Hilton Waikoloa, big Island
 

Does anyone know about the beach on this property, esp. as to how far it is from the hotel? I read there is a shuttle to take you to a beach so is this hotel on a beach or a bit removed. Thanks, Larry

The coastline at the Hilton is jagged lava - no beach. They have constructed a "man made" sand beach next to the dolphin lagoon, but IMO it's pretty pathetic.

There are sand beaches at the Mauna Lani, up the road, or one of the best white sand beaches in the whole state is at Hapuna Beach, also a little ways north of the Hilton. The real deal - palm trees, blue water, soft sand. Also plenty of people most of the time - it's a state park.

But in general the BI doesn't have many beaches equivalent to those on other islands. However the other attractions of the BI more than compensate in our view.

As the previous poster said, there is no beach at the Hilton, just a sterile man made one. There is a beach nearby called Anaehoomalu Bay (A-Bay) that fronts the Outrigger. We were on the Big Island two weeks ago and stayed at the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel, we made a trip over to the Hilton to check it out. I felt like I had left Hawaii, entered Florida and was at one of the Disney Resorts. So be sure this is the kind of hotel you are looking for in Hawaii. We preferred the Hapuna where we had Hapuna Beach right there and Kaunaoa Beach at the Mauna Kea Resort next door. These are the two best beaches on the Big Island in my opinion.

Thanks!!!

I agree with anna k. Be really sure that you want the Hilton. It is huge and crowded and very overrated. Try a
smaller hotel that feels Hawaiian on
a nice beach. I would also recommend
the Hapuna or maybe the Mauna Lani Bay
Hotel. Much, much nicer.

The locals don't call it the Disney Hotel for no reason.

The Mauna Lani Bay Hotel is wonderful. he Hilton Waikoloa is more geared toward families with children.

About a 15-20 minute scenic walk along the coast from the Hilton Waikoloa will bring you to the natural, sandy, crescent beach known as A-Bay in front of the Outrigger Waikoloa Beach Marriott as indicated by AnnaK. A-Bay has decent snorkeling and a turtle swam within several yards of us. We had a very nice stay at the Outrigger Waikoloa Beach Marriott which has a more hawaiian feel, and one night we enjoyed cruising on a boat within the Hilton for dinner! We enjoyed a partial ocean view room at the O.W.B.Marriott for ~$200/nite, and utilized the adjacent Kings Shops, which provide a convenient cost saving alternative to the hotels. It is not unusual for guests staying at the Hilton to take advantage of A-Bay. There was some condo construction between the Hilton and the Marriott, but this did not disturb our stay in March. :S-

I think a lot depends if you are going with kids or teens. We love the Hilton with them as there is plenty for them to do and the pool is fun. As far as the man made lagoon being sterile. The green sea turtles swim in and out of it from the ocean and we really enjoyed snorkeling with them. They are somewhat friendly and curious and we thought it was nice.