Hilton breaks ground on Grand Waikikian

It is Hilton's fourth timeshare development in Hawaii and its most luxurious to date

Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort and Spa broke ground yesterday on the Grand Waikikian, Hilton's fourth timeshare development in Hawaii and its most luxurious to date.

The Grand Waikikian, which will be built near the property's famed salt-water lagoon, will have 38 stories with 331 one- and two-bedroom timeshare units and three-bedroom penthouses. The project, which is expected to open in late 2008, will include a retail shopping arcade, beachside restaurant and large pool with three slides and a "lazy river" theme. Penthouse owners also will have access to exclusive concierge and lounge facilities.

Hilton, which has long been involved in Hawaii timeshares, remains committed to this market, said Antoine Dagot, president and chief executive officer of Hilton Grand Vacation Club, a division of Hilton Hotels Corp.

"Since we began sales at the Hilton Hawaiian Village in 2000, our results have far outpaced our original expectations," said Dagot, whose company's club membership programs now manage services for 100,000 members.

"We are very enthusiastic about Hawaii, and the potential this market has for timeshare development and sales," he said.

The Grand Waikikian will stand out among other Hilton vacation clubs because of its prime location and luxury amenities, said Mark Wang, Hilton Grand Vacation Club senior vice president for Hawaii & Asia.

"We are creating an unparalleled guest experience, located within one of the world's most famous resorts and overlooking Waikiki's best stretch of beach," Wang said. "This will be a landmark development for the timeshare industry in Hawaii."