The Grand Islander by Hilton Grand Vacations

Part of the 22-acre Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort (the largest resort in the state), The Grand Islander occupies the newest tower, opened in 2017. This is an all-suites vacation property, attracting vacationing families, couples, and groups. Guests are greeted with floral and kukui nut leis in a lobby that features contemporary, neutral decor, and this design continues throughout the property. The overall look is elegant yet subdued, with pleasant ocean- and flora-inspired accents to add local charm. Grounds here are particularly appealing, with manicured grass, lovely pond features, and plenty of palm trees, though the towering blocks of rooms can obstruct views from some parts of the resort. Of course, the lovely stretch of beach is a highlight. Note that hefty resort fees are tacked on to bills, which garner complaints from guests.

The Grand Islander by Hilton Grand Vacations is situated right on the larger Village Waikiki Beach Resort, looking over Kahanamoku Beach in Honolulu. It's about a 15-minute walk from Waikiki's main drag (Kalakaua Avenue), where many of the city's souvenir shops, high-rise hotels, restaurants, and night clubs are located. It's about a 20-minute drive to Oahu's Honolulu International Airport and getting to Diamond Head takes about the same amount of time by car.

Most of the units at this property One-and Two-Bedroom Suites designed for self-catering, complete with full kitchens, dishwashers, and washers/dryers, along with expansive balconies -- many with lovely ocean views (and views of Waikiki's Friday fireworks). Most of the one-bedroom units range from about 600 to 640 square feet (56 to 59 square meters); each of these generally has one king bed or two doubles, plus a sofa bed. Two-bedroom units start at 912 square feet (85 square meters) and go up to 1356 square feet (126 square meters) with king beds in the master bedrooms, two doubles in the second bedrooms, and sofa beds. There's also a Three-Bedroom Penthouse Oceanview Suite with a sofa bed that measures 1634 square feet (152 square meters). 

Decor is low-key yet elegant, with a predominantly neutral color scheme complete with wood-finish floors, a mix of off-white and beige walls, heavy blackout drapes, dark-wood furniture, and minimal artwork beyond light-wood chime-like ceiling light fixtures and a few colorful framed abstract prints on the walls. Furniture adds texture and color, with patterned carpets and throw cushions, carved paneling on entertainment sets, and semi-open room dividers dominated by geometric shapes. Kitchens feature cream-colored marble countertops and mini-tile splash-backs, as well as high-quality chrome-finish appliances, including microwaves, ovens, convection stoves, and large refrigerators, alongside coffeemakers and toasters. Flat-screen TVs with premium channels and video game consoles, Wi-Fi, safes, and ironing facilities also come standard. Bathrooms follow a similarly sleek aesthetic, equipped with walk-in rainfall showers and separate soaking tubs.

Rooms come in a variety of layouts, with plenty of accessible units for the hearing or visually impaired as well as wheelchair users. 

This property offers a decent array of amenities, with an emphasis on facilities geared toward vacationing families rather than corporate travelers (though there is a business center with free printing and hotel-wide Wi-Fi). For kids, the property offers a variety of activities and a day camp (Camp Penguin), and the hotel can help arrange for snorkeling and fishing trips. There's also a video arcade for guests of all ages. The hotel's on-site pool is another highlight, as it's long enough to swim laps and has a shallower area suitable for younger guests. However, it's on the narrow side and doesn't have that many lounge chairs. A fitness center offers a great array of cardio machines and weight-training equipment, plus water sports are available for rent. Guests also get access to the larger resort's Mandara Spa. Valet and self-parking are available, but both are expensive.

While many guests stay here to self-cater, there are a few on-site restaurants available. Situated in the Rainbow Tower, Rainbow Lanai opens early in the morning and serves an extensive buffet breakfast (for a fee), and it has lovely outdoor seating; however, it can get crowded. Moreover, it closes early and lunch and dinner aren't available. On the ground floor of the Ali'i tower, Tropics Bar and Grill also offers breakfast but stays open throughout the day and well into the evening, when it offers live entertainment, beer, and cocktails along with a kids' menu. There's also a dinner-only steakhouse, Bali Steak & Seafood, for those in search of a finer-dining option,. Room service is available.