What's wrong with the Hilton Waikoloa Village Resort?
Jan 12th, 2002, 02:27 PM
#1
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What's wrong with the Hilton Waikoloa Village Resort?
I have been considering staying at the Hilton but am confused about the mixed reviews. The resort looks like a fun place with nice rooms, well cared for grounds, and lots to do. It seems like people either love it or hate it. I would like to know why some people dislike the resort before I make final arrangements for my vacation. I like nice accommodations and good service. The other resorts I will be staying at will be the Hyatt on Kauai and the Four Seasons on Maui. I know that few resorts compare with the wonderful service the Four Seasons is known for, so I am not expecting that at the Hilton. Will I be disappointed with the Hilton? If you think I will, please tell me why. Or, if yoou love it, please share that as well. Thank you all!
Jan 12th, 2002, 02:33 PM
#2
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It is big and somewhat impersonal, has quite a few family & first time visitors and with all the boats and trains, sort of screams Disneyland! However...the rooms are nice, there is lots to do and to look at right there, and it is in a nice part of the Big Island. I think you've got it figured out pretty well, so you won't be disappointed or unhappy. It's those people who think they're coming to a Four Seasons that are the most disappointed.
Jan 12th, 2002, 02:40 PM
#3
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There is nothing wrong with the Wailoloa. We stayed there a number of years ago when my daughter was a subteen. The place has seven pool connected together with slides. It has Disneyland like boats that take you from place to place and a full sized train that shuttles from the lobby to the rooms.
The problem is that the novelty of the place wears off quickly. What you are left with is a place with frenetic activity. It's also an tourist attraction in its own right, so the place is crowded. We didn't mind because we had a child that seemed to like the various attractions, especially all the pools.
It was a number of years ago, but I thought the food was mediocre at best. And it's a real hassle to find alternatives to the hotel food.
They have an artifical beach that looks artifical. They import sand from Santa Monica.
If you are attracted to places like the Four Seasons on Maui which is truly serene, Waikoloa's atmosphere will be jarring.
There is a Ritz Carlton next door that may suit you better. Until I have grandchildren, I will never return. Maybe I won't return even then.
The problem is that the novelty of the place wears off quickly. What you are left with is a place with frenetic activity. It's also an tourist attraction in its own right, so the place is crowded. We didn't mind because we had a child that seemed to like the various attractions, especially all the pools.
It was a number of years ago, but I thought the food was mediocre at best. And it's a real hassle to find alternatives to the hotel food.
They have an artifical beach that looks artifical. They import sand from Santa Monica.
If you are attracted to places like the Four Seasons on Maui which is truly serene, Waikoloa's atmosphere will be jarring.
There is a Ritz Carlton next door that may suit you better. Until I have grandchildren, I will never return. Maybe I won't return even then.
Jan 12th, 2002, 05:09 PM
#5
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As the above poster mentioned, the fake beach is a real turn-off, especially when you realize that all beaches in Hawaii are open to the public. There is actually a beautiful REAL beach on the Hilton property; almost nobody was there the day we visited it - other than some dolphins and turtles! Lots of people say good things about the Hilton's dolphin pool; we found it very disturbing, but I know that view isn't shared by everyone. It just seems odd to stay at a man-made Disney version of Hawaii when the real Hawaii is right there, all around it.
Jan 12th, 2002, 06:23 PM
#6
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The Waikoloa Village is best suited to families with kids under about 13 IMO.
It's huge, sprawling, anything but welcoming and personal feeling, and is not a luxury resort by my gauge.
For kids it's great. Lots going on, places to explore, train running across the resort, etc.
I also don't classify the rooms as luxury accommodations. They're fine, but if you're staying at the FS and Hyatt Kauai, you'll be turned off.
It's huge, sprawling, anything but welcoming and personal feeling, and is not a luxury resort by my gauge.
For kids it's great. Lots going on, places to explore, train running across the resort, etc.
I also don't classify the rooms as luxury accommodations. They're fine, but if you're staying at the FS and Hyatt Kauai, you'll be turned off.
Jan 13th, 2002, 12:24 PM
#7
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Thanks, everyone, for your help. I will be visiting Hawaii with 2 boys in their late teens. I am trying to decide if they will enjoy all of the interesting pools and activities at the Hilton, or will be annoyed by lots of very young children. They enjoy the water very much, whether it be pools with interesting slides, or a great beach. It's a tough call. I am also considering tha Mauna Lani Bay and the Orchid at Mauna Lani. The room rate at the Hilton is probably the best, but I have also heard that they nickel and dime their guests for everything. If anyone has been to Atlantis, please tell me how the Hilton Waikoloa compares. Thanks again for your help!
Jan 13th, 2002, 02:20 PM
#8
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I am going to the Waikoloa over Easter with kids ages 10 and 14. I got it FREE using Hilton points, so despite any drawbacks, I am staying there. From all my research, I am looking forward to a great time that my KIDS will love!! Maybe some day I will enjoy the Four Seasons., etc, but now I look forward to a great family vacation.
Jan 13th, 2002, 04:03 PM
#9
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Lisa,
I hate to say it but I have to agree with all the other posts here. I have nothing to add except, have you checked the Hilton's website? They have a nice virtual tour which will show you some of what the resort is like so you can see it for yourself.
Honestly, where you have teenagers I think you'll have a fine time. You never really said what you were looking for in a resort but based on your other selections of the Hyatt on Kauai and FS on Maui, it appears that the Hilton is not quite in that same league. What ammenities are you looking for? Any reason why you chose this resort? Do you spend a lot of time at the resort or in your room? If you answer some of these questions maybe we can help you better.
PS...Hilton Website
www.hiltonwaikoloavillage.com
Aloha!
I hate to say it but I have to agree with all the other posts here. I have nothing to add except, have you checked the Hilton's website? They have a nice virtual tour which will show you some of what the resort is like so you can see it for yourself.
Honestly, where you have teenagers I think you'll have a fine time. You never really said what you were looking for in a resort but based on your other selections of the Hyatt on Kauai and FS on Maui, it appears that the Hilton is not quite in that same league. What ammenities are you looking for? Any reason why you chose this resort? Do you spend a lot of time at the resort or in your room? If you answer some of these questions maybe we can help you better.
PS...Hilton Website
www.hiltonwaikoloavillage.com
Aloha!
Jan 13th, 2002, 05:30 PM
#10
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RMC
I have checked the Hilton's website, but found it the least helpful of all the sites that I have visited. As I said in my initial post, I am looking for very good service, nice accommodations, and beautiful grounds. I am also looking for a good balance for my teens and my husband and myself. I love natural beauty, feeling like I am immersed in the local culture, great service, and some selection of activities. I also enjoy seeing the sites off property. But, I am not traveling alone, so I am trying to keep my teens' happiness in mind as well. As I stated earlier, they love the water, would enjoy a variety of watersports, including a nice pool to swim in, but also like to just sit by the pool or on the beach reading a book and listening to music. They are okay with seeing the island sites, but not all day, so we will be spending a fair amount of time at the resort. The boys are also at the age that they prefer not having to share the pool with lots of VERY young children.
I mentioned Atlantis because, while doing research on that property for a previous vacation, I read similar opinions about that resort as well. Many people said that it was over the top and not island-like at all. It is also a very large resort which some people really do not enjoy. I am okay with a large resort if the service and overall quality of the vacation do not suffer because of the size. There were also many people who absolutely loved Atlantis. I enjoyed it very much. I am just wondering if the Hilton is more impersonal than Atlantis, with a lower standard for service, accommodations, and food, due to its size -or is it about the same? This will give me a point for comparison.
As I said, I would like to find as perfect a resort as possible for my family. I would like this to be a very special vacation since my son is in college and I do not know how many more opportunities we will have to take a 2 week long vacation together.
I appreciate your help.
I have checked the Hilton's website, but found it the least helpful of all the sites that I have visited. As I said in my initial post, I am looking for very good service, nice accommodations, and beautiful grounds. I am also looking for a good balance for my teens and my husband and myself. I love natural beauty, feeling like I am immersed in the local culture, great service, and some selection of activities. I also enjoy seeing the sites off property. But, I am not traveling alone, so I am trying to keep my teens' happiness in mind as well. As I stated earlier, they love the water, would enjoy a variety of watersports, including a nice pool to swim in, but also like to just sit by the pool or on the beach reading a book and listening to music. They are okay with seeing the island sites, but not all day, so we will be spending a fair amount of time at the resort. The boys are also at the age that they prefer not having to share the pool with lots of VERY young children.
I mentioned Atlantis because, while doing research on that property for a previous vacation, I read similar opinions about that resort as well. Many people said that it was over the top and not island-like at all. It is also a very large resort which some people really do not enjoy. I am okay with a large resort if the service and overall quality of the vacation do not suffer because of the size. There were also many people who absolutely loved Atlantis. I enjoyed it very much. I am just wondering if the Hilton is more impersonal than Atlantis, with a lower standard for service, accommodations, and food, due to its size -or is it about the same? This will give me a point for comparison.
As I said, I would like to find as perfect a resort as possible for my family. I would like this to be a very special vacation since my son is in college and I do not know how many more opportunities we will have to take a 2 week long vacation together.
I appreciate your help.
Jan 13th, 2002, 06:22 PM
#11
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Lisa,
I just wonder if you'll be disappointed with this resort when all is said and done but I guess it depends on what order you do your islands. Have you been to Hawaii before? Oh, if you've posted other information on another thread my apologies because I haven't had a chance to read much of the US forum.
Okay, IMHO if this is the first island on your trip, and assuming you haven't been to Hawaii before, then you will likely be okay with your choice. The problem is if you stay here after the FS on Maui or even the Hyatt on Kauai, I doubt it'll live up to your expectations. The truth is it's just not in the same class. I'd say the FS on Maui is a 5 star property, the Hyatt on Kauai is a 4 star and the Hilton would really be a 3 star. Some may argue but that's my opinion.
I think if it were me I might look for another resort on the Big Island. Just by virtue that you said you wanted to immerse yourself in the local culture and nature. You're just not going to get that feeling while you're walking around Disney...oh, I mean the Hilton. Okay,when you're at the Atlantis do you get the feeling that you're in the Caribbean? Personally I haven't been to the Atlantis but I am familiar with the resort. When I look at pictures of that property I don't get a sense that I'm in the Caribbean. That's not to say it's not a nice resort, I'm sure it is. I just feel that if I told someone that I wanted a nice resort on the Bahamas, one that would give me a sense of Caribbean culture and nature, that would not be the resort I would choose.
My thinking is you've selected the best hotel available on both Maui and Kauai but the Hilton is just not in the same class. Like many others have said, the Hilton is the Disney of Hawaii. My goodness it has both a monorail and canal boats that go between interconnecting pools so you can get around the massive resort. You said you wanted beautiful grounds well I don't think anyone can argue that Disney certainly has beautiful grounds but it's manufactured and not real. I'm sure I don't have to tell you this but I doubt the service at this hotel will be up to the level at the FS. But also, it's not a FS. No one will be spritzing you with Evian by the pool at the Hilton!
The hotel rooms are supposed to be very average. I understand that they're fairly large but very basic. I think they have several different restaurants (Italian, Japanese..etc) but none of them are really that great, just okay.
Now, as far as "pros" go, the Hilton will likely have the most activies of all the resorts. As you know it's very family oriented and I thought maybe their website might have a list of all their activies so you can decide if they're what your kids like. I'm not a hotel activity person myself so I don't know what they actually offer. Oh, one thing I do know they offer is a program where you can swim with dolphins and I think it's the only hotel on the Big Island that offers this. That could be a great thing for your kids to do! (heck I'd like to do that myself!) I also believe they have a great golf course if you're into that as well.
Good luck and let us know where you end up!
I just wonder if you'll be disappointed with this resort when all is said and done but I guess it depends on what order you do your islands. Have you been to Hawaii before? Oh, if you've posted other information on another thread my apologies because I haven't had a chance to read much of the US forum.
Okay, IMHO if this is the first island on your trip, and assuming you haven't been to Hawaii before, then you will likely be okay with your choice. The problem is if you stay here after the FS on Maui or even the Hyatt on Kauai, I doubt it'll live up to your expectations. The truth is it's just not in the same class. I'd say the FS on Maui is a 5 star property, the Hyatt on Kauai is a 4 star and the Hilton would really be a 3 star. Some may argue but that's my opinion.
I think if it were me I might look for another resort on the Big Island. Just by virtue that you said you wanted to immerse yourself in the local culture and nature. You're just not going to get that feeling while you're walking around Disney...oh, I mean the Hilton. Okay,when you're at the Atlantis do you get the feeling that you're in the Caribbean? Personally I haven't been to the Atlantis but I am familiar with the resort. When I look at pictures of that property I don't get a sense that I'm in the Caribbean. That's not to say it's not a nice resort, I'm sure it is. I just feel that if I told someone that I wanted a nice resort on the Bahamas, one that would give me a sense of Caribbean culture and nature, that would not be the resort I would choose.
My thinking is you've selected the best hotel available on both Maui and Kauai but the Hilton is just not in the same class. Like many others have said, the Hilton is the Disney of Hawaii. My goodness it has both a monorail and canal boats that go between interconnecting pools so you can get around the massive resort. You said you wanted beautiful grounds well I don't think anyone can argue that Disney certainly has beautiful grounds but it's manufactured and not real. I'm sure I don't have to tell you this but I doubt the service at this hotel will be up to the level at the FS. But also, it's not a FS. No one will be spritzing you with Evian by the pool at the Hilton!
The hotel rooms are supposed to be very average. I understand that they're fairly large but very basic. I think they have several different restaurants (Italian, Japanese..etc) but none of them are really that great, just okay. Now, as far as "pros" go, the Hilton will likely have the most activies of all the resorts. As you know it's very family oriented and I thought maybe their website might have a list of all their activies so you can decide if they're what your kids like. I'm not a hotel activity person myself so I don't know what they actually offer. Oh, one thing I do know they offer is a program where you can swim with dolphins and I think it's the only hotel on the Big Island that offers this. That could be a great thing for your kids to do! (heck I'd like to do that myself!) I also believe they have a great golf course if you're into that as well.
Good luck and let us know where you end up!
Jan 14th, 2002, 05:26 AM
#12
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We stayed at the Hilton Waikaloa Village in 1998 with our four sons and we loved it. The oldest at the time was 20, then 17, 14, and 11. My youngest swam with the dolphins, we all swam with the turtles since they live in the "fake" beach, which we liked. The pools were beautiful, the grounds were lovely, and we went to King's shopping area for alternatives to hotel food or into Kona.
This year we stayed in a condo closer to Kona and the kids really missed the Hilton. The only down side to the Hilton is that they were all so satisfied, it was hard to get them to leave the property. I would definately stay there again.
This year we stayed in a condo closer to Kona and the kids really missed the Hilton. The only down side to the Hilton is that they were all so satisfied, it was hard to get them to leave the property. I would definately stay there again.
Jan 14th, 2002, 02:13 PM
#13
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When I visited the Big Island, I had wanted very much to stay at the Hilton. We chose a different resort nearby (Outrigger Waikoloa)mostly because of the good rates. We visited the Hilton though, just to see it. I really hated it, much to my surprise! We couldn't find anything to eat that we
considered in our price range (even at the "snack bars"). The boat transportation was VERY slow with lots of waiting. The decor was not really Hawaiian inspired but more exotic asian. The whole place was so opposite in feeling from the rest of the island. I love Disney but would never stay at that place. Please find a place with real natural beauty. It is plentiful on the Big Island. By the way, the Outriggers beach and snorkeling were incredible. The pool also is large with a slide. Outrigger was very Hawaiian feeling.
considered in our price range (even at the "snack bars"). The boat transportation was VERY slow with lots of waiting. The decor was not really Hawaiian inspired but more exotic asian. The whole place was so opposite in feeling from the rest of the island. I love Disney but would never stay at that place. Please find a place with real natural beauty. It is plentiful on the Big Island. By the way, the Outriggers beach and snorkeling were incredible. The pool also is large with a slide. Outrigger was very Hawaiian feeling.
