Resorts on Big Island
 

My husband and I are planning to spend five nights at the Kanaloa at Kona in September. We were there 8 or 9 years ago and it was lovely. This time we also want to add on a few nights at a somewhat high-end hotel just to try something special. We were thinking of the Hilton Waikoloa Village, but someone wrote to say it is a bit artificial with man-made beaches and lagoons etc. We think that might not be the best answer for us although I am sure it is beautiful. <BR> <BR>Does anyone know a nice hotel we can try? The Four Seasons is too expensive for us this trip--it runs around $600/night. The Hilton Waikoloa is about $250/night. <BR> <BR>Thank you.

When we visited the BI we stayed at the Royal Waikaloan which is right next door to the HHV. Think it's an Outrigger now. What we liked about this place was the beautiful private bay that it is on. They also have hammocks stretched between the trees for the ultimate in relaxation. We would walk over to the HHV just to gaze at its size. Did not get the urge to stay there. Saw Steve Garvey signing autographs at the front entrance. This was awhile ago when the HHV was owned by the Hyatt. It had just opened. I don't think the Royal Waikoloan is high end though, it was a very good stay.

We visited the Hilton Waikoloa during our stay and it reminded me of an amusement park (swimming with dolphins in the pool, etc.) If you're looking for something a bit more intimate, we stayed at the Outrigger Waikoloa Village next door and had a wonderful time. The beach is beautiful (and not man made) and is on Anaehoomalu Bay. The sun sets directly over the Bay...what a sight! Have been to many hotels and consider this a superior one. I think that the Outrigger chain should market this hotel more since the pictures that you'll find in travel guides do it a diservice. So I was pleasantly surprised upon arrival. Only negative thing is that it's a bit of a drive from Kona, but being there before, you already knew that.

Lynnejenn and I are talking about the same place. I would definitly go back. My husband and I have very fond memories of this place. I agree with Lynnejenn, that outrigger needs to market this hotel as a real gem.

Totally agree about the Outrigger Waikoloa. Was there two years ago before they started the renovation, and loved it even then - have been there twice. The beach is so wonderful, and the whole resort has such a truly Hawaiian feel. It isn't as luxurious as a Hyatt, for example, but is still terrific. Be sure to get an oceanfront room!!!

Kate, it might be a little more than the Hilton (which is IMO much more family-oriented than the others) but the Mauna Lani up the road from the Hilton is a beautiful, romantic place. The Canoe House at the Mauna Lani is one of the most romantic restaurants my wife and I have ever been to.

Another vote for Outrigger Waikoloa. My husband and I had a wonderful stay at this property last summer. Snorkeling in the bay was just fantastic! We asked for an upgrade if available and they put us on the Voyager's Club floor. I got a really good internet rate of $175 for an Ocean view room, but I've heard the Entertainment rate (from the popular coupon books) is even better if it's available for your dates.

I have stayed at the Outrigger Waikoloa and it does have a beautiful beach ["A-Bay"]and is both reasonably priced and well located (across the road from Roy's and the King Shoppes), but it may not be the "high-end" "special" hotel you are looking for. <BR>The other posters are correct in discouraging you from the Hilton Waikoloa, which is far too "disneyesque". I'd suggest you consider Mauna Lani Bay, which is highly regarded and as a second choice, the classic Mauna Kea or its sister hotel, Hapuna Prince. <BR>

Frank is right .......... as I said above, I love the Outrigger Waikoloa, but if you really want high-end, you'll want to go with Mauna Kea, Mauna Lani, or Hapuna Prince. I found the location and Hawaiian feel compensated for the lack of "high luxury" in my book - but I had just spent a week at the Renaissance Wailea on Maui so I'd had some pampering before I got there!