Any advice as to which tower has the best accomodations - and location, as I have heard that the resort is very large.

I can't remember the name of it - but we stayed in the tower at the far right end of the hotel (if you're standing in the lobby). I don't really know which is better - but the view was beautiful and our room was great. There were several options to get back to the main lobby - boat, tram and walk - and it was kind of nice to be away from the traffic....

The Lagoon Tower is closest to the Lobby and to the tennis courts and a group of pools. It's also close to the dolphin area and to an outside bar eating area.

The Palace Tower seemed far away from most stuff. This may be where Debi (above) stayed. The Ocean Tower was closest to the lazy river pool.

This place is really big.

Here's an aerial view for you: http://www.wizardpub.com/bigisland/brhiltonwv.html

Milly, if you don't get an exact answer, try a text search on Hilton Waikoloa or Hilton Waikiki or Honoulu Hilton. I remember reading a post a little while ago about the which towers are better.

Hope this helps.

Oops... Thought this was the Hilton in Honolulu... sorry about that.

We stayed at the Palace Tower (first tower to the right) and enjoyed how quiet it was compared to the other two. The Palace Tower may be the older of the towers but our room was very nice. The tower is stocked with fantastic pieces of Asian art. It was far enough away to be a haven but not so far that you would spend a lot of time getting elsewhere in the resort.

The Lagoon Tower (to the left) probably has better ocean view rooms and it is closer to the the center of activity. The Ocean Tower (2nd tower on the right) seemed the most confusing to us. It must have the most rooms because it was always more crowded than the other two. It is the farthest from the lobby and the lagoon and the individual rooms are awkward to get to because of the physical layout of the tower. The Ocean Tower is the most contemporary of the three.

We are considering staying there this summer. My research came up with this information: If you have little kids, the Lagoon Tower is better because it is closest to the children's lagoon area. The Ocean Tower has an adults-only pool.

I have posted a few times regarding where to stay while in Hawaii.

Please, patience, I have a big question: We can stay at the Hilton for 6 nights for free. (Hilton Points) I have posted regarding wanting an "island" tropical experience. We aren't made of money, but feel if we are going all the way to the Big Island (from Mid-west) should we just take the free stay, or pony up for the resort on the beach, Mauna Kea or Haupana, or the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel....
Any opinions? Another question!
We love the beach, and think if we stay at a nice resort with a great beach but have Mountain view, is this better than staying at the Hilton with no beach?

I know, very complex decisions....

beachkomer,

I stayed at the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel a couple of years ago for a week while attending a conference. The rooms were very nice and the staff was also very attentive. It did seem to be a place that attracts a more "mature" crowd ie: people over 45. They have a great beach as well. If you are looking for an "'island' tropical experience," this is the place. I thought that the restaurant was expensive ($9.00 for a waffle) but that should come as no surprise given the cost of the rooms. The corporate rate was about $160 per night for the most economical room. The standard rates are about twice that. Thankfully I rented a car so that I could go down to Kona for some nightlife. The Mauna Lani was dead after about 7:00 PM.

beachkomer: because your cost for a room for 6 nights would be substantial,
I would opt for the Hilton hands down & treat yourselves to something special with the money saved like a heli ride over Mauna Kea, golf?, & a snorkel/sail. You could feel much better about the high cost of meals,
ect. It's a very pretty location & can be very busy. When we were there last Sept, we'd walk the grounds in the
am around the golf course and rocks, then go to Hapuna Beach a couple of miles north to swim and lie around.
It is a beautiful spot( NICEST BEACH ON KOHALA COAST) with facilities.
Waikaloa has restaurants & a nice little provisions store in the marketplace near the hotel.
The down side is the property can be pretty busy. I personally don't feel you'd be missing alot at the other
resorts & your $2k+ saved on rent would
aleve any crowd pains around the pool. Also the Asian art in the corridors is very impressive. Be sure to try some of the local eats up in up in Puakea.
Aloha!

You are right "rainbro". Free is good!
Our air tickets are free (frequent flyer)
Our room (I booked the Hilton) is free,
and I even had enought points for a free weeks car rental!!!

So, Yes, the expensive food and drinks won't seem as painful! I would like to visit the other resorts up there, for "Next time..." Thanks.

beachkomer, good choice. You'll find yourself using the car to see things because the big island is just that...BIG. SO having the Waikaloa as a base will be great. Take a detour off the highway & look at the resorts you were considering & I believe you'll pat yourselves on the back for using your Hilton Points. You will love Hapuna Beach Park. Enjoy!