Originally Posted by jsmith50

Have you actually stayed at the Hawaiian Village? There is plenty close by off the property that you can reach in MUCH less than 15 minutes regardless of which tower you're staying in. From the main entrance (near the Hawaiian Village sign), there is an IHOP directly across the street, multiple ABC stores, gift shops, several other restaurants within a 5 minute walk in that direction (Chinese restaurant, Sushi, McDonalds, etc.). If you go in the other direction, parallel to the ocean towards the military museum but more inland, within 5-10 minutes you hit Hard Rock Cafe, many other nicer restaurants, etc. on the strip that I've heard some refer to as Honolulu's version of Rodeo Drive.

I wouldn't exactly characterize the Hawaiian Village as the heart of Waikiki but it's not the boonies either. There is a LOT nearby, granted depending on where you are on the property, it may take you a bit longer to reach some of those places since the property is huge.