotels, like the Halekulani and the Royal Hawaiian, are close to the Hilton Waikiki Beach and easy to walk to.
Hilton Hawaiian Village is located on the widest stretch of beach in Waikiki. This expansive resort is a destination in itself, with its own lagoon, multiple pools, and a variety of restaurants and shops on-site. It is some way from the center of Waikiki if you are walking.
You can take an open air trolley around waikiki for an easy way to get around from the Hilton Hawaiian Village, but if you want to pop out for a quick drink or bite at one of the main luxury hotels in Waikiki like the Halekulani, you are quite some walk from the action.
While both the Hilton Waikiki Beach and Hilton Hawaiian Village are great hotels, the Hilton Waikiki Beach is not on the beach but is in the center of the action. The Hilton Hawaiian Village is right on the beach but further from the action.
The Royal Hawaiian or Pink Palace is a great choice if you want both beach and action. We also love the waterfront Halekulani. Although this hotel doesn’t have much of a beach, it is on the waterfront and has a magnificent pool and grounds.
If you want the best hotel on the island of Oahu, it has to be Four Seasons Oahu which is one of the best Four Seasons on Hawaii and is not to be missed. Four Seasons Oahu is not in or even near Waikiki but it is on a glorious beach in a beautiful setting.
2. Accommodations
Hilton Waikiki Beach features modern and comfortable guest rooms and suites, many with balconies offering ocean or city views, although the ocean views are set back from the beach as this resort is a few blocks behind the beach. The accommodations are well-appointed and designed for both leisure and business travelers.
Hilton Hawaiian Village offers a wide range of accommodations, including hotel rooms, suites, and villas spread across five towers and various low-rise buildings. Options range from standard guest rooms to luxurious suites with oceanfront views. And these really are oceanfront. This hotel is slap bang on the beach.
3. Amenities
Hilton Waikiki Beach is smaller in scale compared to Hilton Hawaiian Village and offers amenities such as a rooftop pool, fitness center, on-site dining options, and a convenient location near Waikiki Beach.
Hilton Hawaiian Village boasts an extensive list of amenities, including multiple swimming pools, water slides, a saltwater lagoon, a full-service spa, a fitness center, a wide range of dining options, shopping boutiques, cultural activities, and water sports rentals. And let’s not forget that the entire resort is spread out along the beach.
4. Atmosphere
Hilton Waikiki Beach has a more intimate atmosphere than Hilton Hawaiian Village. This hotel offers a quieter and more relaxed environment, ideal for couples or travelers seeking a peaceful retreat in the heart of Waikiki.
There is less to the Hilton Waikiki Beach. It lacks the resort vibe of the Hilton Hawaiian Village and is instead a well-located hotel near lots of things.
Hilton Hawaiian Village is a proper resort hotel, so much so that you don’t need to leave. It has the beach, tropical grounds, great bars and restaurants, and is known for its bustling and lively atmosphere.
This resort caters to families, couples, and travelers of all ages, and if you have kids, being right on the beach has to be a major advantage, and crossing busy roads to get to the beach has to be a major disadvantage. So the Hilton Hawaiian Village wins for families.
5. Conclusion
Hilton Waikiki Beach may be preferable for those seeking a smaller, more intimate hotel experience in Waikiki, while Hilton Hawaiian Village appeals to those looking for a larger resort with extensive amenities and the beach right on their doorstep.
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