Honolulu just gave Hilton Hawaiian Village the green light for a towering 36-story addition in Waikiki, and it is already dividing opinion. The project will pack 515 more rooms into Hawaii’s busiest resort district by 2029, raising the question of whether this is a bold investment in the future or simply another step toward a Waikiki that feels too crowded, too vertical, and too out of balance.
Many visitors may wonder why Hilton is focused on adding 515 more rooms instead of fixing what is already there. Our own stay last year showed both the resort’s strengths and its weak spots — a prime stretch of Waikiki beachfront and the quieter Ali‘i Tower contrasted with dated furniture, construction noise, and service lapses.
For some, that raises the question of whether Hilton should invest in upgrading the guest experience and current structures before building higher into the skyline.
To construct this new tower, a cluster of older, low-rise shops and restaurants facing Ala Moana Boulevard will need to be demolished. Several of the buildings slated for demolition stand as fading reminders of an older Waikiki, before towers and glass walls took over.
What this tower reveals about Hawaii’s tourism future.
The approval shines a spotlight on a contradiction. State leaders discuss diversifying the economy and limiting tourism growth, yet major projects, such as Hilton’s, continue to advance. Developers and investors see long-term value in Hawaii tourism and are expanding capacity accordingly.
Readers see the disconnect. “We keep hearing about slowing tourism, but all we see is more building,” one said. That sentiment reflects the split between political rhetoric and on-the-ground reality. The Hilton tower will become a test case for how far Waikiki can stretch.
What’s inside Hilton’s massive 36-story Waikiki tower.
Hilton’s new tower will climb more than 350 feet above Ala Moana Boulevard. There will be 459 standard rooms and 56 suites, along with a lobby, pool, and retail space designed to seamlessly integrate guests into the already sprawling Hilton Hawaiian Village complex.
Once it opens, the resort will top 4,000 rooms. That will make it not only the largest Hilton property anywhere, but also the largest hotel in Hawaii and one of the largest in the entire Pacific.
Hilton executives say the expansion is a bold step to meet future demand from both international and domestic travelers. The company argues that investing now ensures Waikiki remains competitive globally as destinations like Tahiti, Fiji, and the Cook Islands continue to ramp up.
Hilton promises 500 new jobs, millions in tax revenue.
Hilton highlighted the importance of money and jobs during the approval process. Construction is expected to create thousands of short-term positions through 2029, followed by about 500 permanent jobs once the tower opens. The state and city also stand to gain millions more each year in hotel, property, and excise taxes.
For Hilton, the project is about more than adding rooms. Executives frame it as a show of confidence in Hawaii’s future, saying the tower will help secure Waikiki’s role as the center of Hawaii tourism for years to come.
Why some say Waikiki can’t handle another mega-tower.
Residents and community groups, as well as visitors, have voiced opposition throughout the process, raising concerns about gridlocked roads, already-strained sewer and water systems, and the loss of treasured ocean views. Waikiki Neighborhood Board members have previously questioned whether another mega-project is compatible with the city’s stated goals of managing growth.
When we first covered Hilton’s proposal, readers flooded the comments with frustration. One said, “How much more can they cram in before Waikiki collapses under its own weight?” Another wrote, “Waikiki is already unwalkable.” These voices reflect a deep anxiety that Waikiki has passed the tipping point between vibrant and overwhelmed.
A tower that redefines Waikiki’s identity.
Hilton Hawaiian Village has loomed large in Waikiki since the 1950s, hosting movie stars, dazzling crowds with Friday night fireworks, and serving as a gateway for generations of visitors to Hawaii.
The new 36-story tower will lock in its place as the resort that dominates Waikiki’s skyline, visible from nearly every vantage point. To some, it signals fresh investment and confidence in Hawaii’s visitor industry.
To others, it is another reminder of how much of Waikiki’s original character has already slipped away.
Travelers are just as split as residents. Many long-time visitors say they now look to the neighbor islands or smaller properties for a quieter stay. Others see the expansion as proof that Waikiki continues to thrive as a world-class resort district. Hilton is wagering that demand for the latter will continue to grow.
Construction timeline and oversight.
Hilton’s schedule calls for demolition of existing structures in late 2025, foundation work beginning in 2026, and the tower opening in 2029. Honolulu’s Department of Planning and Permitting will monitor compliance with Waikiki Special District regulations, including environmental, wind, and noise studies. Past projects in Honolulu have faced delays, and whether Hilton can stay on track remains to be seen.
Still, the company insists the project will now move forward without significant disruption and will deliver on schedule.
Looking ahead to 2029.
Whether it will be remembered as a smart investment or as another turn toward overcrowding remains to be seen. What is certain is that Hilton Hawaiian Village will stay at the center of the Waikiki story, just as it has for more than half a century.
Visitors in the coming years will continue to experience Waikiki as a construction zone, with cranes rising beside the surf. For some, it will be an irritation. For others, it will be proof that Waikiki never stands still. One reader may have captured it best: “Waikiki is never finished. It just keeps building.”
Do you see Hilton’s new tower as a good investment in Hawaii’s future, or another sign that Waikiki has gone too far once more? Share your thoughts below. Mahalo!
Photo Credit: Beat of Hawaii at Hilton Hawaiian Village, 2024.
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My sister and I just came back from our trip to Oahu. Stayed at the Rainbow Tower on 29th floor. Room was newly remodeled and fantastic views. We absolutely love the small shops and restaurants and are sad to hear they will be demolished to build another tower. It gave the property vintage character. If we return for another visit, we will not stay at HHV.
I’m glad that we stay on Kauai. The last time I stayed at HHV was in 2007. Sounds like that was the last time I’ll stay there. What a zoo!
I was told when at North shore that locals from that area refuse or never travel into Waikiki. Build more high rises. Concentrate visitors to a 5 block radius so they can walk around shoulder to shoulder just like Disneyland. That way rural locals have less tourism and quieter neighborhoods. Waikiki IMO will become the armpit of Oahu. Make it inconvenient and tourists will stop coming. Isn’t that really the plan?
Without CJ’S and Lapperts and the other stores in their unique setting, the Hilton isn’t worth going to. It will just be another city hotel.
I have been going to Hawaii since 1971 and love Oahu. But I do understand some opinions that Waikiki is too nuts already and it deters some people from visiting the island altogether. When I stayed in Feb of this year HHV was looking quite tired. It makes more sense to upgrade what they already have. Actually, they should invest in an overhaul of Hilton Waikoloa Village in Kona. That property has been outdated since I first went there in 2009. And it could be stunning as they gave a great piece of real estate.
People ruin everything.
Many do, some don’t. There was a story on this site yesterday about a man on Maui who is planting trees for the next generation and there are other non-profits that do good things. I agree that it’s harder to protect these and stop those who seem to enjoy destruction.
This is terrible for the community! It will just clog up Ala Moana Blvd more and destroy views unless u pay Hilton for a room! Why do we let Hilton do this when they can’t fill their current space?! Very disappointing 😡
Write to the Mayor! This is terrible! Honolulu already lost its flair and with another high rise hotel, things will only get worse.
Follow the money and other perks provided by Hilton
It seems pretty big as is, I don’t see why they are expanding with lower tourist.
Every time the Hotel Association buys a politician, the locals complain. Maybe, just maybe, elect someone else. The fact that you believe the politicians care about you more than their own pockets is laughable. My guess is tens of thousands of dollars went to elected officials. You are getting exactly what you voted for!
Horrible! Welcome to the concrete jungle. Hilton is going to ruin Waikīkī. Rename yo Hilton Island. Taking away the uniqueness of Waikiki. Money is going in pockets. This place is so corrupt!
Went to my father’s family’s hometown in Vermont earlier this summer. Just outside St Albans Town. No 36 floor towers in sight. Great views of Lake Champlain but no sighting of Champ. It was very nice, I plan on spending more time there…
Best Regards
My first visit to Hawaii in 1986 was a stay at the top of tower at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. We were charmed, mesmerized, and willing to overlook the shortcoming of the hospitality experience. Hilton shows its guests. We arrived on December 7 and immediately went to see the touching ceremonies at Pearl Harbor. husband had served in the Navy in the Pacific.
I brought guest with me and stayed at the Hilton Hawaiian Village several times after. Never again.
Although I reside right next door and appreciate much of what the Hilton provides as conveniences to me personally, I know the increased traffic, pedestrian in auto, noise, events, litter, and pollution will most likely trouble everyone.
It would be beneficial if this paper which I admire greatly, would continually remind residents and travelers alike the best way to protest this.
Is it possible?
A part-time Hawaii resident who loves and greatly respects the spirituality of Hawaii.
I remember a time years ago, that the “new” hotels not on the beach were turned into student housing because they couldn’t keep them full enough to be cost effective. Also, wasn’t there an article not to long ago about parts of Waikiki sinking (it is a swamp after all)? If Hilton really wanted to make money, they would build a 3 story reasonably priced parking garage. They could even run shuttles from there to the hotels in town. Just sayin’.
“Y’all keep voting for the same crooked crew. They love to claim they’re ‘against billionaires,’ but when it comes time to raise money, what do they do? They fold. No vision, no creativity. And this is Hawai‘i — one of the most beautiful states in the nation, full of opportunity. We deserve leaders who can actually build, not ones who hide behind excuses.
Vote the empty promises out!
Waikiki is doomed and all because of greed
I lived and still own property on Oahu since 1979
Back then it was really paradise
Open beaches no fees anywhere in the islands
Biggest mistake was tearing down the International Market in Waikiki
What a fun place that was
Now designer stores with few customers and very few people in that area
I I think the local politicians and greedy Big time investors have and continue to ruin all of Hawaii
No more shows that used to be to give an opportunity for the local talent to express themselves
I’m an investor since I own and become goodproperty but I rent on a long term basis at a fair amount as well as maintain the property as though I live there
Waikiki doesn’t need a New hotel .
Hotel owners need to fix and rentavate what exists and begin to have respect for the local people as well as the tourists who all pay in some form to make profits for you
I agree about the International Marketplace. It was a spectacular idea and was really working well. Small business owners, great location, and nice venue for local groups to play and try out new songs. Now you can go to a modern high end shopping center that could be almost anywhere…and of course, Target.
In the 1970s, the International Marketplace was awesome! By the time they tore it down, it was a seedy dump inhabited by wandering homeless.
It had a good run there for a while, and I’m not sure what eventually went wrong. Maybe the rents were too high?
Unfortunately, not all good things last forever.
I remember how fun it was. I understand towards the end it was mostly imported junk and t shirts that you could get anywhere. Looks like a management problem. Possibly it was allowed to go down hill because of the value of the land…it’s happened before. I remember the shock of that monstrosity they built at the Royal. How to take a spectacular piece of property and wonderful building, then build that tower and call it an improvement. Progress???
Waikiki is already a lost cause. It has become a caricature of itself. What was once charming and authentic has devolved into blander, more soulless version of Miami Beach. And Hawaii doesn’t need more Florida influences.
I avoid Waikiki like the plague. It’s tacky. It’s tasteless. And it in no way reflects Hawai’i or its people.
I will never stay in Waikiki. Its an urban mess of hideous traffic, insane parking, too many pedestrians and over priced restaurants. The 60s era high rises are hideous. There is zero character there. I only go to the Big Island. Yes, I know, Vegas has some resemblances.
Every time I visited Waikiki one hotel or another has had scaffolding, construction and fenced off sidewalks etc. IMO I hate the noise of jackhammers, backhoes, dump trucks power saws while I’m on vacation.
Waikiki beach can’t handle 400 more rooms of what 800-1600 people entering a 5 foot wide beach in some areas. It just proves if you have enough money that the money talks and everybody else can just suffer the result. This really don’t fall into the scheme of Hawaii wanting less Tourist’s does it. What is Hawaii’s next plan? Tear down the cheaper hotels and force tourists to stay in more expensive locations so the state can bring in more tax revenue.
A 36- floor tower – really? I hope it’s not along the beach front or it will block the views from a lot of other hotels, etc. Such a massive undertaking isn’t needed in Hawaii unless all the “got rocks” folks are staying there and leaving the other places to us peasants. The money to construct such a place could be used better in infrastructure for the tourist and resident needs and improvements spoken about so often here.
It is. Corner of Hawaiian Hilton Village.
Like they need more. No land or beauty left in Waikiki. No views. Running the locals out!
Disgusting 😡 this is proof as to why our so called leaders in the state are in the pockets of the Hotels and Resort industry. Never going to stay in these overpriced places.
With a long-term drought already occurring, is there a reason to lure 1,000+ more people to Waikiki to fill an additional 500+ new rooms? Tell the owners of the Hilton to pound sand. This isn’t Tokyo.
I won’t go to Waikiki anymore. It feels like a trip to NYC.
In 2015, we brought our niece to Hawaii for her birthday. She spent 5 days in Volcano at our house, then, we did 5 days at the Hale Koa. She lives & works in NYC. On our way from the airport to Waikiki, she looked out of the car window & said, ” Auntie, this looks just like NYC!”
Greed, greed, and more greed.
No more aloha….. Just ching, ching, and more ching.
We have a timeshare in the Kalia Tower, right next door to the site of the new tower. The HHV can be so crowded at times, that it just isn’t enjoyable anymore. I’m not looking forward to demolition/construction noise in our next trips at all. I completely agree with BOH that Hilton should focus on upgrading already existing hotel rooms and facilities. We too tend to go to other islands to escape the crowding in Waikiki. It’s a shame as we have family there, and that’s why we bought the timeshare for our visits.
We have friends that just swapped their Hilton timeshare at HHV to one in Waikoloa on the Big Island. As we live in Volcano, we got to see them several times during their recent visit. They said HHV isn’t what it was when they first bought.
that is terrible news! With more buildings like these, you are loosing the Waikiki flair!
“Losing its flair?” That ship has long sailed.
To each his own, but the reason we started traveling to Hawaii 20 years ago was to get away from the crowds, traffic and noise of Southern California.
Now, Hawaii (at least O’ahu) has become SoCal… with nicer beaches.