Hotels in Waikoloa, HI
HawaiiShowing 5 hotels
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Hilton Grand Vacations Club Kings’ Land Waikoloa
5.10 milesFree parkingOutdoor pool - 1 of 12
Hilton Grand Vacations Club Kohala Suites Waikoloa
5.86 milesFree parkingOutdoor pool - 1 of 12
Hilton Grand Vacations Club Ocean Tower Waikoloa Village
6.47 milesOutdoor pool - 1 of 12
Hilton Waikoloa Village
6.48 milesOutdoor pool - 1 of 8
Hampton Inn by Hilton Kailua-Kona Bay
24.38 milesFree breakfastOutdoor pool
What are the most popular things to do in Waikoloa for first-time visitors?
Guests at hotels in Waikoloa, Hawaii, can enjoy a wide range of activities during their stay. Start with the coast, then add a mix of culture and nature so you see why the Kohala shoreline is a favorite on the Island of Hawaiʻi. Popular things to do in Waikoloa, Hawaii, include:
• Beach time at ʻAnaehoʻomalu Bay for easy swimming and sunset walks, so first timers can settle in with calm water and wide views.
• Snorkeling and paddle outings along the lava-framed coves in clear water, where frequent sea turtle sightings are reported when conditions are calm.
• Petroglyph walks on the lava fields for a short, family-friendly look at ancient Hawaiian rock carvings and history.
• Scenic drives north toward Kawaihae and south toward Kailua-Kona for sweeping coastline views across black lava flows and deep blue water.
• Stargazing outings toward Mauna Kea’s high elevations in some of the clearest night skies in the Pacific.
What are the best calm beaches near Waikoloa for swimming and snorkeling?
Mornings on the Kohala Coast are often the calmest, and several Waikoloa beaches are known for gentle entry and clear water when surf is down. Despite water sports being popular among activities in Hawaii, ocean conditions change with weather and season, especially in winter swells, so check posted advisories and enter only when it looks safe.
• ʻAnaehoʻomalu Bay offers protected swimming and beginner-friendly snorkeling along the edges.
• Kaunaʻoa Bay has a broad crescent of sand and typically sheltered water with reef along the rocks.
• Waialea Beach, also called Beach 69, presents shade, small coves, and good snorkeling close to shore on calm days.
• Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area has long sandy stretches and seasonal snorkeling near the rocky points when seas are gentle.
When is the best time to visit Waikoloa for beach days and whale watching?
For long, sunny beach days, Waikoloa’s leeward weather is reliably dry year-round with calmer seas common in summer months from May to September. For whale watching, humpback whales typically arrive in late fall and are most frequently seen from January through March, with sightings tapering into April. Visiting in late winter delivers both warm beach weather and peak whale activity, while late spring through early fall often brings the gentlest ocean conditions for swimming and snorkeling. Year-round moderate temperatures makes any time of year the best time to visit Hawaii for a relaxing tropical escape.
What are some day trips from Waikoloa that include lava sights?
Plan a full-day circuit to the island’s southeast to take in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, then add a few classic stops on the way.
• Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park offers breathtaking viewpoints across Kīlauea’s summit, rainforest walks, and scenic drives like Crater Rim Drive and Chain of Craters Road.
• Nāhuku, also called the Thurston Lava Tube, is ideal for an easy walk through a lava-formed tunnel in the park.
• The Puʻuloa Petroglyphs are a short trail over pāhoehoe lava and feature many ancient rock carvings.
• Don’t miss out on coastal viewpoints at the end of Chain of Craters Road, for sea cliffs and expansive lava fields.
• Stop to see a unique black-sand beach near the Kaʻū district for a visual contrast to Kohala’s white-sand coast.
What local foods is Waikoloa known for on the Kohala Coast?
Menus in Waikoloa typically spotlight fresh island flavors and Big Island staples. Look for poke made with local fish, grilled mahi or ono, kalua pork, laulau, and loco moco. Many Hawaii restaurants feature produce from nearby farms, macadamia nuts, tropical fruit, and house-made mochi or shave ice for dessert. Kona coffee and island-grown teas are common breakfast and afternoon sips, and sunset menus often lean into day-boat seafood with simple preparations that let the catch shine.
We used AI assistance to generate this content. All information was reviewed by Hilton's team to ensure it meets our standards for accuracy and ethics, allowing us to better match your travel needs and connect you with the right stay.
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