Oahu’s First Hilton Garden Inn Opens in Honolulu

By Adriana Pop

Honolulu–Hilton Worldwide has announced the opening of Hilton Garden Inn Waikiki Beach in Honolulu. Evolution Hospitality is managing the property, which offers 623 guestrooms.

The lobby of Hilton Garden Inn Waikiki Beach.

The hotel marks the brand’s second project in Hawaii, its 700th location to open worldwide, as well as the largest Hilton Garden Inn to open in history. Hilton Garden Inn Kauai Wailua Bay, the brand’s first Hawaii property, opened its doors to guests on the Garden Isle earlier this year.

“Opening our second Hilton Garden Inn branded hotel in Hawaii, the first in the capital of Hawaii, is a major feat for the brand, which is expanding at a rapid pace,” stated John Greenleaf, global head, Hilton Garden Inn. “With 11 Hilton Worldwide hotels open or in various stages of development in Hawaii, Hilton Garden Inn brings in a new, diverse option for guests that allows for both a productive business trip and, at the same time, a leisurely stay with all the allure of a tropical vacation resort.”

The hotel is situated only two blocks from the famous Waikiki Beach, across the street from the revitalized International Market Place and 25 minutes from the Honolulu International Airport. The property is also within walking distance of a variety of shopping, dining, cultural institutions and adventure activities, including the venues along Kalakaua Avenue, the Honolulu Zoo and the Ala Wai Golf Course. The USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head State Monument, Polynesian Cultural Center and Waimea Falls are also popular attractions.

Guests at Hilton Garden Inn Waikiki Beach can choose from a variety of activities such as surfing, stand up paddle boarding, kayaking, diving, biking, fishing, sunbathing and sightseeing within the Waikiki resort area.

The hotel recently underwent an extensive $115 million redevelopment and now features a lively living-room style lobby with communal seating and classic Hawaiian design. The décor showcases high wooden ceilings, bordered by gallery-lit Hawaiian kapa prints on reclaimed wood and a color palette that pays homage to the beauty of the islands through natural materials, finishes and textures.

All 623 guestrooms, including one- and two-bedroom suites, boast the brand’s signature bedding that features fresh, white duvets and crisp linens, a 48-inch HDTV with premium channels and an in-room “hospitality center” with a microwave, mini-refrigerator and Keurig coffee/tea maker. Most guestrooms include a walk-out lanai with seating, ideal for enjoying a morning coffee or taking in the sunset.

Amenities include spacious public areas, a newly designed rooftop pool area with poolside bar, as well as separate cardio and strength training fitness centers. Guests can also enjoy the Holoholo Café & Market, which features gourmet grab-and-go food that includes local Hawaiian favorites, a wine and beer bar, espresso coffee bar, decadent desserts, unique Hawaiian souvenirs and sundries.

Waikiki’s diverse dining scene is within walking distance of the hotel and includes restaurants by world-renowned Chefs Michael Mina and Roy Yamaguchi at the International Market Place, or ethnic offerings along Kalakaua Avenue with price points to please discerning palates from across the globe.

Other recent Hilton Garden Inn expansions include a 200-key hotel in Minneapolis, a 197-key hotel in Pittsburgh, as well as international projects such as the Hilton Garden Inn Vienna South in Austria or the upcoming Hilton Garden Inn Bucharest Old Town in Romania.

Image courtesy of Hilton Garden Inn