Staycation at the Hilton Waikiki Beach: On the Beach

The famous beach at Waikiki is actually named Kuhio Beach. This stretch of sand starts from the Royal Hawaiian Hotel going east to Kapahulu Avenue. This segues into Kapiolani Beach Park, the site of the Sunset on the Beach movie events. Because of the overcrowded reputation of Waikiki we often forget what helps to make this part of Honolulu a magnet for travelers. A walk from a hotel to the beach offers a spectacular view at any time of day. Among the unobstructed views is one of famous Diamond Head Crater.

These photos were taken during my stay at the Hilton Waikiki Beach (formerly known as the Hilton Prince Kuhio) which is located a block from the beach. You can see why so many soak in the sun even as it is setting or gander at the bright blue sky and ocean in daylight. Combine this with the calming breezes and the soothing sounds of the ocean and there you have some relaxing moments at a beach in Hawaii albeit in crowded Waikiki.

Note: This is the last in a series of posts about the staying at the Hilton Waikiki Beach hotel based on a stay from 2008. The hotel was formerly known as the Hilton Prince Kuhio.

Staycation at the Hilton Waikiki Beach: Mac 24-7

Restaurant entrance (image credit: PHOTOlulu)

Counter and booth dining (image credit: hapahale)

Dining room with view of garden (image credit: Kathleen Walling Fry)

Many hotel restaurants in Waikiki cater to both the visitor and local crowds such as the Mac 24-7 Bar + Restaurant. The fact that it serves simple comfort food 24 hours a day in a stylized setting adds to the attraction. The restaurant is the main and actually the only dining option at the Hilton Waikiki Beach. Mac 24-7 also provides the food for the hotel's lobby bar and operates the Mac 2-Go counter.

The menu is updated to keep regular patrons interested for return visits. But some favorites remain. One of the restaurant's claim to fame is the multiple layer mac daddy pancake the "size of manholes" featured in a segment of the popular "Man Vs. Food" television series on the Travel Channel. Host Adam Richman attempts to add his name to the Hall of Fame for those with the appetite to consume the behemoth dish in 90 minutes. Click here to view a video preview of the episode.

Mac Daddy pancake (image credit: akueats)

Mac 2-Go (image credit: jtbhawaii)

The restaurant is divided into two sections: a long dining room with counter seating and a larger dining room with views of the hotel's gazebo garden. Both sections have dining booths. I've dined here on several occasions and I have no complaints about the service. The menu offers local favorites (loco moco, saimin) to more standard fare (chicken parmesan). Yes, the restaurant offers a mac and cheese but made with white cheddar and peas.

The Mac 2-Go counter is catered towards the on-the-go visitor breakfast crowd just wanting to pick up a quick bite such as a pastry and coffee before a day of sightseeing or hours at the beach. The lobby bar offers comfortable seating in a quiet setting. The lobby bar and Mac 24-7 are available for special events. More info at mac247waikiki.com.

Above and below: Lobby Bar (top image credit: Hilton)

Note: This is one in a series of posts about the hotel based on a stay from 2008. The look of the hotel has not changed but quality or service can change within that time. The hotel was formerly known as the Hilton Prince Kuhio.

Staycation at the Hilton Waikiki Beach: Common Areas

View of pool from 19th floor

Elevator detail

Living area near elevators on 19th floor.

Like most hotels in Honolulu, the public spaces or common areas aren't particularly grand. But many hotels attempt for an an airy open lobby to take advantage of Hawaii's breezes and tropical colors. The lobby of the Hilton Waikiki Beach, despite unimpressive entrances, opens into a high ceiling space with walls in a cream color and warmed with wood accents on the ceiling and mezzanine level.

Large windows open up the lobby with a view of the gazebo garden in back of the hotel. Lots of comfy seating segues into the hotel's lobby bar. In the elevators colorful panels with imprints of leaves line the walls. One unusual  feature is there's a living area on each floor just off of the elevator. Peek out the window near this living area and you can see the rooftop pool deck below. It's an opportunity to see if the jacuzzi or any lounge chairs are available before heading down to the pool.

Note: This post is one in a series about the hotel based on a stay from 2008. The look of the hotel has not changed but quality or service can change within that time. The hotel was formerly known as the Hilton Prince Kuhio.

Above and below: Hotel lobby.

Staycation at the Hilton Waikiki Beach: The View

Ocean view at various times of day

Diamond Head view.

Because my stay was in September during the shoulder (or low) season, I was upgraded to an ocean view room on the 19th floor of the Hilton Waikiki Beach. Though the hotel, located on Kuhio Avenue, is one block away from famous Waikiki beach almost all rooms on the ocean side have superior views. This is helped by the fact that a small hotel, church and parking lot occupies the block separating the hotel from Kalakaua Avenue which runs along Waikiki beach.

My oceanside room also has a narrow view of famous Diamond Head Crater to the east and the hotels of Waikiki to the west. Rooms with mountain views can be spectacular or panoramic though fronted by urban Honolulu. For fun I took photos (above) of the ocean view from my room at various times during the day. Few would complain about such a sight. More info at hiltonwaikikibeach.com.

Note: This post is one in a series about the hotel based on a stay from 2008. The look of the hotel has not changed but quality or service can change within that time. The hotel was formerly known as the Hilton Prince Kuhio.

Balconies along the 19th floor.

Waikiki view to the west.

Zoom view of the Waikiki Beach Marriott across the street.

Staycation at the Hilton Waikiki Beach: The Room

The standard guest room at the Hilton Waikiki Beach is bright and airy without overtly tropical decor. One unusual feature is the cracked glass panel windows between the bedroom and bathroom. Venetian blinds helps to keep bathroom moments private. Also different is the closet located in the bathroom. The only other storage space is the cabinet below the wall-mounted flat-screen television and open shelves in the bathroom. One ugly feature is the exposed fluorescent light above the room's door.

All the rooms have balconies but they are from private. Look to the right and left and you see everyone else's balcony on the same floor. Seating is relegated to a lounge and desk chair. The desk is a bit narrow but this is likely to help make the 306-square-foot room appear more spacious.

The floor-to-ceiling sliding doors also helps to make the room feel wider. But be careful about drawing the drapes or doors completely open. If your hotel neighbor is on their balcony, they have an angle view of your room.

Room amenities include a coffee-maker with Kona Blend coffee (10% Kona Coffee), safe, iron and ironing board, hair dryer, refrigerator and alarm clock. Internet service is available for a fee of $9.95 per day.

Room options are king or two double beds. Executive rooms are located on higher floors. Suites are available. Room views are classified as follows: city view, deluxe ocean view, deluxe mountain view. Premium prices are charged for the ocean view rooms. More info at hiltonwaikikibeach.com.

Note: This post is one in a series about the hotel based on a stay from 2008. The look of the hotel has not changed but quality or service can change within that time. The hotel was formerly named the Hilton Prince Kuhio.

Staycation at the Hilton Waikiki Beach: The Hotel

Beach side of hotel.

In these tough economic times and drop in tourism in Hawaii, hotels have target advertising towards residents of the Aloha State for a 'staycation'. Instead of losing revenue on empty rooms, hotels were advertising extras such as free parking to encourage Hawaii residents to take a vacation in the state where they live.

In light of a termite extermination at my residence, I took this as an opportunity to take a two-night vacation in Waikiki. I chose the Hilton Prince Kuhio now simply known as the Hilton Waikiki Beach. Hilton took over the property that previously was managed under the Radisson name and before that under the local Outrigger brand.

Kuhio Avenue fronts the hotel. (image credit: HKPuiPui)

The hotel's website offers an interesting history of Prince Kuhio for which the hotel was originally named. Many forget that the Hawaiian Islands were a monarchy. Located in the heart of Waikiki, the hotel is located one block from beach and near the Honolulu Zoo, Kapiolani Park, Waikiki Aquarium and lots of shopping and eating options. Kuhio Avenue fronts the hotel and is the main thoroughfare for city buses from Waikiki to locations island wide. Parking is only via valet for all guests at $25 per day. This should be factored when choosing the hotel and considering the room rate. The hotel rises 37 floors with 601 rooms. Room rates start at about $200 per night.

This property located on the east end of Waikiki is one of two Hilton hotel brands that is separate from the mammoth Hilton Hawaiian Village (7 towers on 22 acres) in Waikiki. The other is the DoubleTree Alana Waikiki. The Village and Alana are located on the west end of Waikiki.

Note: This is the first in a series of posts about the hotel based on a stay from 2008. The look of the hotel has not changed but quality or services can change within that time. The hotel was formerly known as the Hilton Prince Kuhio.

The mountains of Honolulu behind hotel and Waikiki Beach.
(image credit: Hilton.com file photo)