
Nestled along the Kohala Coast, Hilton Waikoloa Village on Hawaii's Big Island offers a family focused tropical escape
There are some times in life that the only thing you need to say is: yes. I met up with Sefora, a flight attendant friend, on a Wednesday for a movie and conversation. After a particularly deep moment of connection, she asked me what I was doing the upcoming weekend. I immediately checked my calendar, mentioned that I was free, and asked her what she had in mind.
One thing led to another and that Saturday, I was on a flight to Kona, Hawaii for the weekend.


Room + Stay
We stayed at the Hilton Waikoloa Village. The double bed room was tastefully updated for a Hilton property.


However, the bathroom had random water leak issues. However, that was nothing that a few towels on the floor couldn’t fix.


And the air conditioning, for such a hot December day was woefully underperforming. I was sweating as a tried to take an afternoon nap. Even with the thermostat set at 65 degrees. It was completely off sensor.
This was not an end all be all. It just was a temporary discomfort.
Property
Now, because this is a Hilton property with its own convention center, it is HUGE. In fact, this location is so huge that there is a train that goes from one side to the other. However, the train is not predictable. So, if you need to be somewhere, you have to plan for at least at 20 minute walk.
Also, this Hilton is mainly for families. There are a LOT of children – without an adults only area. So, consider accordingly.
I truly enjoyed the spaciousness of the grounds and the availability of outdoor activities. I woke up a bit earlier than expected and loved walking the grounds with my camera.




Instead of going to the buffet (unless you’re a Diamond member), I would suggested talking the Big Island Transportation Shopping Shuttle to Queens Market or Kings Market. It’s stationed right outside the main lobby of the hotel.
It’s $5 per person and regularly makes the rounds. I would highly suggest visiting Island Gourmet Market for some of the best poke bowl and prepared foods you can get on the island. On a rather warm day, it was much better to take the 5 min shuttle vs walk for 30 minutes.




Overall
From dolphin encounters (roughly $300 after tax) to luau to a water slide area, the Hilton Waikoloa tries to hit every aspect that it can of having everything on site.
Overall, if you’re looking for a family fun type of experience at a larger hotel, the Hilton Waikoloa fits.



However, if you are looking for a more intimate stay with a more adult forward experience, I highly recommend Hotel Wailea on Maui and 1Hotel Hanalei Bay on Kauai.
Hilton Waikoloa
69-425 Waikōloa Beach DriveWaikoloa Village, Hawaii 96738