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2BP Grand Waikikiian or Grand Islander?

letsgobobby

TUG Member
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Dec 18, 2009
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Resorts Owned
HGVC - Lagoon, W57th, MarBrisa, Paradise
for young adults (20 something). Lagoon and Hokulani not available for these dates.
 
Going to tack on a question here:
I noticed that grand islander and waikikian are normally in the Black Friday sales. I presume it’s because there’s a lot of availability. Does anyone know which types of rooms generally end up being available around Black Friday? High pts? Low pts? 1br/2br?
 
GI is closer to the restaurants and nightlife of central Waikiki. It’s also closer to Hale Koa’s parking (useful if they intend to keep a car for more than four nights). Lastly, GI does have its own pool. But I think the two towers are otherwise about equal.

And if you’re 186-276 days out, book GW now.
 
I understand the GI pool is also only open to GI guests and adult only?
 
Going to tack on a question here:
I noticed that grand islander and waikikian are normally in the Black Friday sales. I presume it’s because there’s a lot of availability. Does anyone know which types of rooms generally end up being available around Black Friday? High pts? Low pts? 1br/2br?
There's a lot of availability because Grand Islander and Grand Waikikian require more points than Lagoon and Kalia (see point charts below).
As a result, the lower point rooms at the Hilton Hawaiian Village (in Lagoon and Kalia Towers) are typically grabbed first.

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GI is closer to the restaurants and nightlife of central Waikiki. It’s also closer to Hale Koa’s parking (useful if they intend to keep a car for more than four nights). Lastly, GI does have its own pool. But I think the two towers are otherwise about equal.

And if you’re 186-276 days out, book GW now.
good point on the parking that might be the ticket for this group
 
I've stayed at both and he biggest differences I noticed between GW and GI is the room size and apparent age of the rooms. Not an exact comparison because I stayed in a regular 2 BR ocean view in GW, but the 2BR penthouse in GI. The GW rooms feel bigger. GI is just a bit tighter. On the other hand, GI rooms feel a lot more modern. GW feel like they are 20 years old at this point. Still nice, but they look like something my parents would have decorated.

That being said, if I was going back anytime soon I'd try for GI first and take GW if nothing was available.

Also, if you can swing a PH room, totally worth it! Even the resort view penthouse in the GI had a heck of a view. It was more of a city and partial ocean than anything. Plus you get lounge access then so breakfast and late afternoon snack/drinks would be on HGV.

I understand the GI pool is also only open to GI guests and adult only?
Yes the GI pool is only for GI guests, but I think children are allowed. However, it's not in a good location and it's pretty cold and catches a lot of wind. When I stayed at the GI a couple of years ago, I didn't bother with that pool.
 
GW hands down! Balconies are larger and the lanai furniture is comfortable. GI is newer, but the balconies are small and the lanai furniture is extremely uncomfortable - I pulled a chair from the living room out onto the balcony!

The elevators at GI are WHACK! Guests are constantly hitting the wrong floor and yes - your elevator will stop at that wrong floor!

The pool at the GI is okay but it can get ultra-windy! The cabanas are free - and FCFS!

I’ve owned a PH - the staff in the lounges are more friendly at the GI - the GW are always on edge.

Hope this helps
 
I vote GI ocean luxury 2B if there is enough points. Great view, not only the ocean, but park + waikiki view on the diamond head side.
 
GW hands down! Balconies are larger and the lanai furniture is comfortable. GI is newer, but the balconies are small and the lanai furniture is extremely uncomfortable - I pulled a chair from the living room out onto the balcony!

The elevators at GI are WHACK! Guests are constantly hitting the wrong floor and yes - your elevator will stop at that wrong floor!

The pool at the GI is okay but it can get ultra-windy! The cabanas are free - and FCFS!

I’ve owned a PH - the staff in the lounges are more friendly at the GI - the GW are always on edge.

Hope this helps
To add to this - I am staying at the HHV this Sept and I booked the at the GW. I too had a choice, and this is what I will go back to each time I want to stay in Waikiki.
 
My choice is GW. The units seem larger and more comfortable. They have regular tables for eating or playing cards or games. The GI has breakfast bars with bar stools instead of tables. Not as kid or elderly friendly. The GI premier ocean view rooms do have stunning views that are better than GW.
 
I've stayed at both and he biggest differences I noticed between GW and GI is the room size and apparent age of the rooms. Not an exact comparison because I stayed in a regular 2 BR ocean view in GW, but the 2BR penthouse in GI. The GW rooms feel bigger. GI is just a bit tighter. On the other hand, GI rooms feel a lot more modern. GW feel like they are 20 years old at this point. Still nice, but they look like something my parents would have decorated.

That being said, if I was going back anytime soon I'd try for GI first and take GW if nothing was available.

Also, if you can swing a PH room, totally worth it! Even the resort view penthouse in the GI had a heck of a view. It was more of a city and partial ocean than anything. Plus you get lounge access then so breakfast and late afternoon snack/drinks would be on HGV.


Yes the GI pool is only for GI guests, but I think children are allowed. However, it's not in a good location and it's pretty cold and catches a lot of wind. When I stayed at the GI a couple of years ago, I didn't bother with that pool.
GI Pool might be for GI guests, but no one really checks. The towel attendant mostly just looks on their phones. But it is more laid back so a better place to lounge around than the community pools.
 
GI Ocean View 30th floor panoramic.

View attachment 113620
Beautiful picture - GI does have views but not of Diamond Head - More like “D nd ad”

Did you find the Lanai (balcony) chairs uncomfortable, and the balconies way too small.

Lastly - from the GW - you can see both the Great Lawn, and Rooftop Luaus.
 
Beautiful picture - GI does have views but not of Diamond Head - More like “D nd ad”

Did you find the Lanai (balcony) chairs uncomfortable, and the balconies way too small.

Lastly - from the GW - you can see both the Great Lawn, and Rooftop Luaus.
It's been a few years since we stayed at GI, I don't recall the chairs, but I agree the lanai felt way too small. On our last trip, we stayed at the GW and really liked it. We will be back at the GW in September with my son, DIL, and the grandkids for a few nights.
 
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