Hilton Vacation Club The Modern Honolulu

Quick Verdict

Hilton Vacation Club The Modern Honolulu is a design-forward timeshare property on Ala Moana Boulevard that works well if you're booking through the Hilton Vacation Club program or redeeming points. Walk-in rates, when available, tend to position it above standard Waikiki midscale options — so the value equation depends almost entirely on how you're paying. If you're comparing direct hotel bookings, Hotel Renew and Coconut Waikiki Hotel are easier to price and book on short notice. That said, for design-conscious travelers who can secure the right rate, The Modern delivers a noticeably sharper aesthetic than most of its Waikiki neighbors.

The Space

The Modern Honolulu sits at 1775 Ala Moana Blvd — on the western edge of Waikiki, close to the Ala Moana Center and a short walk from the beach. The property built its reputation on clean modernist design: geometric lines, a pool scene that attracted a younger, style-aware crowd, and a general rejection of the tropical kitsch that defines much of Waikiki hospitality. The Hilton Vacation Club acquisition marked a meaningful shift in the property's identity. The hotel transitioned from independent boutique positioning toward a timeshare-anchored model, which affects both who stays here and how rooms are allocated. The physical design bones remain, but the energy of the place has evolved. For travelers who remember The Modern's earlier iteration under different management, expect a quieter, less scene-driven atmosphere now. That's not necessarily a problem, it depends on what you're after. Guests prioritizing a calm, design-led base with Ala Moana access over beachfront buzz will find the location and interiors still deliver. For the full Waikiki resort experience with beach access and an activity-heavy atmosphere, Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort or Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa are the more obvious choices.

Practical Details

Reservations: Easy, availability is generally accessible outside peak Hawaii travel windows (December–January and June–August). Location: 1775 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96815, walkable to Ala Moana Center, roughly 10 minutes on foot to central Waikiki Beach. Leading for: Design-focused stays, Hilton Vacation Club members, couples or solo travelers who want Honolulu access without a full resort footprint. Skip if: You want beachfront positioning, an active pool scene, or predictable rack-rate hotel pricing. Check our full Urban Honolulu hotels guide for alternatives across every budget and style, and our Urban Honolulu restaurants guide for dining options near the property.

For context on what else Honolulu's hotel market offers at different price points and styles, see how The Modern compares to properties like Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort on the Big Island or design-led urban options like The Fifth Avenue Hotel in New York. Also worth browsing: our guides to Urban Honolulu bars and experiences in the area.