When comparing Sheraton Waikiki to Hilton Hawaiian Village, it is immediately worth mentioning that both hotels are made up of huge tower blocks located on the beach. The Sheraton is right in the center of the action, whereas the Hilton Hawaiian Village is further up the beach towards the Ala Moana Mall. Both are great hotels and because of their height, offer magnificent views. For walking around Waikiki, the Sheraton is better placed.
We have stayed in Waikiki on a number of occasions and have stayed in both of these hotels. Neither hotel is our number one choice in Waikiki. If you can stretch to it we love the Halekulani and Royal Hawaiian in Waikiki and the Four Seasons Oahu beyond Waikiki.
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1. Location: Sheraton Waikiki Vs. Hilton Hawaiian Village
Sheraton Waikiki is brilliantly located between the Halekulani and the Royal Hawaiian on the beachfront in Waikiki. These hotels are in the center of the action, and it’s easy to grab a coffee at the Royal Hawaiian or an evening cocktail at Halekulani Hotel’s famous House Without A Key Bar from this central location. Dukes Canoe Club, the Cheesecake Factory, and pretty much every shop and fast food restaurant are within a 5-minute walk from this hotel.
Unfortunately, this location isn’t on the widest part of Waikiki Beach. Slim sands front the Sheraton Waikiki, whereas the Hilton is fronted by some of the widest beaches in Waikiki. However, the Sheraton enjoys a great location and a beautiful beachfront infinity pool.
Hilton Hawaiian Village is a huge true resort destination at the far end of Waikiki Beach to Diamond Head. This expansive resort has its own lagoon, multiple pools, and various on-site restaurants and shops. It is within walking distance of the center of Waikiki, but it is a trek to places like Dukes and the International Marketplace.
A fun way to get to the center of Waikiki from the Hilton Hawaiian Village is by taking the colorful open-air trolleys, which run stopping services around Waikiki. However, if you want to pop out for a quick drink or bite at one of the leading luxury hotels in Waikiki, like the Halekulani or Royal Hawaiian’s Pink Palace, you are quite some walk from the action.
Four Seasons Oahu Vs. Ritz-Carlton Waikiki Vs. Halekulani Vs. Royal Hawaiian
Which is the best hotel on Oahu Beach? Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina Vs. Ritz Carlton Waikiki Vs. Halekulani Vs Royal Hawaiian. These four hotels are in quite different locations. Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina is not in Waikiki or Honolulu. Four Seasons is in Ko Olina, which is a good hours drive from Honolulu, depending on traffic. So if you want to explore Honolulu and Waikiki, then Four Seasons isn't a great choice. What Four Seasons does have is larger grounds, a better beach, a more stylish pool area, and a fantastic tropical resort feel.
Sheraton Waikiki is in the center of the action but it does not have such a great patch of beach. The Hilton Hawaiian Village is right on the best bit of beach but further from the action.
The Royal Hawaiian or Pink Palace is a great choice for both beach and action. We also love the waterfront Halekulani. Although this hotel doesn’t have much beach, it is on the waterfront and has a magnificent pool and grounds.
If you want the best hotel on the island of Oahu, it has to be Four Seasons Oahu which is one of the best Four Seasons on Hawaii and is not to be missed. Four Seasons Oahu is not in or even near Waikiki but is on a glorious beach in a beautiful setting.
2. Accommodations
The Sheraton Waikiki in Honolulu, Hawaii, offers over 1,600 guest rooms and suites, providing a range of accommodations, including oceanfront rooms. Sheraton Waikiki features modern and comfortable guest rooms and suites, many with balconies offering some of the best ocean views in Waikiki. You are virtually hanging over the beach from the Sheraton ocean view rooms.
The Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort offers over 2,500 guest rooms and suites, making it one of the largest hotel properties in Waikiki. These accommodations have various views, including ocean views. Hotel rooms, suites, and villas are spread across five towers and various low-rise buildings. Options range from standard guest rooms to luxurious suites with oceanfront views. Again, the ocean view rooms are glorious at the Hilton Hawaiian Village.
10 Best Hilton Hotels In Hawaii
Which is the best Hilton hotel in Hawaii for a family vacation or a honeymoon? Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort Vs. Grand Wailea Maui A Waldorf Astoria Resort Vs. Hilton Waikoloa Village Vs. Embassy Suites by Hilton. If you fly into Honolulu (HNL), you will probably head straight to the resort of Waikiki for your stay in Hawaii, but don't miss out on the other islands as there are some fantastic Hilton Honors hotels in Maui, Kauai, and Big Island too.
3. Amenities & Pools
The Sheraton Waikiki and Hilton Hawaiian Village both offer an impressive array of amenities. The Sheraton Waikiki boasts a luxurious semi-circular infinity pool surrounded by decking, which is a stunning spot to spend the day. It has upscale dining options, a fully equipped fitness center, and spa services, making it an ideal choice for travelers seeking a sophisticated and relaxing experience.
The Hilton Hawaiian Village stands out with its extensive pools, direct beach access, diverse activities and entertainment options, shopping village, and family-friendly amenities like kids’ programs and water sports rentals.
While the Sheraton emphasizes luxury and elegance, the Hilton Hawaiian Village focuses on providing a comprehensive resort experience with something for everyone, from families to couples to business travelers. And let’s not forget that the entire resort is spread out along a very wide sandy beach.
4. Atmosphere
Both hotels are huge. The Sheraton entrance is reached via a Shopping Mall, similar to the Hyatt Regency around the corner, which we’ve also compared to the Hilton Hawaiian Village. This gives the hotel’s communal areas a transient feel as anyone who walks through the mall can use the restaurants and communal spaces (although you need to be staying to use the pools).
Hyatt Regency Waikiki Vs Hilton Hawaiian Village. Which Is Best?
When comparing Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort Vs. Hilton Hawaiian Village it is immediately worth mentioning that the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort is confusingly named as it isn't actually on the beach. It's across the road and down the street from the beach, and while some of the rooms have ocean views, you cannot avoid walking and crossing the road to get to the beach. Hilton Hawaiian Village is a huge hotel that is set on the beach.
Hilton Hawaiian Village is a proper resort hotel that feels more grounded and traditional, with a traditional reception foyer. This hotel has so many facilities that you don’t need to leave. It has a beach, tropical grounds, great bars and restaurants, and is known for its bustling and lively atmosphere.
This resort caters to families, couples, and travelers of all ages, and if you have kids, being right on such a wide beach has to be a major advantage. So, the Hilton Hawaiian Village wins for families.
5. Club Lounge
The Sheraton Waikiki has one of the best club lounges in Waikiki. The Hilton Hawaiian Village does not have a club lounge.
The view from the club lounge is also excellent, although it is just a crowded room (often full of kids) with a decent breakfast and light dinner with snacks and free-flowing self-service wine and beer in the evening. A great spread but lacking in much of a Hawaiian feel.
Best Hotel Club Or Executive Level Lounge In Waikiki
This article outlines the hotels in Waikiki, Oahu, that offer club or executive lounges to guests. When deciding which hotel to choose in Waikiki, it is sensible to consider the added extras a hotel club lounge provides. Offerings usually include complimentary drinks and snacks throughout the day, breakfast in the morning, and evening cocktails with canapés. The evening food and drink offering is often more than enough to replace the need to go out for the evening. Club guestrooms are often a little bigger and offer more luxurious facilities than standard rooms, with more space.
6. Conclusion
The Hilton Hawaiian Village is iconic for its rainbow tower and has a better beach and facilities for families. The Sheraton Waikiki is better located in the heart of Waikiki and is walkable to just about everything. The Sheraton has a stunning infinity pool, which will be appreciated by adults, but it lacks the tropical feel of the Hilton, and the Hilton’s beach is much, much better.
We would pick the Hilton Hawaiian Village if you’re traveling as a family and the Sheraton if you are a couple who wants to be in the center of the action and have gorgeous infinity pools.
We especially love the bar at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, which sits on the beach’s edge. It is a brilliant place for a sundowner cocktail.
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