HGVC - Lewers, Waikiki

[Sandy VDH]

They are probably taking 2 hotel rooms and combining them into a single unit 1 BR unit. Having stayed at that location nearly 20 years ago, it is a few blocks to the beach, and the units were OK but still a hotel room.

 

[alwysonvac]

Here's a picture of the other side with the TV and the sliding door (see below).

There's more pictures of the kitchen area here - http://us.hokulaniwaikiki.com/index.php?page=features (see slides #3 & #4).
On the far left, it looks like the kitchen area has a floor to ceiling sliding pantry cabinet (like Disney's Bay Lake Tower kitchen). Next to the pantry is a mini-refrigerator with a clear door and to the right on the countertop is a two-burner cooktop with a vent above it. In the lower right hand corner of the picture, there's something small that is stainless steel (perhaps a single drawer dishwasher) and there is a cabinet with a handle to the left of that (perhaps more storage).

 

[chester1122]

It appears so long as the HHV is booked solid for the year Hilton will keep building there. If you compare the availability at the Waikoloa properties I guess it makes business sense to them. Will be interesting to see the point value if it is for these units.

While I would prefer a Kauai, or Maui location I have friends who prefer Waikiki and would always choose that location.

 

[Tamaradarann]

Lewers has its benefits

To the left on the picture above you see a grassy area. HHV is a little further to the left of that, just out of the picture.

If you go to google maps you can see the close proximity of the properties.

I think the new property will appeal to those who like the shopping and restaurants of Waikiki vs those who prefer the ocean. In my mind, if I want a city atmosphere, shopping and restaurants, I'm more prone to go to Vegas. If I'm paying $1,600 (or more) in airfare and spending upwards of 12 hours travel time, I want a beach location and I'll take the Waikiki trolley to the shops and restaurants. We enjoy this area and it's one of the reasons my wife wanted to return the Oahu vs returning to Kauai (I prefer Kauai myself) but, neither of us would want to stay a couple blocks off the beach.

Of course, it's all a matter of personal preference. I'm just curious as to how popular more of a city based vacation experience will be for Honolulu. The Asian market for Hawaii is something I don't fully appreciate.

The location on Lewers has its benefits for being right on the corner of Kalakaua and Lewers which is the center of Waikiki. The stores, the restaurants, and the party is right there. We walk past Kalakaua and Lewers just about every day and/or night when we are there so this would be convienient. This is particularly great when it starts to rain. There are stores and hotels to give cover all around this area, however, the walk back to the HHV can be a hassle in the rain at night. Furthermore, if you look at the map the Ocean is no further away than from the Kalia Tower.

 

[dougp26364]

The location on Lewers has its benefits for being right on the corner of Kalakaua and Lewers which is the center of Waikiki. The stores, the restaurants, and the party is right there. We walk past Kalakaua and Lewers just about every day and/or night when we are there so this would be convienient. This is particularly great when it starts to rain. There are stores and hotels to give cover all around this area, however, the walk back to the HHV can be a hassle in the rain at night. Furthermore, if you look at the map the Ocean is no further away than from the Kalia Tower.

After having walked around the area during our last trip to Oahu, I'm starting to come around to the idea this location might not be to bad after all. We enjoy the shops and restaurants in the area and the beach really isn't that far away.

 

[GregT]

After having walked around the area during our last trip to Oahu, I'm starting to come around to the idea this location might not be to bad after all. We enjoy the shops and restaurants in the area and the beach really isn't that far away.

I agree with this -- I was initially lukewarm on this location, but have visited twice now (while staying at HHV) and it really is a very easy walk to the ocean, and it is central to the area that we would walk to for dinner and shopping.

I am curious to see the points chart, but this is a desirable destination.

Thanks very much,

Greg

 

[DEROS]

The location isn't that bad. It is closer to the shopping center, those who like shopping. The International Market place is around the corner and Giovanni Pastrami (kinda of dated but good place to eat). Then there is Roy's restaurant which is a little expensive but good food. For the younger crowd, Sheraton has the Rum Fire lounge with a great view of the ocean, for drinking and socializing.

I like the photo layout, so I might stay there during a long weekend just to say I did. I just hope they don't go crazy with the points and make it like GW.

 

[linsj]

I just hope they don't go crazy with the points and make it like GW.

I don't think they will. With Kings Land phase 2 at the old point level, I think Hilton has backed off the higher levels. Besides, this property is a renovation and doesn't have a full kitchen.

 

[alwysonvac]

Ktichen photos & video

This property seems more like the NYC properties. Sadly, I won't be surprised if the point structure is at the higher levels.

Hokulani Video - http://vimeo.com/49298098
WARNING: It's a 3 minute video with approx 20 seconds of the actual property.

 

[alwysonvac]

This property seems more like the NYC properties. Sadly, I won't be surprised if the point structure is at the higher levels.

Maybe there's hope for a reasonable point structure

From the Star-Advertiser - http://www.staradvertiser.com/busin..._shares_as_Hokulani_Waikiki.html?id=176912631

......HGV has commissioned Honolulu-based Group 70 International to design its newest 14-story resort, which has a contemporary Hawaii theme complete with an open-air lobby and a rooftop viewing deck with pool lounge, bar and private cabanas. Los Angeles-based studio Indidesign will oversee the interior design.

Hokulani Waikiki, which is adjacent to Lewers Street, will provide guests with immediate access to Waikiki Beach Walk's shopping, dining and entertainment choices, Klum said.

"We believe demand will be evenly split between domestic and international buyers. We feel the product will appeal primarily to active customers in their 30s and 40s, seeking a vibrant, urban experience in Waikiki," he said.

Prices for weeklong intervals at the Hokulani Waikiki will start at $24,100, which is less than at the Grand Waikikian, Klum said.

"(It) fulfills an important need we have in our current Hawaii portfolio, both in terms of price and product type," he said.

 

[rjp123]

I think the location is GREAT and the rooms look good to me.

I stayed at HHV in March 2012 for the first time (Lagoon 1BD) and it was great. I'm not a big pool guy but having the big pool and all the chairs made it a comfortable place to hang out. My only complain was that HHV is off the beaten path. I didn't do much cooking in my suite (just breakfast plus sandwiches for snacks) so I didn't need the huge kitchen and I didn't eat at the hotel restaurants or shop at the stores.

To be honest, I spent most of my beach time farther down-shore in front of that pink hotel and most of my non-beach time was spend in Waikiki proper versus HHV.

This location is great for me and I'd pick it over HHV anytime. The only HHV plus for me would be watching the fireworks from the room.

 

[ricoba]

I think the location is GREAT and the rooms look good to me.

I stayed at HHV in March 2012 for the first time (Lagoon 1BD) and it was great. I'm not a big pool guy but having the big pool and all the chairs made it a comfortable place to hang out. My only complain was that HHV is off the beaten path. I didn't do much cooking in my suite (just breakfast plus sandwiches for snacks) so I didn't need the huge kitchen and I didn't eat at the hotel restaurants or shop at the stores.

To be honest, I spent most of my beach time farther down-shore in front of that pink hotel and most of my non-beach time was spend in Waikiki proper versus HHV.

This location is great for me and I'd pick it over HHV anytime. The only HHV plus for me would be watching the fireworks from the room.

It's funny how everyone is different.

I love the beach @ HHV since it's at the quiet end of Waikiki. The only reason I'd go down to the Royal Hawaiian (the pink hotel) would be for a Mai-Tai or to eat at a restaurant in the heart of Waikiki like Dukes or Hula Grill.

I think this development gives HGVC members another great choice in Honolulu.

But like probably a lot of you here, if I were still a HGVC owner I'd like to see them do the same thing on either Maui or Kauai.

 

[Kmakani]

Aloha,

The area is more in the center of Waikiki, with the Hawaiian Shopping Center, restaurants and beach nearby. Yes, you are not on the beach, but it's not a far walk. I too, would have preferred that Hilton buy something on one of the other islands, since I live here and it would be fun to be a tourist on Maui or Kauai. It would be a place that if you want to be more in the hub of the restaurants and shopping (which HHV is a farther walk from), this would be a better fit for you.

 

[Tamaradarann]

No Full Kitchen

I don't think they will. With Kings Land phase 2 at the old point level, I think Hilton has backed off the higher levels. Besides, this property is a renovation and doesn't have a full kitchen.

Just a thought! Without a Full Kitchen will Hilton consider it a 1 BR 4800 point Platinum? I believe the units at all of the other properties that are 1 BR or larger classification have Full Kitchens.

 

[alwysonvac]

Just a thought! Without a Full Kitchen will Hilton consider it a 1 BR 4800 point Platinum? I believe the units at all of the other properties that are 1 BR or larger classification have Full Kitchens.

The one bedroom at West 57th in NYC doesn't offer a kitchen and it's more than 4800 points in Platinum and Gold Season.

HERE'S WHAT THEY OFFER IN A ONE BEDROOM AT WEST57th IN NYC

 

[hockeybrain]

When I saw the NYC "kitchen" Kurt Cobain immediately came buzzing through my mind e.g. "Rape Me...................."

 

[bobemac]

HGVC is clearly targeting their Japanese customers with his move.
We just returned from a month in Waikiki having been less than a block from the new HGVC location.
This area is over 80% Japanese tourists.
They visit Hawaii to shop in all the upscale store in Beachwalk and The Royal Hawaiian Shopping center.
Many good restaurants in this area feature a menu which is only in Japanese. We had lunch at Wolfgang's on a Sunday, there were 50 customers there, but we were the only non-Japanese tourists.
The Eggs N Things on Saratoga at Kalakaua has at least 90% Japanese all day long. There is a feeding frenzy outside with big lines. The Japanese have a taste for pancakes.
We spent two weeks at the HGVC Bay Club on the Big Island, it was so different from Waikiki.

 

[Tamaradarann]

That is NYC for what it is worth

The one bedroom at West 57th in NYC doesn't offer a kitchen and it's more than 4800 points in Platinum and Gold Season.

HERE'S WHAT THEY OFFER IN A ONE BEDROOM AT WEST57th IN NYC

We live in the suburbs of NYC and were born and brought up there. We never go there, and don't want to fly out of there. NYC doesn't impress us. It is overpriced, overcrowded, parking is a joke, there is a sense of an "don't do", horrible traffic, smelly, dirty, I am sure I can come up with other nasty things to say if I try.

My husband and I met in NYC and I always said when I was young that it was the best place in the world after midnight; which we don't stay up after any longer. I don't know why anyone would want to struggle with it before midnight.

Honolulu is great. It has many of the things that NYC has without the cold weather and alot of the nasty things. It also has the ocean. I know there is an ocean in NYC but it is so far away.

I am not surprised by the lovely kitchen that you get in the Hilton in NYC. Do they make you pay to park, pay for cleaning, tip for the luggage since you can't get a cart, tip for the elevator, tip for your car. Do you need to pay for the fresh air or is there non available? How much do they charge to get to the ocean. Is there a grocery store or only high priced small stores to buy food for the refrigerator?

You can have NYC I will take Honolulu.

 

[Tamaradarann]

Much time on Honolulu; Japanese are cool

HGVC is clearly targeting their Japanese customers with his move.
We just returned from a month in Waikiki having been less than a block from the new HGVC location.
This area is over 80% Japanese tourists.
They visit Hawaii to shop in all the upscale store in Beachwalk and The Royal Hawaiian Shopping center.
Many good restaurants in this area feature a menu which is only in Japanese. We had lunch at Wolfgang's on a Sunday, there were 50 customers there, but we were the only non-Japanese tourists.
The Eggs N Things on Saratoga at Kalakaua has at least 90% Japanese all day long. There is a feeding frenzy outside with big lines. The Japanese have a taste for pancakes.
We spent two weeks at the HGVC Bay Club on the Big Island, it was so different from Waikiki.

We spend many weeks in Honolulu every year and the Janpanese that we have met and befriended are great. It is true that they flock to Honolulu more than the other islands. We feel they have good taste and we flock there ourselves. Big Island is nice, but it is not Honolulu.

 

[Tamaradarann]

This is NOT a NYC Property

This property seems more like the NYC properties. Sadly, I won't be surprised if the point structure is at the higher levels.

Hokulani Video - http://vimeo.com/49298098
WARNING: It's a 3 minute video with approx 20 seconds of the actual property.

If you see my other post about NYC properties you will see that I must disagree with this statement. Nothing in Hawaii is as bad as a NYC property.

B]This property seems more like the NYC properties

 

[Sandy VDH]

I too would like some other islands popping up, Maui in particular as I have plenty to access to Kauai (Via Wyndham) and Big Island (via HGVC and Wyndham). Maui would be a great addition.

But having more inventory choices in an already tight market is OK. I have stayed in this hotel year ago as a Outrigger, and location is OK. I like the look of the renovation, it does look nice. Cooking, not really an issue. Microwave and a Fridge is all I need really.

I am happier about getting a few other locations, mostly Park City, Tuscany could be cool if there were ever inventory. Although when I called elite today, they have no idea when inventory will be loaded and available. They heard rumors only about Park City. No idea about this HI property either.

I am not entirely thrilled with yet more room in Vegas. I am sure others are excited about Mrytle Beach however Wyndham has 5 or 6 properties their, so many I have lots count. So MB as a new location does not really do much for me.

 

[alwysonvac]

We live in the suburbs of NYC and were born and brought up there. We never go there, and don't want to fly out of there. NYC doesn't impress us. It is overpriced, overcrowded, parking is a joke, there is a sense of an "don't do", horrible traffic, smelly, dirty, I am sure I can come up with other nasty things to say if I try.

My husband and I met in NYC and I always said when I was young that it was the best place in the world after midnight; which we don't stay up after any longer. I don't know why anyone would want to struggle with it before midnight.

Honolulu is great. It has many of the things that NYC has without the cold weather and alot of the nasty things. It also has the ocean. I know there is an ocean in NYC but it is so far away.

I am not surprised by the lovely kitchen that you get in the Hilton in NYC. Do they make you pay to park, pay for cleaning, tip for the luggage since you can't get a cart, tip for the elevator, tip for your car. Do you need to pay for the fresh air or is there non available? How much do they charge to get to the ocean. Is there a grocery store or only high priced small stores to buy food for the refrigerator?

You can have NYC I will take Honolulu.

If you see my other post about NYC properties you will see that I must disagree with this statement. Nothing in Hawaii is as bad as a NYC property.

OMG.... why are you babbling about NYC

In post #34 I wrote "This property seems more like the NYC properties. Sadly, I won't be surprised if the point structure is at the higher levels."
I said that because I was comparing the room design (not destination). Both Hilton Club NY and West 57th by Hilton Club have one bedrooms without a kitchen. As I result, my thought was that Hokulani might follow the Hilton Club point structure.

In post #30 you wrote "Just a thought! Without a Full Kitchen will Hilton consider it a 1 BR 4800 point Platinum? I believe the units at all of the other properties that are 1 BR or larger classification have Full Kitchens. "
I responded with an example of when HGVC assigned a higher point value to a one bedroom without a full kitchen.
I don't know why you took this to mean something else


Oh and by the way, I was born and raised in NYC so I know first hand that Waikiki is not like NYC

 

[Tamaradarann]

Sorry about NYC rant

OMG.... why are you babbling about NYC

In post #34 I wrote "This property seems more like the NYC properties. Sadly, I won't be surprised if the point structure is at the higher levels."
I said that because I was comparing the room design (not destination). Both Hilton Club NY and West 57th by Hilton Club have one bedrooms without a kitchen. As I result, my thought was that Hokulani might follow the Hilton Club point structure.

In post #30 you wrote "Just a thought! Without a Full Kitchen will Hilton consider it a 1 BR 4800 point Platinum? I believe the units at all of the other properties that are 1 BR or larger classification have Full Kitchens. "
I responded with an example of when HGVC assigned a higher point value to a one bedroom without a full kitchen.
I don't know why you took this to mean something else


Oh and by the way, I was born and raised in NYC so I know first hand that Waikiki is not like NYC

I apologize for the NYC rant. As you know NYC and Long Island where we live have been going through some bad time due to Sandy. The Sandy storm problems have brought up bad thoughts of where I live and have lived for most of my life. Even without the storm I would rather be in Honolulu where we live without a car in the warm weather right on the beach.

 

[DEROS]

HGVC is clearly targeting their Japanese customers with his move.
We just returned from a month in Waikiki having been less than a block from the new HGVC location.
This area is over 80% Japanese tourists.
They visit Hawaii to shop in all the upscale store in Beachwalk and The Royal Hawaiian Shopping center.
Many good restaurants in this area feature a menu which is only in Japanese. We had lunch at Wolfgang's on a Sunday, there were 50 customers there, but we were the only non-Japanese tourists.
The Eggs N Things on Saratoga at Kalakaua has at least 90% Japanese all day long. There is a feeding frenzy outside with big lines. The Japanese have a taste for pancakes.
We spent two weeks at the HGVC Bay Club on the Big Island, it was so different from Waikiki.

Actually Japanese tourism is down since their Tsunami and Hawaii has been courting Chinese tourism lately. Hawaii was working on expedited tourist visa for China to visit Hawaii. So there could be a shake up in the nationality in the next decade.

 

[HatTrick]

A Web search reveals that Hokulani means heavenly star. That renovation had better be spectacular!

The parking garage entrance appears to be on Kalakaua Ave (Google Maps screen grab).

I'm guessing if you don't go through the garage, the entrance is up the escalator (Google Maps screen grab).