Hilton Garden Inn Waikiki Beach

Hilton Garden Inn opened in June 2016 after taking over and completely gutting the former Ohana Waikiki West Hotel. Today, it’s the largest Garden Inn property in the world -- and sometimes feels like it. Waits to get on elevators can be surprisingly long and lounge chairs surrounding the pool are tightly packed together. The lobby, with its double-high ceiling, has a pleasant tropical style that incorporates natural, Hawaii-inspired elements. Shades of tan, brown, and gray dominate the space and much of the hotel. Live-edge coffee tables are ringed by sleek armchairs and couches, and most common areas are busy with guests coming and going throughout the day. The restaurant off the lobby is an industrial-chic space with banks of windows and comfortable seating options, including a long bar that serves well-liked happy hour specials. Guests are mostly from the United States and are mainly couples and families. Quite a few travelers from Asia also pass through the property. 

This hotel is located in the heart of Waikiki, right on busy Kuhio Avenue. An upscale shopping mall is across the street and Waikiki Beach is a five-minute stroll from the hotel. Bars and restaurants serving Asian, American, and steaks are within a three-minute walk. Honolulu Zoo is situated in a lush park at Waikiki’s east end and is a 12-minute walk (or four-minute drive) from the hotel. Just a bit farther, the oceanfront Waikiki Aquarium is a six-minute drive. Diamond Head State Monument -- with its hiking trails and fabulous Waikiki and Honolulu views -- is a 10-minute car ride. Downtown Honolulu, Chinatown, and the Iolani Palace (Hawaiian royalty’s former home) can be reached in approximately 15 minutes. With its giant waves and relaxed surfer vibe, Oahu’s North Shore is typically an hour away by car. Budget 15 minutes to reach Honolulu International Airport, though this depends on traffic. 

Hilton Garden Inn’s air-conditioned guest rooms are fresh and modern, with matching koa-wood colored furniture. Tan earth-toned walls, gray drapes, and vibrant blue carpets accent the wood-toned furniture. Brightly colored detail photos of flowers or rocks hang on some walls. Amenities include microwaves, mini-fridges, electric tea kettles, Keurig coffeemakers with free pods, and 46- or 48-inch flat-screen TVs with premium channels. Beds are a mix of one king or two doubles and rooms include mod-inspired armchairs. Suites are bigger and have separate sitting areas with sleeper sofas, plus second flat-screen TVs. Efficiently designed bathrooms feature granite vanities, glass-walled showers, hairdryers, and Neutrogena toiletries. A limited number of rooms are available with shower/tub combos and bidets. All rooms have balconies, but views could be better. Expect either partial ocean or city views. It’s worth noting some city view rooms face a nearby high rise that's incredibly close. Other standard features include irons, ironing boards, and safes. Past guests have reported a bit of noise from slamming doors and neighboring buildings. Cribs are available and all guest rooms have free Wi-Fi.

Hilton Garden Inn doesn’t tack on a resort fee, unlike most other Waikiki hotels, though the property still offers a full array of features. The freshwater pool is surrounded by tightly arranged lounge chairs, but the whole area overlooks a busy street that keeps it from being relaxing. It does stay open late and has an ADA pool lift. There’s also a pool bar with plush couches and a billiard table. TR Fire Grill offers a reasonably-priced breakfast buffet and serves American cuisine throughout the day. The eatery gets mixed reviews and doesn’t offer room service, but their happy hour specials are a nice plus. Holo Holo Cafe & Mini-Market has happy hour drink specials, sandwiches, snacks, and tea, and a fully-stocked mini-market. In the mornings, free coffee is available in the lobby and infused waters (pineapple, mango) in the afternoons. The fitness center has space for strength training and cardio workouts. Staff can arrange personal trainers. The business center is located in the lobby and has three computers, free printing, and a shredder. A meeting room is also available. The lobby tour desk can arrange tours, car rentals, and taxis. The laundry room is a nice plus for longer stays and families with young kids, and same-day laundry and dry cleaning services are available. Valet parking is available (for a fee) and there’s free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel.