Big Island right for us?
 

Hi-
My husband has Hilton points for the Hilton Waikoloa Village on the Big Island. After doing a lot of reading on this site, I'm not so sure I want to use our points there!
We aren't interested in volcanoes at all.
We have 2 kids, ages 13 & 11, and I'm sure they would love all the activities at the Hilton. But we also love beaches and snorkeling, and I've read that the beaches aren't great. How is the snorkeling? Is the water too rough for kids? Are the beaches black? We also love pretty scenery
(pretty foliage, etc.) I've read this side of the island is "moonlike", which doesn't sound very pretty. Again, volcanoes don't interest us. Should we just pay for a hotel and go to Maui or Kauai?
Thanks, thanks, thanks.
Linda

Anyone?

I have been to the Hilton there - it is a spectacular hotel that your kids would probably love. My kids spent hours traveling the canal system, the monorail, and the countless pools and water slides. The hotel has its own small lagoon with nice white (imported!) sand and various sorts of watercraft to play on its protected waters.

It is true that the landscape surrounding Waikoloa is composed of basalt lava, and you are on the dry side of the Big Island, so there is not much vegetation. And, while there aren't as many beaches, there are some, particularly along the south shore. Those beaches have a tan-colored coral-based sand. Also, while the snorkeling isn't always as great as on other islands, we went on a couple of fine trips on zodiac boats out to some small bays, again on the south and west sides of the island. Specifically, we went with Sea Quest out of Keauhou Bay marina, along the western leeward coast of Hawai?i to Kealakekua Bay

Last year, we used my points to stay at this hotel. We did Oahu/Maui and Hawaii. I'd never been to Hawaii - and while it was not my favorite island, I am glad I went there. The Hilton was very nice - and if your husband travels alot - get on the Concierge level - VERY nice treatment. The beaches right there are nice. There are parts of Hawaii that are lush - Waipeo Valley was my favorite!! The Volcanoes are actually on the other side of the island. For pretty - I liked Maui and Oahu better..... BUT - any of them are great!

The Big Island is amazing! The best beaches are there, just hidden. Like Hapuna and all the other inlets on that coast. Hapuna feels like you are walking on powdered sugar and the waves feel like a gentle massage pool. It's my favorite spot. You can snorkel there too. Get a guide book because some secluded - AWESOME - beaches are a short walk down the old lava flow areas and not marked. Big Island also has some of the best snorkling like at Captian Cook etc. Then there are black sand beaches too. I don't think you will be disappointed. And you can do the night snorkel with the 17ft manta rays!!!

We stayed next door to Hilton Waikoloa in March at the less costly Outrigger Waikoloa Beach Marriott. Some guests from Hilton also come to the Marriott as it has "A-Bay" in front of it a protected crescent shaped sandy beach in front of it which has decent snorkeling and occassional turtles. I think you will like Hilton Waikoloa and surrounding vegetation and the BI, the beaches are harder to find and farther apart but they are there. I 2nd the above posters recommendation for the snorkel trip to the Captain Cook Monument from Kona, we took the Fairwind II and it was the best we have seen, but do reserve early if you are going. Suggest you get the "Hawaii-The Big Island Revealed" available at Barnes and Noble, Borders etc. from Wizard Pub. to find the hidden beaches, gardens, waterfalls etc. Suggest you reconsider the hike to the lava flows at Volcanoes National Park in evening, as it is a one of a kind experience. You will love the Big Island! :S-

Thank you all so much!
I'll look into the above suggestions!
Thanks,
Linda

Another question:
I've read that the Hilton is rather "far out" from things. How far are restaurants, grocery stores, etc?
Thanks,
Linda

There are a bunch of restaurants in the resort - plus, there's a little shopping place right down the road with several restaurants. In addition, when you get out on the main road - it's not really that far to other places... I don't know about grocery stores, though...

We don't want to eat at restaurants for every meal----too expensive with 4 people! Would like to get some groceries to have sandwiches, etc. in hotel room, or pack a picnic.......

From the Hilton, turn left on Queen Kaahumanu Hwy. drive north a short way to the Blue Helicopter's, turn right on Waikoloa Road. Up the hill is a nice grocery store, turn Left into Waikoloa Village and it is in the back. For something different,on up Waikoloa Road, turn left on Mamalahoa Hwy to visit the Parker Ranch Grill, Ranch and historic houses. Children might enjoy the cowboy stories, pictures and artifacts. It's greener and greener as you drive along, and if you continue on to19 then left on 240, you will see many terrain changes as you approach Wai Pi'o, this is historic "Old Hawaii" where the sugar plantations were. Personally, this was our favorite area of the island.
Where ever, you well have a great time!

Oh, you Fodorites are so nice!
Thanks,
linda

Here is website for the "King's Shops" a shopping center with a "Whaler's grocery store", restaurants, Starbucks, etc. It is conveniently located between the Hilton Waikoloa and Waikoloa Marriott. :S-
http://waikoloaresort.com/shops/specialty.htm#whalers
Enjoy your stay in Paradise!