6 Pros and Cons of Hawaii’s Hilton Waikoloa Village

I've been fortunate to stay at Hilton Waikoloa Village on the Big Island of Hawaii a few times, twice with children and most recently as an empty nester. It's a truly magical place, but there are some things folks should consider before booking a stay at the resort. Here are six pros and cons to think about before you plan a trip.

1. The Resort Is a Tropical Paradise

Hilton Waikoloa Village is sprawling and beautiful, and teeming with features designed to immerse you in the paradise of the Big Island, most notably a 4-acre, ocean-fed, saltwater lagoon. This protected area allows you to snorkel with sea turtles and tropical fish without having to deal with the moods of the Pacific Ocean—a huge plus for families with children or hesitant swimmers. It's especially nice on this part of the island, where rocky shorelines are the norm and large beaches are less common than elsewhere in Hawaii. The resort features multiple large pools, waterfalls, and a 175-foot waterslide.

2. It's a Destination Unto Itself

The resort is designed to be a self-contained destination, and it truly is. If the Big Island weren't such a wonderful place to explore, you would honestly never have to leave Hilton Waikoloa Village (but you should). You have access to a wide range of activities without driving anywhere, including the Dolphin Quest encounter, a nightly luau, two championship golf courses, a full-service spa, several restaurants, and cultural activities like lei-making and hula lessons. The grounds themselves are beautifully manicured, featuring extensive art collections and tropical gardens—and, of course, all the water-based recreation.

3. Even Getting Around Can Be an Adventure

Because the property is so large (over 62 acres), it operates its own monorail tram and canal boats to transport guests between the three accommodation towers. This creates a "Disney-esque" theme park atmosphere that is a novelty for many guests, especially kids, who view the transit as an attraction in itself. I think the boat rides are especially lovely at night.

4. The Resort Is Truly Massive

The resort’s sprawling size can be a logistical nightmare. Walking from your room to the lobby or parking lot can take 15–20 minutes, and while the trams and boats are fun, they can be slow or have long wait times. On my last stay, in fact, a section of the tram line was under construction and didn't run all the way to the tower I was staying in. This can make anything from running out to your car to simply trying to find a cup of coffee feel like a serious undertaking. And you definitely don't want to forget something in your room on the way out!

5. It's Not the Most Modern Resort

While the grounds are spectacular, the rooms and common areas can feel dated and worn. On my last stay, my Ocean Tower room had been recently updated—but the tower had not been completely redone yet. If you look at reviews, a lot of folks complain that the room decor feels like it's stuck in the 20th century, with wear and tear visible in the bathrooms and hallways. This jibes with my previous stays. Clearly, the size of the resort slows down the updates, as well.

6. The Cost Can Be Ridiculous

If you pay attention, you can often find a deal on room rates at Hilton Waikoloa Village. I jumped on a deal for a five-night stay for less than $1,000. I had to book several months in advance and stay during a shoulder season (April). That said, the rack prices for a basic room—remember it's a standard Hilton, not a Waldorf or Ritz—can be eye-popping for what it is.

As I write this, a mid-week resort-view king room in mid-December is going for $432 per night—before taxes, parking, and mandatory resort fees. Combined, these additional costs can tack an extra $125–$150 per night onto the room rate. Even in Hawaii, $600 per night for a mid-week standard king room without an ocean view is pretty steep. It's the parking that really got to me last time—$45 per night to self-park in a lot that was a 20-minute trek from my room. Further, everything on the property, from coffee to mediocre pizza, costs much more than you'd pay outside the resort—even at the nearby King's and Queen's Shops. So gird your loins—and just remember: It's the price of paradise.

Whether you go only once or you return to the resort again and again, one thing's for certain: A stay at Hilton Waikoloa Village on the Big Island of Hawaii is an experience. For more information or to make a reservation, visit the Hilton Waikoloa Village website.

If you're looking for some inspiration for your next adventure, be sure to check out Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.