Where to stay in Big Island?
 

We are a family of 5 + my mother in law
My kids (10, 14, 20) like active stuff

Suggestions?
Any preference of Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa vs Hilton Waikoloa
Thank you

You might like to rent a condo at Waikoloa instead of in the hotel. You will have more room and a good place to all hang out together and have breakfast or snacks on hand that don't cost an arm or a leg. You have to have a car to drive to a grocery, though, up the hill to Waikoloa Village.

The beach there was pretty well trashed by the tsunami back in March, and I don't know what condition it is in now. Perhaps someone who has been there recently can help.

There's a new grocery with everything you need, plus a deli, at the Queens Marketplace there, plus a variety of fast-food (Subway, Starbuck, pizza, etc.) and even a new ice cream place. Similar prices to the supermarket in Waikoloa village (6 miles)up the road, and very convenient (open pretty late, but not 24 hour).
A-bay is nice, as usual, but the beach just in front of the Marriott was cut by the tsunami entering the archeological site, the King's fishpond, there; they still have ropes across the area breached. Still plenty of swimmable beach in front, but to access the south half you have to walk back behind the pond (from the north end of the beach, where the chairs are). However, if you are just visiting from the many condos, not the hotel, and park in the free beach access lot (next to the restrooms and shower, bordering the archeological sites), the entire beach from the hotel south is still lovely.
I also recommend staying in one of the several condo complexes at Waikoloa Beach resort (all have nice pools); we talked to people at ours (Fairways Villas) who got a 2 bdrm/2 bath unit for $100 per night on VRBO!

Thanks, Sylvia, for the info on the grocery store at Queen's Shops.

Adam, another good thing about a condo is that you will have a covered outdoor space (lanai) for lounging and dining. Much more room inside, too, for the six of you. And laundry facilities.

If you want to stay in Waikoloa then I suggest Hali'i Kai. It's a new condo complex with wonderful kitchens and bathrooms. It is very quiet. It has a great pool area.

In the Muana Lani Resort, we stayed at the Muana Lani Terraces. A little pricey but wonderful views and just a super location. Very quiet. I became a big fan of the Muana Lani property after this last trip. Super snorkeling there.

With 5 people, a 2 or 3 br condo is the way to go. You can get a VERY VERY nice 2 br condo for the price of two hotel rooms

I think wbpiii means the MAUna Lani. Very nice property and one of my favorite hotels on Hawaii Island.

I'm pretty sure the Hilton Waikoloa is very disneyland style if that is your interest. We lvoe to rent condos for the room and convenience of snacks, breakfast, etc.

If you get a condo and will be there at least a week you can make a Costco & WalMart stop on the way to the condo from the airport. That's a great way to get stocked up on essentials.
Have a great time.