I remember many years ago staying on the Big Island in a timeshare and visiting the Hilton Waikoloa Village Resort. I thought it was the coolest resort ever and vowed to stay there “someday”. That “someday” finally arrived and here is my Hilton Waikoloa Village Resort review – was I as awestruck as before?

 

 

Location

The resort is located in Waikoloa, about 30 minutes north of the Kona airport. It is in a great location and the hotel has magnificent views of the ocean. It is close to numerous beaches, restaurants, and shopping. I personally prefer the Waikoloa area over the town of Kona as everything is newer. For me, the location is ideal.

 

 

Grounds and Pools

The grounds and hotel area are gorgeous and huge, necessitating the use of a tram on the property to get around. We did walk it often though and got some good steps in. There are several swimming pools to choose from and a lagoon where one can snorkel, rent a paddle board, or a paddleboat.

 

 

Rooms

You can get two queen beds or a king bed standard room for about 70k Hilton Honors points. This means a family of four could stay here and that is where this place shines – it is a great family vacation spot! I felt like the room we got was a little worn but wouldn’t think twice about it if we came with young kids. They would be in heaven seeing the dolphins, going down waterslides, and playing in the pools and  lagoon with sandy beaches.

 

 

Food

There is not a lot available for food at night – I think most people must go out of the resort for dinners. Nui Italian Restaurant and a grill were all we saw that were open for dinner. The Lagoon Grill was open during the day until 5:00 and we had lunch there. The food we did eat there was all really good.

 

Service, Parking, and Resort Fees

The staff throughout the resort were helpful and friendly. Self-parking was $39/day and valet was $55/day. The resort fees (for things I wouldn’t use anyway) were $45/day. I hate resort fees! Luckily we have points/miles and didn’t have to pay resort fees because I would really hate to have to pay those fees on top of my room charge.

 

 

Bottom Line

My Hilton Waikoloa Village Resort review is that I would 100% say this is a fun resort for families to come with points/miles. However, as a couple or friends trip, I think I would prefer to stay in a different place. I have to admit that travel hacking has made me a huge hotel snob and, when I’m traveling without young children, I prefer to use my points/miles on a fancier place.