For those who have traveled to the BI, and have seen or stayed at these resorts, what are some of the pros/cons of the Hilton versus the other 2 hotels I listed above? From the research I have done, it appears that the Hilton may be a little more geared towards children, and the Mauna Kea and Hapuna Beach are perhaps more geared towards golf? We are not planning on bringing kids and do not plan to play golf. Will actually be out exploring the island most of the time but would like a nice hotel to come back to at night and to start off each day at. Any thoughts on where to book?

You might consider the Outrigger Waikoloa Beach Marriott which is next to Hilton Waikoloa, and has its own crescent sandy beach known as A-Bay in front of it. Partial Ocean View ~$200/night. Stayed there in March, expedia gives it a four star rating. Across the street is the Kings Shops, very convenient for those last minute items needed for daytrips, and also includes a Starbucks!

topped

we stayed in mauna kea in may and loved it we do not play golf but that was a beautiful site , they have i think one of the best beaches there and such a classy place , the wikoloa area is like disney world removes the essence of hawaii. if i had to do over again i would stay in maunakea or haupana beach.

Just got back from the BI yesterday. It
was terrific. We stayed at the Fairmont
Orchid and LOVED it. My 11 yr old son
had a great time in the lovely freeform
pool and the calm bay. We also went and
looked at may other hotels. We would never, ever stay at the Hilton. Way too
much noise and too many people waiting in lines for food and activities. It was like a town in itself. It is so big
you have to take a monorail or boat back
to your room from the lobby.

I definitly recomment the Orchid or the
Hapuna Prince. Hapuna looked great with
a nice pool and of course the terrific beach. Have fun.