Hawaii Island, HawaiiWaikoloa Beach Resort
Hilton Waikoloa Village
Fantasy lagoon playground
Waikoloa Beach Resort   Hawaii Island, Hawaii
Renovated
2024
Price
$$
Rated for
Resort Design SocialOutside the door
The house
HiltonFantasy lagoon playground
It runs like a self-contained oceanfront playground, centered on a four-acre saltwater lagoon where sea turtles swim alongside paddleboarders.
“the Hilton Waikoloa Village is a solid choice with easy access to plenty of water- and land-based activities.”
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Mahogany canal boats and trams cross sixty-two oceanfront acres of lagoons and waterslides.
What they say
Also in Condé Nast Traveler and AFAR.
The property fills 62 oceanfront acres, and includes an ocean-fed lagoon, three pools with waterfalls, two championship golf courses, 20,000 square feet of shops, and eight restaurants.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Black lava fields border the grounds, where ancient petroglyph trails trace the rugged Kohala coastline.
The rooms
Makai rooms look straight out toward the ocean, finished in sand and lava tones with dual-vanity bathrooms.
The pools
Bring a swimsuit.
A 175-foot waterslide curves into the main pool, joined by waterfalls, a suspension bridge, and oceanfront loungers.
The spa
Massages draw on traditional Hawaiian lomi lomi and volcanic body rituals, performed indoors or inside an oceanfront cabana.
The gym
The 24-hour fitness center holds cardio equipment and free weights, flanked by outdoor tennis and pickleball courts.
At the table
Kamuela Provision Company plates island seafood along the coastline at sunset, and open-air grills sit beside the saltwater lagoon.
How it began
Developer Christopher Hemmeter sketched the master plan on a cocktail napkin, opening the 360-million-dollar property in 1988.
The app
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.