Hilton HHonors - Hilton Resorts in Hawaii - Are they that bad?

I have been banking Hhonors points for several years with the thought of using them for a once-in-a-lifetime, family vacation to Hawaii. I've read alot of the threads here and come away with the feeling that the HHV is not very well maintained, that HWV is remote, expensive and has poor service, and that Grand Wailea is outrageously not worth the 80,000 points per night.

Does anyone have anything good to say about these properties?

I stayed at the HHV last week and I enjoyed my stay. I think for the price (210$ with bonus miles) it was a very good deal. The property is clean and there are some good restaurant choices.

What is exactly is a once-in-a-lifetime for you? For me it would be the Hilton Maldives. Not Hawaii.

I've never understood why the HWV is described as "remote." The interesting things to see and do are scattered all over the island. So no matter where you are, you are "remote" from most of it. From HWV to the nearest big grocery story is about 15 miles, so maybe that's it.

In general if this truly is a once-in-a-lifetime trip, then I would spend no time whatever at Waikiki Beach, and only enough time on Oahu for a must-do visit Pearl Harbor. I would be on the Big Island with a rented minivan and a day pack. Details of my hotel's location and service would not matter much. I'd only be there to make myself a pitcher of mai-tais and get some sleep.
I'd also be there in the off season. You can't believe the traffic on the perimeter road in the high season. We arrived May 1 a few years back and it was great timing (did not stay at HWV so cannot comment directly on it).

POG Mai-Tai:
one part POG juice
one part Mai Tai mix
one part rum
stirred, not shaken
pour over a couple or three ice cubes in a tall glass

Thanks. Once-in-a-lifetime FAMILY trip to Hawaii. Our boys (15 & 10) will likely not be going back to Hawaii with us. Too many other places to vacation. Any other advice?

You may have more luck over on the Hawaii forum (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=435) but i agree with zeppox. I would spend my time on the other islands. depends on what your looking for but my favorite islands are the Big Island, Maui and Kauai. In that order, don't get me wrong a trip to Hawaii should include a stop in Waikiki and Pearl Harbor but the other islands offer more IMO.

We are making our 7th trip there and we are stopping in Oahu this time because my father-in-law (80yo) really wants to see PH otherwise we would have skipped Oahu altogether this trip.

You didn't mention the Hilton Beach Resort on Kauai. I've been to all the Hawaii properties (on points) except Grand Wailea (nothing can be worth that many points, IMO) and have had great stays at all of them. I would pick an island or two based on what your family likes to do. Check out the Hawaii forum for more help on picking an island.

I've stayed at the HHV in Waikiki 5 times and have been very happy. My entire family has stayed there with me 4 times (kid's ages over the years range from 10 years to 17 years old). They have always had a blast.

Pool is great fun with a show each night around 6:00pm. To get a few lounge chairs together during the daytime, you'll have to get to the pool early. It fills up fast. Lots to do in my opinion. We walk everywhere versus driving. Don't miss the street vendors in the shopping district.

The beach is a short walk from your room. However, be prepared for the commercialism in Waikiki. It is a major city/island.

The Hilton property on Kauai is a newly acquired Hilton property. I've never stayed there. If you want a more natural and less commercial experience of Hawaii, I'd strongly recommend the island of Kauai.

Aloha! :cool:

Our family (kids now 13 and 9) has been to HHV twice (2003 and 2004) and to HWV once (2006) and will be returning to HWV this year. All of these have been award stays. The first one in 2004 was when six-night awards were only 100K points; wish that were still true!

We've had great times at both properties, but both are very different. The long threads on each one will give you a better idea, but in a nutshell HHV is in very crowded Waikiki, while HWV is very remote. When we went to HHV we used it as a base of operations and did a lot of things in different parts of Oahu; when in HWV we never left the resort.

I was a bit concerned about going to HWV after reading some of the things written here, but after going I cannot imagine not having a good time there. My guess is that the bad comments are based on the rare bad experience or the fact that some people are not happy unless they are complaining.

My recommendation would be for you to go to the HWV over the HHV, as the resort itself is much more beautiful. Your kids will not be bored. Personally, I had planned several day trips from the HWV and we never made any of them because we enjoyed the hotel so much. I hope if you go, your experience is the same.

That said, I would recommend that if you go to the HWV you take a couple of days to visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. It is a very long drive from the hotel, so I would recommend spending a couple of days either in Hilo, or better yet in Volcano House inside the park. I would also do this before going to the HWV. In fact, this year when we return, we're flying into Hilo for a few days at the park, then heading over to the HWV, and eventually flying out of Kona.

AGS

My wife and I have been to the HHV several times. It is great! The service staff was outstanding. The property is fabulous.

HHV is crowded and touristy. THe HIlton on the Big Island is more remote and spread out. Be prepared to walk. But I love the properties. I am going to HHV in three weeks for a brief stay.

Have a great time whatever you decide.

Love HHV, yes it can get crowded, it sits on one of the most famous beaches the world.

We have stayed at both. The HHV our first trip (the obligatory stay on Waikiki) and will be going on our fifth tripo to HWV (and then Maui) in 2008. We love the HWV with kids and you will too. The place is great for families. USe the 6 night ALON or whatever it is now, award. The pools are nice, the snorkelling (even though it is a man-made lagoon) is great and there is lots to do on the Big Island, even thought the distances are far, especially to the volacno.

You won't regret it. Also try to do Maui, especailly if it is a once-in-a lifetime (at least with your kids) type of trip.

Depends on what type of vacation you want. Stayed at both HHV and HWV more than once. Here's my breakdown:

HHV if you want the excitement of Oahu and Honolulu. Great island, lots to do. Be sure to check out the Polynesian Cultural Center and other stuff on the island and get out of Honolulu for a bit. Great rainforests, waterfalls, etc here too. Rainbow Tower is my favorite.

HWV if you want more adventure and remoteness - volcano, HUGE canyons you can hike, biking, great diving, Hilo (hippie enclave - throwback to the 70s), Kona and coffee. This is my favorite place...a bit remote, but with a car, it's easy. There's getting to be more to do around the Waikoloa area as it develops and there are a couple great towns nearby with some awesome restaurants.

Both are great resorts and if you are Elite, you can snag a 6-night reward for 175k.

Thanks for this thread. I am also taking the family (16&12) to Hawaii this spring and was wondering about the Hilton choices. We have been to Hawaii several times but never stayed at the Hilton Resorts. Right now we are leaning toward HHV because we like the action of Oahu.

We like being able to walk around the various shops and we like all of the restaurant choices. We like to jump in the car and visit some of the nice beaches around the island, but then return to the action of Waikiki.

But, having said this.... we may change up and go to HWV. Just can't decide. We have reservations at both places and have to cancel one soon.

I've been to both the HHV and the HWV with my 3 kids (now ages 17, 16 and 12), the most recent HWV visit being less than a month ago.

If you have always dreamed of taking the family to Hawaii, I would definitely do it. Either of these resorts will be great for you and the kids. The real difference would be the makeup of the island: Oahu is much more touristy and built up; Big Island is less so. But both resorts are beautiful and I think you would be pleased with either choice. It all depends on what other factors on the island will draw you to one over the other. (I'd try to do both on one trip if you can; in fact, that's what we did back in the good old Hilton days of the 100k ALONs.)

HHV has a great beach, 3 pools, close to lots of Honolulu action.

HWV is a mega-resort, little beach but beautiful grounds and a better island (in my opinion). Yes, it's expensive to eat there (and far more expensive to drink there) but this is Hawaii after all...no surprise on the prices really...and there are ways to get around that (stop at the Costco on the Big Island for food, snacks and drinks; shops across from the HWV have cheaper food/drink prices, etc.)

My kids would vote to go back to both locations, if that helps you :)

Have a great time!!

Forgot to add...

if you do choose the HHV, the Entertainment Books have had coupons for 3 of the on-site restaurants. Using those coupons alone can save you nearly $100 on dinners you'd probably be eating anyway.

If you aren't interested in a vehicle and staying at HHV (or rent it by the day as needed at the hotel or nearby,) you can usually get a four day "twoferone" discount pass online in advance on the Waikiki Trolley website (http://www.waikikitrolley.com/). Check the maps - the Trolley (bus) stops at the HHV and the various lines reach a number of visitor destinations.

If you aren't interested in a vehicle and staying at HHV (or rent it by the day as needed at the hotel or nearby,) you can usually get a four day "twoferone" discount pass online in advance on the Waikiki Trolley website (http://www.waikikitrolley.com/). Check the maps - the Trolley (bus) stops at the HHV and the various lines reach a number of visitor destinations.

We took the trolley on a multiday pass last year. It is an option and you can get a nice tour of the island. WARNING--when we went, it primarily had Japanese tourists. We were the only two english speaking riders and sat next to the driver who gave us a "private " tour. I didnt think it was a good option for local transportation though. You can take the city bus for less and for a day that you want to see the whole island, rent and return a car the same day.

Forgot to add...

if you do choose the HHV, the Entertainment Books have had coupons for 3 of the on-site restaurants. Using those coupons alone can save you nearly $100 on dinners you'd probably be eating anyway.


this is a great option and now they are HALF PRICE and good through October.

Just talked to a friend from work who stayed at HWV last year. He and his wife loved it and said it would be great for kids. He also advised to dine off site to save money. Does anyone have advice on what tower to request?

While I agree that costs can be lowered considerably by eating off-site, do keep in mind that off-site means either:

a) Some of the low-end places in the Kings Shops (Subway, the Fish and Chips place, Dairy Queen).

b) Cafe Pesto in Kawaihae (about a 25 minute drive); it will not be inexpensive but will be cheaper than HWV on-site.

c) Waimea -- large range to choose from. Some very good to ok "local" style places, plus some very pricey ones. About a 40 minute drive from HWV

d) Kailua-Kona Town -- Much to choose from in all price ranges. 30-50 minute drive, depending on the degree of awfulness of the Queen K Highway traffic as you approach town.

Tower? Depends. If Diamond, I'd say Ocean Tower because you can make a meal there sometimes for breakfast and dinner. (Unlike some others, I really think the offerings in the Diamond Lounge are pretty good). If Gold, the Gold lounge is in the Palace Tower (ok snacks, but no hot ones. Can still easily make breakfast out of pastries/fruit). Lagoon Tower is nearest both the lagoon and the easiest entries to to the huge pool, waterslides, etc.

My husband and I received 2 comp. nights @ the Kauai Hilton just last week. It was quite nice. It is directly on a nice long stretch of strollable beach (many of Kauai's beaches are non-swimmable due to unpredictable currents). They have a small sandy bottomed "lagoon" pool with a pool slide for the kids, and a larger pool as well. Also, 2 hot-tubs. They have a complimentary shuttle service to and from the airport and to the local Marriott for golf. A rental car is almost a must on Kauai as the "Kauai bus" does not go everywhere. This Hilton is very isolated and you will feel like you are marooned as there are no shops and no other restaurants withing walking distance. This is a new/old property for Hilton. They owned it years ago and have now taken it over again. One of the shuttle drivers told us that Hilton poured $17 million into the property renovation. They just opened under the Hilton label ............... maybe Oct? The money they put into the renovation shows. It is a nice property; the rooms are beautiful and the beds comfortable.

The HWV is most people's dream of a Hawaiian megaresort. I've heard it described as Hawaiian Disneyland -- a bit of a stretch, but not much. I can't imagine any kid not wanting to go there. Unless your idea of a "dream vacation" is an overwater hut in an exclusive Bora Bora resort, it's hard to beat the HWV. I'm not even a fan of megaresorts, but I wouldn't pass up an opportunity to return there for a few days.

As other posters have noted, the mistake you can make is trying to see the entire Big Island from there. You can't (well, you could, but you'd spend all your time driving). You need at least 2 nights on the east side, near Hilo or Volcano (or a secluded rental on the southeast coast).

Waikiki and the HHV are self-explanatory. I think everyone should at least see Waikiki for a few days, and move on. FWIW, I like Waikiki these days, but I wouldn't spend an entire Hawaiian vacation there (it's urban, not paradise).

The Hilton Kauai Resort is currently $90/night with the Entertainment Card. Probably the best resort value in all of Hawaii. Whatever its faults (and they seem to be few), you can't beat that price. I'm sure I could start an argument, but I think Kauai is the best island to visit anyway. The Hilton is well located to see the entire island.

As other posters have noted, the mistake you can make is trying to see the entire Big Island from there. You can't (well, you could, but you'd spend all your time driving). You need at least 2 nights on the east side, near Hilo or Volcano (or a secluded rental on the southeast coast).

with all due respect, I must disagree with this statement.
we stayed 13 mights just south of Kona at the Royal Sea Cliff, 15.5 miles south of the HWV, and toured the entire Big Island just fine, including two day trips to the volcano park and a ride through the saddle.
Of course, the Zeppette was 6 months old at the time, so very patient in a car (unlike myself and the beloved Harpo).
But more to the point, we found that driving liesurely and stopping often was a nice way to "participate" in the island.

Certainly a YMMV item. But, frankly, I cannot imagine anyone going to the Big Island without driving a lot. There is just so much variety to see there, and it is so compact that given a week or two you can, indeed, sample it all.
"sample" is the key word.

with all due respect, I must disagree with this statement.
we stayed 13 mights just south of Kona at the Royal Sea Cliff, 15.5 miles south of the HWV, and toured the entire Big Island just fine, including two day trips to the volcano park and a ride through the saddle.

I guess it's all a matter of personal preference.

Unlike some of the other islands, I find the Big Island to be rather, um, big. For instance, one of the highlights of a Big Island visit is seeing the lava flow into the sea at night (hopefully, it's still flowing!). Driving all the way back to the Hilton from the Nat'l Park after dark wouldn't be much fun to me.

I do know many people who have "blitzed" the Big Island, and it's certainly physically possible to do that from a single hotel site. Without traffic, you could probably get anywhere on the island in two hours (maybe a little more). Fours hours of driving in a day doesn't leave a lot of time for relaxing and taking it all in.

For a great experience at the HHV, book a room or suite in the Alii tower. Have stayed there multiple times and you really do get the feel that you are in a seperate hotel within a hotel. Private pool, fitness room, bar area, concierge, etc.

wonder which tower we'd be put in at HHV on an AXON (4 night Amex) code. We've got a "back up" ressie at Embassy Suites. We're family 2 kids (15 and 11) and have been to HWV. LOVED the resort but found that we had to drive a long way to get where we wanted (south) and then we spent 2 days at volcano before flying out of Hilo before getting to Lihue. We're going to be on Kauai for a full week before heading to HNL for return flight home (had to do this routing for using FF tickets during prime Xmas holiday).

Last April we went for a short stay (3 nights) at HWV before moving to a condominimum in Kailua for the rest of our vacation. Both our son (10) and his best friend (9) liked the HWV immensely, particularly the swimming pools. They didn't really care for the lagoon that much. The highlight for both of them was participating in the Dolphin Quest program. Just the other day she and our son were talking about the time they went swimming with the dolphins. One of those lifetime memories!

One thing about the HWV is that it can get quite windy there in the afternoons due to the topography of the island and where the HWV sits. It is also not that unusual for an overcast to set in, again in the afternoon.

Should also add that the swimming pools weren't heated - the water was too cold for my taste but the kids had no problem with it.

We're family 2 kids (15 and 11) and have been to HWV. LOVED the resort but found that we had to drive a long way to get where we wanted (south) and then we spent 2 days at volcano before flying out of Hilo before getting to Lihue.

The one driving caution I would make about the HWV is to be careful about driving south during the (early) evening rush hour. An amazing number of locals seem to work at the resorts and then drive home to Kailua-Kona. One of the worst traffic jams I've ever been in (worse than Beijing, LA, etc.) was driving to an early evening luau in Kona from the Hilton. I think there are plans to widen the road, but last I heard nothing has happened. So you've been warned -- don't plan to eat dinner in Kona on a weekday from the HWV. :)

The one driving caution I would make about the HWV is to be careful about driving south during the (early) evening rush hour. An amazing number of locals seem to work at the resorts and then drive home to Kailua-Kona. One of the worst traffic jams I've ever been in (worse than Beijing, LA, etc.) was driving to an early evening luau in Kona from the Hilton. I think there are plans to widen the road, but last I heard nothing has happened. So you've been warned -- don't plan to eat dinner in Kona on a weekday from the HWV. :)

They are currently widening the road just south of the airport but it is nowhere near completion.

Traffic in Kona (from the airport down to the Sheraton Keahoe) can get REALLY bad. And don't take the side road if you have any kind of tendency towards car sickness (very wind-y, hilly and narrow).

In local parlance, you are talking about "the upper road," which connects Kailua-Kona with Waimea (one can cut up to it from just north of the turnoff on Queen K for the HWV).

While I would echo the concern if driving at night -- it's not a road that you want to be on at night if you are not very familiar with it, imo -- it is well worth doing once during the day because of the great overview it can give you of the various lava flows.

They are currently widening the road just south of the airport but it is nowhere near completion.

Glad they've at least started. It's from the airport south that the traffic generally backs up. I've never seen a road project more needed than this one!

In local parlance, you are talking about "the upper road," which connects Kailua-Kona with Waimea (one can cut up to it from just north of the turnoff on Queen K for the HWV).

While I would echo the concern if driving at night -- it's not a road that you want to be on at night if you are not very familiar with it, imo -- it is well worth doing once during the day because of the great overview it can give you of the various lava flows.

Not sure if you were referencing my post, but I was referring to Route 11 south of Kailua-Kona and the side road (Route 180?) which runs through the 'coffee growing' areas. Most of it that we drove on to avoid traffic was through residential areas with little opportunity for views of any kind.

Sorry, I misunderstood you. Thought you were referring to driving HWV to Kailua-Kona town via the village of Waikoloa and the "upper road."

The wife and I did the ALON2 VIP Reward last fall. Spent a week at the HWV, with a fantastic upgrade due to Diamond upgrades (got a two room suite on the 8th floor of the Ocean Tower). Hotel is a ways from things, but nice overall. We got used to walking, since the tram/boat schedule is not always the quickest way around. When we do the Big Island with the kids, will definitely stay a couple of days closer to the volcano...long drive to make, especially if considering walking out to the viewing spots after dark.

I have been banking Hhonors points for several years with the thought of using them for a once-in-a-lifetime, family vacation to Hawaii. I've read alot of the threads here and come away with the feeling that the HHV is not very well maintained, that HWV is remote, expensive and has poor service, and that Grand Wailea is outrageously not worth the 80,000 points per night.

Does anyone have anything good to say about these properties?

I've ALON'ed at both. I would never return to HHV - I'm just thankful it only cost me 100,000 points instead of the new award at 175k. I don't have much good to say about that place - except that the staff there did treat me well as a Gold: good upgrade, free breakfast. And I did not have maintenance issues with my room.

As for HWV, I'll start by saying it simply isn't my style, but all in all I felt it was a worthwhile use of 100,000 points and we really enjoyed our time on the Big Island. I would consider going back to the Big Island, and if so I would stay at HWV again for 175,000 points. The "megaresort" thing isn't ideal to me, but given the other options in the area I think it stacks up well. (Specifically - I'm not throwing Marriott Cat 7 points at that dumpy ex-Outrigger, and I'd probably opt for a free stay at HWV over a very expensive stay at one of the other nice resorts north of there.)

HWV was well-maintained with a nice lounge and wonderful rooms overlooking the Ocean. As a Gold, a bottle of sparkling wine awaiting us in the room upon arrival and the staff took awesome care of us. This was in '02 - I understand it's gotten so popular as an award destination that Golds don't quite get the same treatment these days, but I imagine it's still good. Lots of walking, but we like to walk. Late night swims in the smaller pools at the resort were nice. Restaurants onsite were poor, but that's not unusual for a megaresort. Besides, I eat so much hotelfood in my regular travels, on vacation it's good to get out and go elsewhere for dinner.

My husband and I have been to the HWV 5 times! We have never had anything but wonderful service every time we've been there. When choosing a tower, it will depend on what you are looking for. If you want to be close to the main pool, pick the lagoon tower. The palace tower is beautiful, but the birds chirp really early in the morning, and there are A LOT of birds in the area! The ocean tower is where the concierge level is located. (at least it was the last time we were there) It is also closer to the adult pool and the other pool as well. They aren't as big or as lively (live music, water slide) as the main pool. The big island is also a lot less commercial than Oahu. I just happen to love this hotel and this island the best! They used to have a plan code "H2" that used to allow you to get an equal number of nights free as the nights you purchase...you pay for a week, they gave you a week free! I don't know if that is still available. Does anyone???

HHV always treated me well when there for business as a Diamond Member. When my family came with me they always comped us to a suite with great views. Their buffet in the bottom of the Rainbow Tower is pretty good with great ocean side views.

If you walk next door to the Hale Koa (the military resort) they have a burger place where you can get cheap meals and food, pretty much half price compared to other restaurant or fast food options. A nice deal for a family.

If you are on Oahu in addition to seeing Pearl Harbor the walk up Diamond Head is interesting with nice views.