About Hilton Waikoloa Village
Hilton Waikoloa Village is a large oceanfront resort in Waikoloa on the Kohala Coast of Hawaii Island. Spread over 62 acres, it is laid out like a small village, with towers linked by a tram, boats on a canal and walkways lined with Asian and Polynesian art.
What sets it apart is how much there is to do without leaving the property: a four-acre saltwater lagoon with sea turtles, three pools including a 175-foot waterslide, Dolphin Quest and a long list of restaurants. It suits families with children who want plenty of on-site activities.
At a glance
Highlights
- Saltwater lagoon with resident green sea turtles
- Kona Pool with waterfalls and a 175-foot waterslide
- Dolphin Quest encounters on site
- Towers linked by tram and boats across a 62-acre property
- About 25 minutes from Kona airport
Amenities
Rooms and suites
Rooms are spread across two low-rise towers, the Palace Tower and the Makai Tower. The Palace Tower, with 369 rooms and 26 suites, was renovated in 2015.
- Rooms in the Palace Tower
- Suites in the Palace Tower
- Rooms in the Makai Tower
Restaurants and bars
The resort is not all-inclusive. There are many places to eat, from casual grills and a deli to steak, seafood and Italian dinners, plus a lu’au show.
- Kamuela Provision Company: steak and seafood for dinner
- Nui Italian: Italian dinners, with a bar
- Lagoon Grill: casual lunch and dinner by the lagoon
- Breakfast at Water’s Edge
- Orchid Marketplace: deli for lunch and snacks, with Shaka Cones ice cream
- Waikoloa Coffee Co.: coffee and pastries
- Kona Pool Bar: snacks and drinks
- Kona Tap Room: 16 beers on tap and nightly live entertainment
- Legends of Hawaii Luau: dinner show and buffet
Beach, pools and spa
Instead of a traditional beach, the resort has a four-acre saltwater lagoon with resident green sea turtles, where guests can snorkel, paddleboard and take lessons.
There are three outdoor pools. The Kona Pool has swim-through waterfalls, a sandy-entry area for kids and a 175-foot waterslide, the Kohala River Pool is a lazy-river style pool, and the third pool is reserved for adults. Kohala Spa offers treatments for a fee, alongside a fitness center.
Activities and entertainment
Dolphin Quest, next to the lagoon, offers paid dolphin encounters for guests aged 10 and up, and resident dolphins can be seen from the lagoon. There are tennis courts on site and two golf courses nearby in the Waikoloa resort area.
The resort does not list a kids club, but babysitting is available for a fee and the children’s pool and waterslide keep younger guests busy.
Getting around is part of the fun. The tram runs from early morning until midnight, while the canal boats loop between the towers in the afternoon and evening. Walking is also easy, with corridors lined with Asian and Polynesian art, and the resort even has its own small museum. Because the property is large, it helps to note which tower you are in and plan meals near the pools you plan to use.
Beyond the resort, the Big Island is the place to see active volcanic landscapes at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, snorkel with manta rays at night off the Kona coast, and drive up toward the summit area of Mauna Kea for stargazing. The small town of Kailua-Kona has shops, coffee farms nearby and a waterfront promenade.
Who it’s best for
- Best for: families with children who want a resort packed with activities, pools and dining choice.
- Consider another resort if: you want a sandy beach right outside your room, a small resort or a quiet, adults-focused stay.
Getting there from Kona International Airport
Kona International Airport (KOA) is about 18 miles from the resort, roughly a 25-minute drive.
The Waikoloa Beach Resort area around the hotel has shopping centers and restaurants within a short drive, and Anaeho’omalu Bay beach is close by.
A rental car is the most practical way to get around the Big Island, since resorts on the Kohala and Kona coasts are spread out and many highlights are a long drive away. Taxis and ride-share cars are available at the airport if you prefer not to drive.
Good to know
- Check-in from 4:00 pm, check-out by 11:00 am
- Not all-inclusive; meals and drinks are paid separately
- Self-parking and valet parking are charged per night
- Dolphin Quest programs cost extra and are for ages 10 and up
- One pool is reserved for adults
Location of Hilton Waikoloa Village
FAQ about Hilton Waikoloa Village
Is Hilton Waikoloa Village all-inclusive?
No. The resort is not all-inclusive, so meals and drinks are paid separately.
Is Hilton Waikoloa Village adults only?
No. It is a family resort, though one pool is reserved for adults.
How far is Hilton Waikoloa Village from Kona airport?
It is about 18 miles from Kona International Airport, roughly a 25-minute drive.
How many rooms does Hilton Waikoloa Village have?
The resort lists 677 rooms across its towers.
How many pools are there?
There are three outdoor pools, including the Kona Pool with a 175-foot waterslide and an adults-only pool.
Does Hilton Waikoloa Village have a beach?
There is no traditional beach on site. Instead there is a four-acre saltwater lagoon for snorkeling and paddleboarding.
Can you swim with dolphins at Hilton Waikoloa Village?
Yes. Dolphin Quest offers paid dolphin encounters for guests aged 10 and up.
Does the resort have a kids club?
A kids club is not listed, but babysitting is available for a fee and there is a children's pool.
What time is check-in?
Check-in starts at 4:00 pm and check-out is by 11:00 am.
Is parking free?
No. Self-parking and valet parking are charged per night.
Is Hilton Waikoloa Village good for families?
Yes. The pools, waterslide, lagoon and Dolphin Quest make it one of the Big Island's most family-friendly resorts.
