I didn't get a response to my previous post, so I'm rephrasing the question. Has anyone stayed very recently at the remodeled Sheraton on the Big Island? How was it?

I stayed there for a couple of days when company came to visit and they wanted to go Kona side. Very nice compared to what it was. I'd recommend it. Next to a great snorkeling beach, and the food was good too.

We will be staying there end of Dec so will let you know when we return if you still need the info.

OK. Thanks. We're going Jan. 6.

We will be back Jan 1st. Any specific information you are looking for?

I read some bad reviews (ants, bad service), so just hope to hear that things are now fine there. Any restaurant suggestions (not at the hotel) would also be appreciated.

Just got back this morning - had a wonderful trip. The Sheraton Keahou was fine, no complaints, just not exactly what I had expected. The view of the ocean from our lanai was good, but there was a very short path along the ocean, one could not really walk along the the beach or on the grounds.The room was spacious but I didn't get the feeling that it had been recently remodelled, maybe not all of them have been redone yet? But there was not problem with ants etc. BTW, the Manta Ray dives only take place on Mon, Wed & Fri evenings as per a hotel employee.
We had stayed at the Hilton Waikoloa prior to moving to the Sheraton & that was a resort beyond compare so maybe that colored my opinion of the Sheraton!
As far as restaurants, we had dinner at Bubba Gumps & even though there was a wait, the view & the food were well worth it. Had lunch at the Wendy's in Keauhou Shopping Center which was very close & had a great view. Let me know if you need any more info. Hope you have a wonderful trip!

Thanks for the update. What is the Manta Ray dive? Did you eat breakfast at the hotel (not the buffet)?

This is a little off subject and I apologize for digressing, but my question is for "excited-confused" regarding the Hilton. We are traveling in June with our son, 13. Currently scheduled to stay at Hapuna Prince, but your comment about the Hilton has sparked my interest. Were you traveling with kids? I know the Hilton is huge, but thinking we may not have made the best choice for our son. As a family we enjoy the ocean, but DS is an "only" and would probably appreciate a "happening" place with other "tweens". Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

not "excited-confused" but have stayed at the Hilton Waikaloa Village (loved it)

You might want to consider getting a day pass to the pool area of the HWV if you still wanted to stay at Hapuna Prince (not too far from HWV). Do a search under the Hawaii forum because I've seen a couple detailed threads in the past regarding the pool pass.

That way, you could thoroughly enjoy the best BI beaches--Mauna Kea (via shuttle from HP) and Hapuna--in comfort, then visit the wonderful pool area, lagoons and transp modes at the Hilton at your liking

Thanks for that great idea. I think that will be the perfect solution.

Sorry sherrie, since we are back from our trip I do not check this forum as often! We were travelling with 2 teenagers, 15 & 19. My kids loved the place, they enjoyed going down & taking the boat to go around the resort & the pool was wonderful (though cold) with waterfalls, hot tubs in caves etc. We did come across several people at the man-made beach that were not staying at the resort & were wondering about that - the day pass explains that. It does not have a real beach however so if that is important to you then stay with the Hapuna but we felt the total experience at the Hilton was exceptional, my daughter raves about it to all her friends & never mentions the other hotels we stayed at though all were really good!