The massive saltwater lagoon with turtles is genuinely magical for kids
Multiple huge pool complexes with slides and waterfalls
Dolphin Quest allows you to see dolphins right from your balcony (controversial but popular)
En bref : A sprawling, aging giant that feels like a theme park, currently plagued by transport issues and inconsistent housekeeping.
Évalué par @PeytonJobee: I spent my days hiking craters and my evenings chasing sunsets in Kona. The mix of raw volcanic rock and lush resort grounds was surreal. If you want an adventure that feels totally otherworldly, this is the spot.
Ce que les clients qui ont séjourné ici ont dit
The hype
Families love the lagoon and pools, but everyone hates the prices and the exhaustion of getting around.
Reality check
The 'upgrade' to Ocean Tower often lands you in a timeshare unit with zero daily housekeeping, and the food on-property is universally panned as overpriced and mediocre.
You are traveling with energetic kids who just want to swim all day
You plan to use the lagoon for safe snorkeling
You don't mind walking 15,000 steps a day just to get breakfast
Propreté et entretien
5.5
Housekeeping: Inconsistent. Must be requested 24h in advance. Reports of skipped service even when requested.
Bathroom hygiene: Major complaints in Palace Tower about moldy grout and peeling tubs. Recent cockroach sightings in bathrooms.
Maintenance: Aging infrastructure. AC units rattle, carpets are worn/stained in hallways.
Linens & towels: Towels are often scratchy and 'pool towels' require a card system to rent.
Odors & scents: Musty smell is common in lower-floor rooms and Palace Tower; 'damp' feeling due to humidity.
Sleepability™
6MODÉRÉ
MODÉRÉ
0-4BRUYANT
4-7.5MODÉRÉ
7.5-10SILENCIEUX
Connecting room doors (zero soundproofing)
Hallway noise due to gaps under doors
Maintenance carts and loud plumbing
Avant de réserver
Bon à savoir
The 'Ocean Tower' is largely Hilton Grand Vacations (timeshare) - service levels differ there
You must request housekeeping 24 hours in advance; it is not automatic
Wristbands are strictly enforced at all pools
Quoi emporter
Comfortable walking shoes (you will walk miles inside the resort)
Refillable water bottles (filtered stations are available but sparse)
Snorkel gear (rentals at the lagoon are expensive)
Génie des chambres
Meilleurs choix
Makai Tower (formerly Lagoon Tower) - closest to the pools/lagoon and parking
Ocean View rooms in Makai Tower for dolphin watching from your lanai
Chambres à éviter
Palace Tower - furthest from the action, often dated bathrooms
Ocean Tower 'Resort View' - often looks at a parking lot or monorail track
Génie de demande de chambre – copier & coller
“I am requesting a room in the Makai Tower (formerly Lagoon Tower), specifically on a higher floor facing the ocean/dolphin lagoon. Please avoid connecting rooms due to noise sensitivity.”
FAQ et astuces cachées
Tout ce que vous voulez vraiment savoir avant de réserver.
Is the tram working?
Service was suspended in Feb 2026 due to a collision. Verify status before arrival, but expect to walk or wait for slow boats.
Can I swim in the lagoon?
Yes, it's the highlight. Ocean-fed, calm, and full of turtles and fish.
Is breakfast included?
No, and the buffet is ~$55/person. Hilton Gold/Diamond members get a credit that barely covers coffee and a bagel.
How much is parking?
Self-parking is ~$48/night; Valet is ~$55/night.
Is there a beach?
Not really. There is a man-made sandy area at the lagoon, but the oceanfront is rocky lava coast. 'A-Bay' beach is a 15-min walk away.
Are the pools heated?
Generally yes, but can feel chilly in the morning. The Kona Pool is the warmest and most popular.
Conseils d'initiés
✨
Walk to 'Island Gourmet Markets' in Queens' Marketplace (10 min walk) for reasonably priced poke, salads, and wine instead of eating at the hotel.
✨
The 'Keiki Pool' in the Ocean Tower area has a sandy bottom and is often quieter than the main Kona Pool.
✨
Book the 'Makai' tower to minimize walking; it's the most central to the lagoon and main pool.
5 choses à savoir avant de partir
💡The 'dolphin view' rooms can be depressing if you are sensitive to animals in captivity.
💡The air conditioning in many rooms is motion-sensor controlled and shuts off while you sleep (override hack: hang a balloon or moving object near the sensor).
💡The walk from the self-parking lot to the Palace Tower can take 20 minutes.
💡There are no lifeguards at the massive pools—watch your kids.
💡The 'resort charge' includes DVD rentals, which feels like a relic from 2005.
Guide local
Carte
Découvrez où se situe Hilton Waikoloa Village et ce qu'il y a à proximité.