On the Big Island of Hawaii, there are plenty of hotel options along the Kohala Coast. During our recent trip we stayed at the newly renovated Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa.

Marriott didn’t do just an ordinary renovation, it redesigned the hotel. We first stayed at the hotel back in 2010 and, back then, it was worn and dated. With its redesign, the rooms have been gutted, fixtures and all. The hotel now offers modern accommodations with patios and balconies overlooking Anaeho’omalu Bay, one of the best beaches on the island. This year the resort will debut a transformed luxury wing with distinct furnishings inspired by its proximity as the closest rooms to the water, and private open air showers on the ground floor room lanais.

What sets this Marriott property apart from other hotels in Waikoloa is their half-mile long white, sandy beach at Anaeho‘omalu Bay, which the book Hawaii The Big Island Revealed labels a gem. At the beach, you can rent paddle boards and kayaks from Ocean Sports so you can explore the bay, and possibly see some honu (sea turtles). At the time we were there, we rented a tandem kayak and paddled out as a family to the furthest point by the buoys. Along the way we saw a couple big honu by the reef. 

Aside from water activities, you can sign up for hula lessons, lei-making classes, or morning yoga on the beach. You can also stop by the nearby Kings’ Shops and Queen’s MarketPlace for shopping or dining at their restaurants.

Here’s a video we shot on their property, with a glimpse of the Hawaiian fishpond and the pools.