Waikoloa instead of HHV if you have a car

[Tamaradarann]

We have stayed at the Hilton Hawaiian Village a number of times and love it dearly. However, we stay without a car. You can walk or take a bus to just about anything and maybe rent a car for one day and see the rest of the island. If I was going to rent a car for my stay I would stay at Waikoloa on Big Island or use RCI to trade for Kauai or Maui. The traffic, parking (both at the HHV and when you go other places) is much better in all of Hawaii outside of the Waikiki/Honolulu area. The big advantage to Waikiki/Honolulu is not needing a car. The cost of the rent a car, parking, gas, and stress of worrying about a car is just not worth it in Waikiki. Why stay at the HHV if you must have a car?

 

[SmithOp]

Why stay at the HHV if you must have a car?

While I agree with you I can think of 2 instances where I needed the car.
- traveling with a handicapped person, nice to have the valet service.
- playing golf, being able to leave clubs in the trunk and leave at 5:30 am for early tee times.

I pay the extra for valet, the parking lot can be impossible to find spots on busy holiday weeks.

 

[Tamaradarann]

Why Not Stay on Waikoloa?

While I agree with you I can think of 2 instances where I needed the car.
- traveling with a handicapped person, nice to have the valet service.
- playing golf, being able to leave clubs in the trunk and leave at 5:30 am for early tee times.

I pay the extra for valet, the parking lot can be impossible to find spots on busy holiday weeks.

I agree that in both of those instances that you need a car. My point is, why not stay on Waikoloa? The parking, including handicapped parking, is better and free, and you certainly have golf courses right nearby.

 

[rjp123]

We have stayed at the Hilton Hawaiian Village a number of times and love it dearly. However, we stay without a car. You can walk or take a bus to just about anything and maybe rent a car for one day and see the rest of the island. If I was going to rent a car for my stay I would stay at Waikoloa on Big Island or use RCI to trade for Kauai or Maui. The traffic, parking (both at the HHV and when you go other places) is much better in all of Hawaii outside of the Waikiki/Honolulu area. The big advantage to Waikiki/Honolulu is not needing a car. The cost of the rent a car, parking, gas, and stress of worrying about a car is just not worth it in Waikiki. Why stay at the HHV if you must have a car?

Great story.

 

[jehb2]

Why stay at the HHV if you must have a car?

Are you saying that it doesn't make sense to stay at HHV if you feel the need to rent a car?

 

[Tamaradarann]

Waikoloa or HHV with a car

Are you saying that it doesn't make sense to stay at HHV if you feel the need to rent a car?

I would express the thought somewhat differently. If your vacation plans include renting a car there are many beautiful places in Hawaii, other than Waikiki, where the parking is free and the traffic less stressful . If you would rather vacation where you do not need to rent a car and prefer to walk or take a bus, I can't think of a better place to vacation than Waikiki.

 

[izzykool]

I woud also add, the two properties are totally different in my opinion in terms of environment. When I stayed at HHV it was right on the Pacific, ocean views, the open air lobby, shops in the village, and of course the "quasi metro" nightlife of Honolulu.

The Waikoloa resort is nice, but not right on the ocean as is HHV, and the area is more remote and closer to rural in my opinion as compared to Waikiki. Both resorts are great but in their own way in my opinion. If you want great golfing and relaxing in a quiet more remote area Waikoloa may be the preferred choice. However, if you love ocean views, fantastic sunsets, and "action" HHV may be the preferred choice.

 

[Tamaradarann]

Urban Waikiki is different from the rest of Hawaii

I woud also add, the two properties are totally different in my opinion in terms of environment. When I stayed at HHV it was right on the Pacific, ocean views, the open air lobby, shops in the village, and of course the "quasi metro" nightlife of Honolulu.

The Waikoloa resort is nice, but not right on the ocean as is HHV, and the area is more remote and closer to rural in my opinion as compared to Waikiki. Both resorts are great but in their own way in my opinion. If you want great golfing and relaxing in a quiet more remote area Waikoloa may be the preferred choice. However, if you love ocean views, fantastic sunsets, and "action" HHV may be the preferred choice.

Waikiki is an urban environment which provides many benefits which include walkability and great public transportation as well as a wealth of activities. However, the parking and traffic are disadvantages which are unequaled in the rest of Hawaii. I would stay in Waikiki without a car, walk all day and night, take a bus to get to most places that I can't or don't want to walk to, and take an occasional cab late at night or when its stormy any day. However, if I was going to be burdened with the cost of a rent a car, the cost of the parking, the concern of the rent a car damage, and the traffic I would much rather go to the other Hawaiian Islands where it is less costly, less stressful, and much beauty and Hawaiian culture to experience. We just came back from a 3 day mini trip to Molokai and rented a car. All I can say is WOW. It was worth going and it was worth renting a car. We are back in Waikiki; happy without a car.

 

[izzykool]

I can feel that....When I stayed at HHV I rented a convertible both times, and valeted it at the hotel. And occasionally my wife and I would catch the trolley or bus around the city to avoid the parking foolishness.

But when we wanted to ride out to the other parts of the island (Garlic Crabs) or even catch the shopping mall or flea market at stadium, the car was the pro move.

I would probably agree that if Waikiki is going to be the main hub and you won't be venturing to the other parts of the island or playing a lot of golf than a rental car is probably not needed.

 

[Tamaradarann]

Day car Renting

I can feel that....When I stayed at HHV I rented a convertible both times, and valeted it at the hotel. And occasionally my wife and I would catch the trolley or bus around the city to avoid the parking foolishness.

But when we wanted to ride out to the other parts of the island (Garlic Crabs) or even catch the shopping mall or flea market at stadium, the car was the pro move.

I would probably agree that if Waikiki is going to be the main hub and you won't be venturing to the other parts of the island or playing a lot of golf than a rental car is probably not needed.

We stay in Waikiki about 3 months every winter. One day car renting is enough for me to go around the island and do the things that you do. 89 days of no car bliss is great and cost effective. I will say again, the other islands, like Oahu outside of Honolulu, have great things to see and do and a car is essential. If you must have a car, why stay in Waikiki?