Hotel Review: Hilton Waikoloa Village, Hawaii

In the past, we avoided big resorts. That has changed since we now have a family, and finding activities that appeal to everyone is key. During our recent trip to Hawaii, we stayed at the Hilton Waikoloa Village on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Occupying sixty-two acres on the Kohala Coast, Hilton Waikoloa Village has 1,243 rooms and suites awaiting your arrival by hotel tram or boat ride along a scenic route of tropical gardens and waterways.

We stayed at the newer Palace Tower, selecting a room with double beds. The room was clean and spacious. At the time, we were a family of 3, but the same room type would be comfortable for 2 adults and 2 children.

There are 3 pools on the property – two oceanfront pools, featuring wild slides, and a secluded adults-only pool. Be sure to slide down their 175-foot twisting waterslide while you’re there.

If you take the tram to the last stop on the west side of the resort and check out the exotic wildlife along the way. Their family of birds includes Chilean Flamingos, African crowned cranes, the official Hawaii state bird, the nene, and many more species. If you walk along the property pathways, be on the lookout for several rare green sea turtles, which live in the property’s salt-water lagoon. You can also visit friendly dolphins at the Dolphin Quest Village located near the main lobby.

We took a break from the sun and checked out their Hawaiian Cultural Center, where you can take hula lessons, learn how to play the ukelele or make your own lei. Our daughter, Kai, enjoyed taking her first hula lesson and danced to the song “In Your Hawaiian Way” by Nani.

We recommend staying at least 3 nights at the Hilton Waikoloa Village – spend a day at the Kona Pool, another at the Kohala River Pool, and another everywhere in between.

Here’s a video we shot on their property. We can’t wait to go back!

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