The island of Oahu should be named the “Rainbow Island” since every time I visit the third-largest of the Hawaiian Islands, it’s rains once or twice and rewards its residents and visitors with a colorful rainbow.

Like the colors of the rainbow, the diversity of Hilton Hotels in Honolulu and Waikiki Beach offers accommodations for every budget. One of the most iconic luxury vacation destinations is the Rainbow Tower at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach. Set on 22 acres, the beachfront rooms and suites are located near tropical swimming pools, a salt-water lagoon, 20 restaurants and bars and the Mandara Spa. Each room in the Rainbow Tower offer picturesque views of the Pacific Ocean and the Honolulu coastline from both sides of the building. This is the largest Hilton property on the island and very family friendly.

One block away is the more boutique Doubletree by Hilton Alana Waikiki Hotel Beach. With only one heated tiled swimming pool, it offers a relaxing and quieter atmosphere.  The 21 story hotel offers a pleasing decor in the main areas, and soothing colors in each guest room with a private lanai (balcony), looking out to partial ocean, city and mountain views.

Staying in suite 1421, I had two lanais with a 280 degree view of the mountains to ocean. The first morning I stepped out to my lanai and noticed a rainbow touching one of the Hilton Hawaiian Village towers.

Since I’ve been to Oahu multiple times, this time I wanted to investigate the farms and ranches offering visitors Ecotourism experiences. After a morning swim and breakfast buffet at the onsite Tree’s Restaurant, I boarded a shuttle to the Ko Hāna Rum distillery for a tour and rum tasting.

As the sun peeked out from the clouds, my group took a guided walk through the sugar cane fields. We learned Japanese war planes flew over these fields before bombing Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.

Kō Hana Agricole Rum is meticulously crafted from farm to bottle. Inside the tasting room we first tasted freshly pressed sugar cane juice, plus three other distinctive rums. The last Kokoleke is enhanced with local cacao and honey. Not only is this rum an ideal after-dinner drink, it can be poured over ice cream.

Having a Charley’s Taxi Charter bring me back to Waikiki, I enjoyed lunch at Hiking Hawaii Cafe known for their organic paninis, wraps, gluten-free options and acai bowls made from scratch. Located on the ground floor of The DoubleTree by Hilton Alana Waikiki Beach, not only does this cafe offer healthy cuisine, but also organizes outdoor hiking adventures.

This is ideal for the active traveler who doesn’t want to hike alone, or would like to meet like minded people. Group hikes include Manoa Falls, Makeupu’u Lighthouse and a North Shore Tour. Families and groups can also book a private and custom tour. It might rain while on a hike, however the rainbow you might see when the sun peeks through the clouds will be spectacular.

This article is featured in Luxe Beat Magazine