Video Tour & Review: Grand Islander 3br Penthouse - Loved the Room, Not Waikiki!

[Jace]

Just wanted to share a quick review (more detailed just posted to Tug2) and a video tour from our recent stay at the Grand Islander's Penthouses. We stayed in a 3-bedroom premium ocean view room on the top floor (room 3801) and put together a short video tour for anyone who wants to see the space.
You can watch the video here:

(still working on my YouTube skills)

The accommodations were fantastic—the Grand Islander is a definite step up from other properties in the Hilton Village. However, the hustle and bustle of Waikiki wasn't the relaxed Hawaiian vibe we were looking for.
Here’s a quick rundown of our experience:

• What We Loved (The Grand Islander): The penthouse rooms are top-notch. We enjoyed the luxurious furniture, upgraded fridge, and, of course, the stunning ocean views. The complimentary morning snacks and evening wine at the exclusive 34th-floor lounge were a great perk.
• What We Didn't Love (The Waikiki Village): The pools were always packed, and we found it hard to relax due to constant beach chair hogging. The whole Village felt too crowded and lacked that serene "Aloha" spirit we're used to from places like Disney's Aulani. We were much happier on day trips outside of Waikiki.

Our Overall Takeaway: The Grand Islander is a beautiful, premium property. If you're looking for a high-end stay in Waikiki and don't mind the crowds, it's a great choice. But if you prefer a quiet, laid-back vacation, you might be better off exploring other areas of Oahu or check out Maui Bay Villas (which we own and love). Next trip we are going to try Kings' Land Waikoloa.

 

[Hoodwink]

The whole Village felt too crowded and lacked that serene "Aloha" spirit

HHV was a lot better 20 years ago (In my opinion). Before the GW and GI towers were built it was far less crowded and seemed much more inviting. I remember when they had the bird handler out in one of the walkways. They were just part of the experience of the village. You could always find a spot at a pool and the Tapa bar pretty much whenever you went to them. Last couple of times at the HHV it was less staying in the complex and more venturing to other areas of the island.

 

[mountainboy]

check out Maui Bay Villas (which we own and love). Next trip we are going to try Kings' Land Waikoloa.

Pls do share video and tips from your visits to other HGVC HI properties also, esp MBV (just saw your other post that you were there for the Tsunami warning)!
TY!

 

[cdwillie76]

We were at the GW last week with three rooms (2x 2 bedroom, 1x 1 bedroom) and also found the The Waikiki Village too crowded. When we were walking around, I saw a public notice sign for a meeting about HGV wanted to expand to include adding another tower!!

 

[letsgobobby]

agree 20 or even 40 (!) years ago HHV was more serene. But everything changes. Decades ago the restaurant scene in Honolulu was much more rustic. I remember when we had a then up and coming chef named Sam Choy prepare food for a relative's funeral - in our own kitchen! His "New Hawaiian" cuisine blew us away especially compared to the local kine dives we were used to.

Now the food in Waikiki and Honolulu is truly world class and we love that part of our vacations there. My mom lamented the demolition of the old Hawaiian themed International marketplace but I like the Japanese grocery Mitsuwa in the back on the upper level where I can buy mochi donuts and a decent bento box half price after about six pm. The banyan tree is still there and I don't miss the kitschy junky carts which lined Waikiki when I was a kid.

I can still find quiet space at the Village and on the beach and sunset at Waikiki is still sunset in Hawai'i and nowhere I'd rather be.

Didn't they say the Village itself would soon be reimagined? Hopefully with more space for all the new guests from GI GW and the future tower where Kobe was.

 

[Jace]

Pls do share video and tips from your visits to other HGVC HI properties also, esp MBV (just saw your other post that you were there for the Tsunami warning)!
TY!

I should have curated a video when we were at MBV during the Tsunami warning. While all turned out well, there was certainly a moments at the property that were very interesting.

 

[mountainboy]

I should have curated a video when we were at MBV during the Tsunami warning. While all turned out well, there was certainly a moments at the property that were very interesting.

Glad all worked out well! Scary times with the Tsunami warning, when you are on a resort on an island in the vast ocean & the airport is closed & you are right next to a beach, with potential wave surge...
Happy to hear about the interesting moments & the non-curated pics/video etc (may post after you are done with your current journey at Big Island)!
Enjoy the precious time with your family!
TY!

 

[SmithOp]

My first purchase was Lagoon 25 years ago, there was just a small side pool and hot tub, not nearly as crowded as today with GI and GW towers added.

We prefer King's Land now, and maybe add a few days at Hokulani knowing it's a big city crowd experience.