Spent couple of night in both last August.

If you are talking about Hilton Waikiki Beach: http://www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/haw...AHF/index.html

Both hotels are at the same street, couple of blocks away from each other, so distance to the beach is identical.

Hilton is older, tired, "executive" lounge is in the basement. Balconies are very small.

Garden Inn is fresh and new, however swimming pool is located at 1st floor and every single noise from a street is there. No executive lounge, but voucher for drinks at the bar if you have status.

So it all depends on what are your priorities.