Hawaii: Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort - detailed hotel review and pictures

1. Location

Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort is part of the prestigious Waikoloa Resort located south of Kona town. If you want to be away from the tourists, this is definitely the place to stay. The hotel building is set back away from the main street, and the only other hotel nearby is Hilton Waikoloa.

Marriott Waikoloa is located beachfront on the shores of Anaehoomalu Bay (or A-Bay, as the locals call it). Wonderful white-sand beach starts almost at your doorstep.

Grounds at Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort are meticulously groomed. Wide array of tropical flowers in full bloom and paved walking paths will satisfy anyone's fancy. Fountains dot the grounds here and there. The beauty of it all is simply breathtaking.

The open lobby has a large outrigger canoe on display. There is also Kahn Gallery, Blue Kona Coffee Shop, gift shop and activities desk in the immediate area.

2. Rooms

Resort map

You will be very pleased with your room's size and atmosphere. It is very spacious and even has a seating area with rattan table and 2 chairs. Hawaiian motifs and designs grace the walls and bedcovers. The rooms are very nice and clean.

We highly recommend booking an ocean front room if you want to wake up to a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean. You will be able to see the ocean both from the bed and the seating area. Now you will know why Kona sunsets are so famous!

Each of 545 rooms has:

Beds: 1 king or 2 doubles
Air-conditioning
Private lanai
Refrigerator
Coffee maker and complimentary coffee
Cable/pay TV/video games
High-speed Internet access (fee)
In-room safe
Dressing area
Blackout drapes
Bathtub+shower
Hair dryer
Iron and board
Room service
Daily maid service

3. Restaurants

1) Hawaii Calls Restaurant - specializes in a unique blend of ethnic cuisine that combines Asian and Hawaiian traditions. You will enjoy beautiful views of sunrise or sunset over Anaehoomalu Bay. Serving breakfast, dinner and cocktails.

2) Kona Blue Sky Coffee Co. - coffee shop that features 100% pure fresh Kona coffee, as well as juices and smoothies, wine, fresh pastries and other treats all day long.

3) Nalu's Bar & Grill - enjoy freshly grilled sandwiches, burgers, salads and beverages, served poolside. End a perfect Big Island day with sunset cocktails.

4) Royal Luau - The sound of a conch shell welcomes you to the traditional Hawaiian feast. You get typical Polynesian and Asian dishes, such as Teriyaki beef, sweet and sour pork, Hawaiian Sweet Potatos, Mahi Mahi, etc., and tropical drinks. The setting is beautiful, the show is very good, and the atmosphere is distinctly Hawaiian. Offered Sundays and Wednesdays at 5 pm.

5) The Clipper Lounge - offers a light bistro menu, cocktails, and Hawaiian entertainment every evening. Try the ever-popular 'Clippertini' drink! Open 5pm-11pm.

4. Things to do

Beach activities
A short walk past the large, historic fish ponds and by the lava fields takes you to the beautiful crescent-shaped beach. The white sand is kind of coarse, but easy to walk on barefoot. The water is very clean and calm. This beach is perfect for all kinds of water activities, including snorkeling, kayaking, scuba diving, windsurfing or sailing.
The beach has plenty of beach chairs and a water activity desk where you can rent snorkeling equipment at a very reasonable price.
Pool
Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort has a large tropical pool with waterfall and slide at one end, and shallow kiddie pool at the other. It even features a sand beach for the kids to play in. Relaxing whirlpool spa is nearby.
Spa and Fitness Center
Hawaiian Rainforest Salon & Spa offers Hawaiian healing arts and rejuvinating spa therapies. You can treat yourself to an exotic Thai Stretch Massage with Aromatic Herbs, stimulating Lava Kava Java Body Polish and Massage, or soothing Green Tea Facial. The well-equipped fitness center at Marriott Waikoloa is a great place to work out.
Golf
Beach Course - designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr., it literally carves through the magnificent lava flows along scenic Anaehoomalu Bay. The par-70 Beach Course features numerous sand bunkers, water features and the most spectacular oceanfront par-5 in Hawaii on the 502-yard, 12th hole. From this hole, you can see awesome vistas of neighboring islands, and in winter, whales breaching offshore.
Kings' Course - This 7,064-yard, 18-hole, par-72 course was designed by former British Open champion, Tom Weiskopf, and Jay Morrish. It has a Scottish links-style layout with pot bunkers, undulating fairways, multiple tee placements and lava outcroppings. Golf Digest rated it one of the top two new resorts in America.