I recently stayed at one of the smaller resorts, and what it lacks in size, it more than makes up…read morefor in comfort and convenience. One of the best things about this property is how easy it is to get around. Unlike larger resorts where you feel like you're constantly walking from one end to the other, everything here is close and accessible. It creates a much more relaxed and cozy experience. The beach is also within easy walking distance, whether you choose to go left or right. Another major advantage is the location across the street from two shopping malls, both offering restaurants and shopping options. The convenience of being able to walk to everything is truly priceless. If I'm remembering correctly, the malls are called King and Queen, or something very similar. In one of them, there is also a grocery store that is impressive in its own right, with cooked food and a wide variety of items you might need during your stay on the island--or even if you are not staying there. I will review that grocery store separately in another post. Overall, this is a great choice for anyone who values convenience, walkability, and a more intimate resort setting.

We've been coming to the Waikoloa Hilton for about 15 years now and have visited a handful of times…read moreover that stretch. With that history, I can say with confidence that the experience has noticeably declined and our most recent trip made that hard to ignore. The biggest frustration is the cuts to on-site transportation. The boats that used to ferry guests around are largely gone, and the tram service seems to always be down. That leaves you walking and this is not a small property. Depending on where your room is, you're looking at close to half a mile to a mile between points, which is brutal when you have kids, luggage, and all your gear in tow. The on-site activities and amenities have also thinned out compared to what they used to offer. It just doesn't feel as full and vibrant as it once did. That said, there are still genuine highlights. The valet service was excellent, incredibly kind, and complimentary for us. The day pass option is solid if you want to come for a visit without staying overnight, and towel rentals are included with that service. The resort's layout is actually a plus in one way if one area gets too crowded, you can easily move to a completely different pool or section and have an entirely different experience. The ocean connection to the resort is genuinely special too we went snorkeling and spotted turtles and fish right there, which was a highlight for our whole family. The hotel rooms feel like they've slipped in quality over the years, and the buffet prices have gone up significantly while the food quality hasn't kept pace. Convenient? Yes. Worth the price tag? Not really anymore. My honest recommendation: skip staying on property and instead Airbnb or find a different t nearby timeshare we've done it and it's a great way to enjoy the area at a much better value. Then come do a day visit at the resort to enjoy the amenities without the overnight sticker shock. We still love Waikoloa and will keep coming back, but the resort itself needs to invest in what made it great a decade ago.

Love the Hilton Waikoloa - here for my husband's company retreat. They did amazing planning with…read morethe hotel. We stayed at the Palace tower. Nice renovations. The boat is no longer operable. There was one tram in service. We did walk most of the time. The hall staff Joseph was so friendly & cheerful with his services. The food was really good as well.

The good, the bad, the indifferent. Stunning views…read more Beautiful, well kept grounds. Overall, food is good and lots of options throughout the very large property. The natural ocean water lagoon is a nice change from a pool, but don't expect it to be teeming with sea life. Occasional fish and turtle will wander in. Dolphin experience is both cool and sad. Dolphins are well taken care of, but kept in very small pens and forced to interact with tourists. If you're at all animal activist-minded, not the property for you. The bad: The customer service is mediocre at best. Which is jarring coming from previous trips to Maui and Kauai, where service is paramount. Left standing at front desk in Hilton Diamond line for 20mins while guests walked up to main line and were helped. Property is aged. Rooms are fine. If you're a fitness person and you plan to use the gym, this is where the hotel website blatantly lies. The fitness center is two old, windowless room with horrible, dingy prison lighting. The equipment is broken, heavily rusted and at least 25-30 years old. Huge disappointment. (See pictures) The indifferent: There's no natural beach. Not uncommon for Kona. But sad that there's no access to tire-pools or ocean unless you swim/trek out beyond the lagoon. The Monorail is PAINFULLY slow. Be ready for a lot of walking (property is huge), the wait for the monorail (that doesn't travel in a loop, so if you want to go one way but the monorail is travelling the other, you have to wait for it to come back) because the wait-time is even more painful. Will update with more details as they come. Final Day / Checkout Thoughts: - Disappointing service at the breakfast buffet. Yesterday, we were sent away because we walked in 5mins after final seating (but made to stand and wait at host desk for 10mins). Ignored, so I asked a server, who refused to seat is. Okay, rules are rules...but then there's nowhere else available until 11am. Today, we show up at 9:45am and they tell us it's a 15-20min wait (and we counted 15 empty tables). They either need to hire more staff to accommodate the guests (as it's the only place to eat), or offer something else as an option. The buffet wasn't entirely bad experience. Sara, at the omelette bar, is everything bright and friendly you'd expect from aloha spirit and hotel team member. If she makes a pretty amazing omelette with a smile. As we walked out of the dungeon gym today, we stumbled on to another small workout room upstairs. All windows, couple pieces of equipment, kettlebells. Shame on the desk attendants for not saying anything (we just followed the signs). Disappointing.

Beautiful hotel right on the beach! The hotel is quite large and has a lot of great amenities. Our…read morefavorite was the lagoon pool filled with unique fish and marine life. The beach actually has sand (unlike most beaches on Big Island) and the snorkeling was excellent. Service is top notch here as well. The pools were nice and not crowded. Absolutely lovely hotel!

The grounds here are beautiful. At night the ambiance feels magical. The spa and fitness facilities…read moreare lovely with tons of equipment, saunas, steam room, cold plunge, hot tub, a giant lap pool. The hotel has plenty of pools and restaurants but the chair management at the pool could be improved. It seemed like guests would reserve their chairs early and the chairs were not turned over once they left. We would walk by and see tons of towels showing chairs were claimed but no one in sight. The only pool that you are able to easily get a chair at is the spa fitness center pool. If you want a safe / easy snorkel option, they have a snorkel pond; King's Pond is 1.8-million-gallon carved lava rock aquarium with tropical fish and spotted eagle rays.

We got married here on Valentine's Day 30 years ago. We come here every year for Valentine's Day…read more. The manager Brian is the nicest and caring person. He makes you want to come back. I missed one of the employees who retired. We had an ocean front 2 bedroom in the ground floor which I really don't care for cause I can't have the shades open while I sleep cause people walk by. Michael the concierge is always welcoming when we come. Lisa at the front desk was very helpful too.

Beautiful location with updated rooms and common areas. The staff are excellent and really take the…read moretime to get to know you. The pool staff (Michael, Mikayala, Nathaniel, George, and Denver!!) really made our trip. They stopped by to see us each day and made us feel so special!! We will be back!

The Spa without Walls experience was a treat far beyond the majority of the high priced other…read moreresorts along the Kona Gold Coast. A really incredibly trained masseurs professionals with good energy and support staff as well as an outdoor garden accompanied with the sounds of wild birds and ocean waves that lap you into a trance like state. We recieved a kamaaina discount which we are grateful for. Mahalo to all who made our birthday experience amazing. The champagne offered at the end was a treat. Chocolate strawberries, stunning finish to a glorious day. Mahalo plenty!

The Fairmont Orchid has honestly become an annual tradition for me, and at this point I don't see…read morethat changing anytime soon. The resort itself is absolutely stunning. It feels like full luxury from the moment you arrive. As soon as you walk into the open air lobby, you can see straight through the entire property, the pool, the palm trees, and the ocean views all lined up in front of you. That first impression really sets the tone and is one of the standout features of the resort. Another major highlight is the private lagoon beach. It is calm, swimmable, and perfect for all ages. They provide complimentary snorkel gear, and you will almost always see sea turtles in the water, which makes it feel like a true Hawaii experience. Poolside service is also great, with drinks and snacks available, and there is even a taco truck that is perfect for kids or a quick casual bite during the day. Located on the Kohala Coast, the views are some of the best in all of Hawaii. Whether it is sunrise walks or sunsets by the water, the setting alone keeps me coming back year after year. The rooms are clean, comfortable, and well done. Not overly flashy, but they do not need to be because the environment does most of the work. The resort layout flows really nicely, from the open air lobby to the oceanfront paths. Dining is a big plus here. Brown's Beach House is the main restaurant and definitely a highlight, great food, right on the water, and an amazing sunset vibe. For breakfast, Orchid Court has a daily buffet that is consistently solid and easy. There are also a few other options on property, so you are not limited. Amenities are strong across the board. The gym is 24/7, which is a big plus. The spa is great and adds to the overall experience. If I remember correctly, even the pool runs 24/7, which is rare and makes late night swims a nice option. What really stands out is the value. It is definitely on the higher end price wise, but still not as expensive as places like the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai. If you time it right, Costco Travel sometimes has great deals, like pay for four nights and get the fifth night free packages that can also waive resort fees, and provide some additional resort credit. I have so many great memories here, which is a big reason why I keep coming back. The only downside is that in recent years they have started charging for parking, which feels unnecessary at this level. Overall, I love this place. The setting, the consistency, and the overall vibe make it somewhere I look forward to returning to every year. Easily five stars for me because of the memories, although the parking would probably bring it down closer to a 4.5. Overall one of the best resorts in Hawaii, just keep in mind about the resort fees and parking!

This hotel is beautiful, truly. Everywhere you walk, a breeze follows you so you feel like a…read moreHawaiian model. The entire property is stunning EXCEPT the old tiled walkway to your room with a rolled out carpet runner. That was the only part that was like "finish the design job please" but I get it, #budgets. The room itself is totally fine but walking to the room I was surprised considering how flawlessly stunning, modern and upscale the rest of the grounds are. The valet and reception staff are beautiful, elegant, friendly, upscale. Borrow a cute Mauna Lani bike for free and ride over to the market or the Fairmont for some daytime snorkeling. The gym is well appointed and has a great water machine. The breakfast buffet is well worth the $60pp value. I think I ate enough sashimi to shut up about sashimi prices for a while. Their açaí bowl with house made granola is to die for. Most memorable was making friends with Viola, Hawaii's most valuable Tutu (grandma) at Halani. Her aloha spirit just blessed our entire trip with sunshine and love. I also got to meet Les from the kitchen at Halani and learn about Taro farming! I will forever consider them my new friends from the islands.

My family has stayed at Mauna Lani three times over the years, and each visit has been memorable in…read moreits own way. What has consistently stood out is the warmth, hospitality, and sense of place that make Hawai'i special. From the moment we arrived, we experienced that spirit of aloha. A Hawaiian concierge generously spent time with us discussing local manta ray tours and sharing a beautiful photo book, "Mauna Lani: Then and Now," as we reminisced about earlier visits to the resort. Throughout our stay, we also enjoyed authentic cultural touches such as listening to an elderly Hawaiian musician sing and play traditional songs on his ukulele during dinner at HāLani. The music was soothing and helped create the warm atmosphere that makes Hawai'i feel uniquely welcoming. The highlight of every visit, however, has been the cultural tours led by "Uncle" Danny, and on our most recent visit in 2026, by Danny and his wife Anna together. Through their stories, knowledge, and genuine love for Hawai'i, we gained a deeper appreciation for the island's history, culture, native plants, and marine life. They bring the spirit of aloha to life in a way that no building, amenity, or renovation can. At the conclusion of our most recent tour, Danny and Anna treated our group to a spontaneous musical performance. Danny sang and played the ukulele while Anna danced hula. It was beautiful, authentic, and deeply moving. Moments like these create lasting memories and are the reason guests return. Danny and Anna's warmth, generosity, and ability to connect with people are extraordinary. They are not simply activity leaders; they are cultural ambassadors and, in many ways, the heart and soul of the Mauna Lani experience. They make guests feel welcomed not as customers, but as family. I hope resort leadership recognizes the tremendous value they bring because they are among the strongest reasons we continue to choose Mauna Lani. The resort has evolved over the years, and there are a few features from our earliest visits that we still miss, including the oceanfront casual dining area, the interior fish ponds, and the fish feedings that families enjoyed. Even so, Mauna Lani remains a beautiful property with a strong commitment to Hawaiian culture and hospitality. I hope management will continue to preserve and expand the authentic cultural and family-oriented experiences that make the resort special and distinguish it from other luxury destinations. Thank you to Danny, Anna, and the entire team for another memorable stay. We look forward to returning.

I had read that this resort was dated. Although the property is starting to show some wear and tear…read morewe had a gorgeous room. Totally updated! we loved the view from our balcony every night as the sun was setting. Just to keep it real, expect check in to be a pain. The primary check in desk sends you on to another check in station that you are encouraged to ride the slowest possible tram from one end of the property to the other. so much hassle and the desk did not have a friendly staff. The resort is beautiful and really big. We learned to take it easy and wait for the tram when it was working. A check list of minor issues were- very dusty room. shelves, floors and under the bed. seriously disappointing. The staff was not all that friendly and many guest that I spoke with agreed with me when asked did they tell you the wrong directions on how to get somewhere. It happened so many times! Again unnecessary frustration.The laundry room was broke. in our building and the elevators. Would I stay here again? Probably because the property is more of a resort than a hotel. It just took some getting used to. Mohalo!

Kind of disappointed this time around. I reserve a 2 bedroom penthouse with an Ocean View…read more Well on their website a penthouse can be on any floor. Which I found out on this trip we got the second floor for a penthouse! When I checked in the staff were nice and friendly. I really enjoyed talking to Kelani she's the best she gets 5 stars. Our issue for the 3 stars was the room. The washer didn't disperse and water. I called to fix it and it didn't get fix. There's a noise in the vent system that goes off in the bedroom every two minutes. You can also hear the kids running around upstairs and the lady stomping around with her shoes on while you're trying to sleep. You would think they would have the kids on this level and not on top. The alarm clock device kept going off I had to unplug it. Also if you ever decide to try this place make sure you're in good health. It's quite an experience for some folks just to get to the room especially with your luggage. Thankfully I'm use to it and can handle it. Even if you're a club owner they will charge you for taxes and parking.

While I was here, in just 36 hours the tram that is supposed to take you from Ocean Tower to the…read moremain entrance and a few other places became useless. This was because of 2 of them collided head-on! How does something like this happen? This has never happened anywhere in my entire life! The worse part was the only way I discovered it was a nice patron told us about it and showed us a picture of it on her phone she took. Otherwise I would have just been waiting around forever for it to show up. There are way better ways to spend time and money on in Kona. Don't spend it here.

Had the best time at this hotel resort. Clean, friendly employees and great amenities. Many things…read morewere available within a 5 mile radius. Shuttles to get you from one stop to the next. I would definitely come back. Family friendly with activities for all throughout the week. Pool hours were til 10p which was nice since we were sightseeing throughout the day. Our location had a nice slide that closed at 5pm . A golf course and lots of critters crawling around, mongoose, lizards, birds and more.

BAD COCKROACH INFESTATION!!…read more We stayed here for 5 nights in Aug 2025 and unfortunately our experience was ruined by a persistent roach infestation inside our unit. On the very first night, we killed six live roaches indoors. Over the next two days, we encountered several more inside--including one crawling near my foot while we were eating at the kitchen table--which terrified my children. We also saw many on the patio, along with ants along the wall near the sliding doors. We were unable to use the patio or keep the doors open for fresh air. Management sent pest control to spray, but the cockroach sightings continued. They offered less than 10% partial compensation, but it didn't make up for losing the ability to relax or feel comfortable in the unit for the majority of our stay. We understand Hawaii has tropical insects, but this went far beyond the occasional sighting. This was a recurring and disruptive issue that affected our enjoyment of the vacation. Management said it's "normal" for Hawaii. Well, I've been coming to Hawaii for decades and I can confidently say this is a bad infestation because I have never before experienced anything like this. Especially at resort (supposedly) of this caliber and price point. And management's response was slow and unsatisfactory. I do NOT recommend this resort. Proceed with caution--especially if considering a ground-level unit.

Recently stayed at 15A . Loved the remodeled floors - fully tiled. Free parking. The unit also…read morecame with additional Hilton Pool access which included validated self parking at the Hilton. We booked direct with the owners who were amazing and helped with some great local suggestions. Super responsive. www.vitaminseahi.com

My truly grateful, bucket-list experience happened on 12/2025, I can cross this off my list and/but…read morehope to visit get to stay again ( crossing fingers) Super excited while we drove along the Kohala Coast, Once we arrived at the front, there's a security at the gate, to check you in and will hand you a parking pass, I feel safe already. I am overwhelmed with joy, having the ultimate experience of staying at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Autograph Collection, is truly a dream come true! My upgrade request to a deluxe room with ocean view and balcony had been confirmed and I'm overflowing with gratitude! The seamless check-in process, Thank you to front desk staff Lauae- she was super friendly and patient checking us in and sharing all the important details about Mauna Kea Hotel, we also got a welcome leis, wet cloth and champagne at check in. My request for late check out at 4 pm ( perks of Titanium status) has set the tone for an unforgettable stay. The thoughtful gifts, in my spacious and stunning ocean view room are the perfect touch. I am soaking up every moment of my amazing staycation, from check in til we checked out @ 4pm on the dot, creating Mauna Kea memories with the love of my life. Our rooms are renovated, super spacious and modern. I love the the simple touches they added to the room. There a water filter fill station in the rooms, the lights turns on and off with a click of a button on the wall, charging device are up to date. I loved the toiletries brand provided- so soothing! Omg. The view from our balcony, just WOW! We had our alcoholic drinks, take out, snacks, all out there on the balcony and we just really enjoyed each other's company relaxing and taking it all in. The beds are so comfy, the toilet are toto brand, and I loved taking shower with the ocean view too, hehe. The only time we left the room was for breakfast, for our walk to explore the premises and for the pool. I loved the pool especially the adult, infinity pool- really enjoyed the peace and quiet here, then we headed to the other pool for a swim and jacuzzi. Although the beach was All in all, Thank you. Thank you Marriott gods for this incredible upgrade and late check out, thank you for the tote bag and water bottles, this all exceeded my expectations! We sure did enjoyed every single moment here! Although it is not cheap, I think you should go for it, check it out- just do it, life is too short, life it and enjoy it to the fullest.

This was the most amazing stay!! Everyone was so friendly, our service was always fast, and there…read morewas a bunch to do! We got a complimentary paddle board for an hour and towels for the day. They gave us reusable water bottles to use for our stay to reduce waste they gave us leis upon arrival. They had made a manta out of towels that they placed on the bed- so fancy! They also provided banana bread, Nutella, and shortbread cookies on the table of the hotel room. The view was AMAZING and the ocean is perfect to swim in at any time of day. Many free activities offered daily. There are some nice restaurants on site- serves breakfast and dinner (at the Manta). I hope to get to come back someday.