Hilton Grand Vacations yesterday celebrated the topping off of its Grand Waikikian timeshare project at Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort & Spa.

Construction crews finished the roof of the 38-story tower, marking a milestone in the construction of the building, which is expected to open in December. Ground was broken for the project in June 2006.

"We are ahead of schedule," said Mark Wang, president of Hilton Grand Vacations.

Architects Group 70 International designed the tower being constructed by Dick Pacific Construction Co. Carl Ross Design designed the project's one-, two- and three-bedroom units. Five penthouse floors will offer enhanced amenities and finishes.

The Grand Waikikian, on Ala Moana at the 'ewa end of Waikiki, joins the 236-unit Lagoon Tower and 72-unit Kalia Tower at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. Hilton also operates the 120-unit Hilton Grand Vacations Club at Waikoloa Beach Resort and the soon-to-open Kings' Land development, also at the Waikoloa Beach Resort on the Big Island.

"The Hilton timeshare resorts now under development in Waikiki and Waikoloa are clear evidence of Hilton's continuing commitment to Hawai'i, which adds to the industry's vitality and economic base of the state," Wang said.

Hilton Grand Vacations Company LLC is a division of Hilton Hotels Corp., the leading global hospitality company, with more than 2,800 hotels and 495,000 rooms in more than 80 countries.