Day 1:
Me and my sister Danny arrived at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, Waikiki Beach Resort at approximately 2:00 PM. I had booked a resort view room with Hilton HHonors points and the front desk upgraded us to the Rainbow Tower Ocean-view room. The Gold status entitles you to 1,000 bonus points per stay or $10/person per day credit at any of the property restaurants. We chose the credit of course. We headed up to our room to drop our luggage and check out the resort. We decided to grab a quick bite to eat so went to the Pronto Pickle located on property for a sandwich. Next we headed for the beach.
The Hilton is in a semi-isolated area so the beach was clean and sparse of people. The water was a beautiful blue color with a little bit of corral throughout and just the right temperature (not too warm, not too cold). We swam in the ocean for a couple of hours before we decided to head over to the swimming pool. The pool water was almost the same temperature as the ocean (maybe a little warmer) but the depth didn’t go past 3.5 ft deep (a bit disappointing). There were 2 pools there, one a bit warmer than the other.
After we finished swimming, we decided to check out the rest of the resort. It is known for being its own village (you don’t need to leave to shop or eat). Near the check-in counter we found a few activities desks. The first one we stopped at was for the Luau. Hilton has it’s own Luau for $100 per person. We next visited the Concierge desk (had a free gift coupon from the room) where were were given a coupon book for the resort shops and a free tote bag. The clerk also noticed we had the Luau flier in our hand so she proceeded to tell us about how we can get a $200 credit for the Luau. There is a time-share like tour of one of their buildings and if you meet certain criteria for that you would be able to go to the Luau for free. She said both parties of a married couple must be present (so I was disqualified as Mr. MilesPointsTravel wasn’t here on this trip). So we finally got out of there and proceeded to walk around and check out the rest of the hotel.
On the premises there are probably well over 20 shops/food places, an African Penguin and Turtle enclosure, and a few little waterfalls and koi ponds.
Once evening rolled around, we decided to grab a quick bite and opted for some Round Table Pizza (one of the cheaper options). We got a medium Hawaiian pizza and some bread-sticks (bread-sticks were free with coupon). Needless to remind everyone, everything costs an arm and a leg over here in Waikiki.
Day 2:
Wanting to get an early start and beat the heat, we headed out to Diamond Head at 8:00 AM. It was approximately a 20 minute drive from the Hilton. Arriving so early, parking was simple ($5 fee). You park inside the crater where they have restrooms, picnic tables and a food truck (drinks and shaved ice available).
You start out on a paved trail that eventually turns into a dirt and rock, well marked, trail. There are plenty of other people around and the trail curves back and forth (instead of walking straight up). Though the trail is easily maneuvered, it can be a bit intense as it is ALL uphill with some stairs thrown in.
After you go through a dark (semi-lit) tunnel there will be a HUGE staircase on the right. We decided not to take that one, instead you go left and there is a broken up wrapping stair case you can use instead with some awesome views from this route.
Once you reach the top (approximately 1 hour hike), you will see it was well worth the trek. Breath taking 360 degree views of the ocean and city. You’ll get unbeatable pics from this high up.
After enjoying the views, we headed back down (approximately 45 minute hike). We picked up a couple bottles of water from the food truck and headed on out to our next destination… Manoa Falls.
As you head toward the mountains, you can see the low hanging clouds and sprinkles on the windshield. The trip to Manoa Falls takes you through a small town and neighborhood.You will eventually see a sign leading you to the parking lot ($5 fee). We arrived around 11:00 AM and had just missed a downpour. The parking attendant told us there is a shop across the street that sells rain-ponchos. We opted to go without. The trail starts on a street that leads you past a college (wouldn’t know it was there if you didn’t see the sign) to a small gate with a sign to the falls.
The trail is well marked and straight forward (you can’t miss it). Due to the rain, it was a bit muddy. If possible wear old tennis shoes or sturdy water shoes. You will pass lots of views of the river, lush green trees and plants, and interesting roots and flowers.
This hike (approximately 35 minutes) was also mostly uphill with a few stairs. Due to the mud, it was a bit slippery as well, but almost anyone can do the hike.
Once you finally reach the falls, it’s quite breathtaking. The sounds, smells, and feel of the mist is really awesome! There is a bench at the top where you can sit and just take it all in.
Once you chill for a little and get all your pictures in, the trek back down (25 minutes) you can see all the little things you probably missed on your way up.
Getting back in the car we were starving after 2 hikes. We got our GPS out and told it to find the nearest cafe. We found Andy’s close by in the little town.
Though the outside didn’t look that great, the place was packed. We ordered a couple sandwiches and a real fruit smoothie totaling $13. Not bad at all!
We then headed back to the Hilton and hung out at the beach some more (love the water!).
The only restaurant that had been recommended as a must was a place on the beach called Duke’s. So we headed down the boardwalk to see if we could find it. About a mile down the beach we finally did.
It was so busy we had a 15 minute wait for a table.
We ordered drinks ($8.50 each) and a grilled turkey sandwich with fries ($14.99). The drinks were awesome, but no better than any other I’ve had, and the sandwich was ok. All-in-all, I wouldn’t call this a must-do place, there were plenty of others on the beach.
Sadly 2 days already down, we headed back to the hotel to call it a night.
Disclaimer: The trip report and hotel reviews for 2014 May Hawaii trip are solely the work of my wife Karen. I was not a traveler on this trip.