Big Island Lodging Part 4: The Hilton Waikoloa Village

From intimate B&B’s to mega hotels, Hawaii Island, the largest in the state chain, is home to an abundance of accommodations.  The lodging possibilities on this lava-rich island are just as exotic as its evening manta ray tours and trips to the active Kilauea Volcano. Here, we present the Hilton Waikoloa Village, the fourth of four intriguing properties, each packed with personality.  You’ll get so stoked about your next Hawaiian adventure that you’ll be rummaging for your vintage Hawaiian shirt before you can say “Hang loose, bruddah!” 

OPTION 4:  FOR FAMILIES AND DOLPHIN LOVERS

Heading southward from the Fairmont Orchid, and also on the ocean, you reach the ultimate family vacation destination – the Hilton Waikoloa Village, the Disneyworld of hotels. If you don’t have a child, borrow one, haha!  The 62-acre Pacific playground has everyone going bonkers over the monorail, lagoon boats, a dolphin encounter, suspension bridge, and waterslides.

Cool Finds and Services

Cool finds and services are yours for the asking. First Club Keiki, a daily children’s program, lets parents drop off their kids so they can get a break.

Next?  How about the art collection with 5,000+ works? Along its mile-long museum art walk you’ll find 1,800 artifacts from Polynesia, Japan, and Asia.  Larger-than-life Asian vases and goddess statues leave you bug-eyed.

Third, Dolphin Quest, delivers an interactive experience with dolphins. Kiss one of these adorable creatures on the lips as the staff snaps a photo.

For beginner snorkelers, an inlet of sea water has been turned into a lagoon right on the premises. Filled with tropical fish and sea turtles, this is the real deal.  Right now, the hotel has ceased renting gear, but you can bring your own or rent at outfitters nearby. The lagoon is large enough to also paddleboard.

Hilton Waikoloa Village Accommodations

In terms of accommodations, if you‘ve ever spent a night in a Hilton, you know that lodging décor almost always borders on the contemporary with regard to furnishings. Centrally located to the lagoon, the main ships, eateries and the pool, the Makai Tower, rather than the Palace Tower, features the most updated rooms. It offers spectacular sunset views, so do yourself a favor and book your room there.

But whatever, in all rooms, the amenities are more than sufficient. With guestrooms at a minimum of 525 square feet, your kids have enough space to spread out their Legos and action figures. Rooms with a king or two doubles include a sleeper couch for additional guests, plus flat-screen TV, and a mini refrigerator.

Perfect for a Multi-generational Reunion

Try to picture a multi-generational reunion. It’s easy!  Inspiring activities check off the boxes on everyone’s “Must-Do” list. While my 81-year-old mother would rather stay out of the water, she’s doesn’t fear going on a shopping spree, wandering through the six boutiques to buy treasures for her grandchildren. She’s also not timid when it comes to getting a Lomilomi massage, either.

My niece found contentment in an outdoor lounge chair, sketching the migrating whales. Her brothers snorkeled in the lagoon, trying to top one another as they bragged about what they saw. My husband and adult son volleyed balls on the tennis courts in the mornings before breakfast. For a memorable last night, families partake in the Luau experience complete with the quintessential fire, hula dancers and musical entertainment.

How long you choose to stay at any of my chosen four properties is totally up to you.  However, start with a week and build up your Aloha spirit from there.