Well, returned yesterday leaving out at 8:55 pm and touching down at 10:30 am. Direct flight back was actually early! Only 8 1/2 hour flight time back. All our Continental flights were good though our flight from Houston to Honolulu was 1/2 hour late, which was not bad considering the storms on the West Coast at the time of the flight.
Anyway, my room request was not listened to or if listened to discarded. Never the less, when I did make my reservation the girl (grace) took my open season and home week reservation into account and gave us a room we were happy with during the entire length of our stay, L-1661 (C room on Diamondhead side)- since wife and I agreed that moving out and back in would be a hassle. At first I was a bit scared of the 1661 location because this room opened directly off the elevator but time proved to us that it was very quiet from the inside. When a few families with a large number of children were together and waiting for an elevator you could hear noise from the kitchen / living room but this only happened once. At night when the Luo was going on windows had to be shut or the Luo noise could be irritating. It ended by 8:30 or so each night and when we were in daughter enjoyed watching them periodically with my wife perform from our balcony. Tapa bar noise did not bother us though it could be occassionally heard with the windows / lanai door open (lanai door was pretty much always open during our stay). Our previous room at HHV four years ago was an E room on a lower floor which my wife claims was nicer, but it was close enough to the same for me. Views were super from our room though there were 17-23 and penthouse that I am sure were way better. We had no rain during the day every day during our stay but for the last day where it rained until 10 am and ten stopped. Weather was 80-83 every day so we were thrilled. Beach was no overly crowded. Towels were plentiful. It was over all a great stay.
The only huge room negatives as far as we were concerned was the fold-out sofa was old, worn and uncomfortable for adults and I would assume any child who knows better (over 10?) and the bathroom has no ventilation. Counters were granite throughout, kitchen and bathroom worked well. Upkeep of the room was fine. Housekeeping was fantastic. All the coffee or towels, toilet paper etc. we wanted were brought immediately to us. Our stay was great. Elevators were fine for us though they did move slower around 2:30 and about 8 am. Only time I really had to wait for an elevator was upon check-in the first day (Saturday about 3). We even saw the fireworks beautifully from our balcony (wind worked out for us).
The lagoon is beautiful now. The lobby connecting the Waikikian and Lagoon tower were beautifully and efficiently remodeled. I was amazed how you so easily could check in at the Grand Waikikian and go down the slope with luggage or walk down to the Lagoon.
Waikikian is a hassle to get to rooms compared with Lagoon for people who stay there. Showering and putting things in the Grand Waikikian the last day was a hassle, but the Hilton people did put a smiling face in front of us every interaction we had with them.
Now for my huge negative compared to how it was four years ago. Rainbow buffet is now only breakfast. We loved the different day theme dinners. Over all restaurants within the Hilton Village have gone way down in quality. I would not recommend eating anywhere at any time in the Village based on our dining experiences. We liked Dino (outsdie the village) for Hawaiian pizza on Tuesday but when we went back for the same thing Wednesday night it was down in quality - I guess due to chef change. So, perhaps a lot of the restaurants in that area are hit or miss. Still, the food at the Luo was barely eatable. The Tropics bar and grill was acceptable but very over priced. The Japanese noodle place for lunch one day was over priced and ok at best. Benihanna food was worse. Singha portions for Thai food out of the village were way to small. We like to eat all dinners out but next year will travel further from the village or cook more inside the room. Pineapples and papayas were outstanding. Groceries are expensive in Hawaii but food ingredients were fine even just using the Pantry Pride in easy walking distance of the Village (ABC stores too pricey with no real selection). Also, prices for renting a surf board, beach equipment or lessons in the Village are outrageous. For those who want they are waay cheaper just outside.
I was fortunate enough to meet "Jestme" a the village when I was there. He is super in person with a lovely wife as well. One of his sons was there who is a credit to his parents as well. Great meeting a super fellow Tug family!
The bellhop staff was super. They gave everybody nut lei's and flower lei's who wanted them. Bags were held efficiently. Tip was not expected so it was given. Any more thoughts and I'll put them in when I get a chance.