Kauai-The Garden Isle Gets First Hilton Garden Inn by Susan Campbell
The first one was set in gorgeous Kauai, where nature still reigns supreme and the setting itself is located beside important sacred grounds where the Wailua River meets the sea. This is the birthplace of the ancient nobles of Kauai, and definitely an ideal place for new beginnings. And this was the very first Hilton Garden Inn to open in the Hawaiian Islands. It was with much fanfare, and cultural music, dance and blessings that the new hotel was opened. Hawaiians are very big on bless-
Photo: Susan Campbell
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ings! They have spiritual leaders cleanse the past energy or “mana” and invite the “aloha spirit” and new energy to enter. It’s a lovely tradition. And the community’s enthusiasm for this new accommodation offering on this very special spot was palpable. The grand ballroom in the past hotel there had hosted many decades worth of local celebrations. The new incarnation of the hotel as a Hilton Garden Inn brand now has 216 completely remodeled guest rooms including some stand-alone cottages. The newly refreshed lobby opens on to the new Garden Grille & Bar, and there are two pools, an outdoor hot tub and a fitness center. But of course, the biggest draw is the beach!
A Children’s Paradise and a Romantic Retreat I can’t think of a spot more ideally suited for families; the grounds are virtually one big surf and turf playground! Due to manmade breakwaters, there are two calm, shallow pools where wee ones can avoid big waves. And right next door is Lydgate Park with a massive playground. And all ages will enjoy complimentary coaster bikes for cruising along the coconut coast bike paths along the sea. But romantics will also appreciate this setting. The hotel has a quieter wing and pool where adults can escape, and the wild and restless waves on either side of the breakwaters roll onto isolated beaches for very
romantic seaside strolls. There is also a seaside gazebo for weddings, and receptions can be well catered to with lots of celebration hall space indoor and and a large lovely patio for al fresco events.
Island Adventures Kaui is a hiker’s haven, and zip lining is also big. Go with Koloa Tours that offer the longest lines on the island and also rough and tumble ATV adventures. Surfing, snorkeling, and dolphin and whale spotting sailing trips are also perfect pastimes there, but one thrilling adventure not to be missed is a helicopter tour! We hovered over the Jurassic landscape of the famous Napali coast with Blue Hawaiian Helicopters and trust me; it was a bucket-list epic adventure.
www.hgi.com
Photo: Susan Campbell
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was delighted to be invited to witness Hilton Garden Inn making history in Hawaii with not one, but two openings of new resorts in the 50th state last June.
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Oahu Gets A New Urban Oasis - Hilton Garden Inn Waikiki Beach by Susan Campbell
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he new Hilton Garden Inn Waikiki Beach opened a few days later, last June- the 18-story tower in the heart of Honolulu’s most popular tourist region was the result of a $115 million investment. This flagship property was not only the first Hilton Garden Inn to open on Oahu, but at 623 rooms, it also made Hilton history as being their largest Garden Inn to date worldwide. As it was with the opening in Kauai, there were many blessing’s involved in the true Hawaiian tradition designed to cleanse the energy of the property during the ribboncutting ceremonies. The kahuna (priest) also blessed their new on-site Holololo Market Café -a full-service sundries shop offering a wide range of souvenirs, readymade meals, and a sit-down café/restaurant. The lobby is a spacious and welcoming communal style affair with computers and lounge nooks and the décor through-
out reflects the island colors in rich woods, sunshine yellows and sea blue accents.
A Bright, Inviting Stay The rooms are bright and modern with contemporary furnishings and all the standard amenities one would expect, and most rooms have private balconies looking down on the hustle and bustle below. But you can easily escape the fray at their excellent urban oasis pool on the third floor rooftop. It’s a secret garden retreat with a friendly bar and grill and a pool table. There are also two modern fitness centers on that floor. The new hotel should appeal to business travellers as it’s within easy walking distance to major convention centers, and leisure travelers and families will appreciate the fact that it’s a mere two blocks from famous Waikiki Beach. It’s also located
across the street from the International Marketplace, and also on site soon will be their new TR Fire Grill- a friendly American style bistro. My stay was brief, but I found the vibe throughout very welcoming. It should do well as the city’s latest offering for an economical yet well-pedigreed accommodation in the heart of the Waikiki community.
Island Adventures Waikiki Beach offers surfing and childfriendly swimming and famous Diamond Head is also close for hiking. The Ala Wai Golf Course is nearby as well, and the hotel is also close to Pearl Harbor and its museum.
www.hgi.com
WT / Fall 2016