Best Big Island Luxury Hotel in Hawaii: Hilton Waikoloa Village

Situated along the paradisiacal coast of Hawaii’s Big Island on 62 well–planned acres, Hilton Waikoloa Village overlooks crystalline blue waters and picturesque palms - a hotel where we recently chose to escape for our annual summer vacation. Let's escape into my review of the best luxury Big Island Hawaii resort. 

Hilton Waikoloa Village

69-425 Waikoloa Beach Dr, Waikoloa Village, HI 96738 hiltonwaikoloavillage.com

Every morning we woke to bright sunshine and crashing waves. We headed straight to the Big Island Breakfast at Water’s Edge, a bountiful breakfast buffet with fresh–baked pastries, native fruits, traditional American fare and a selection of Japanese specialty dishes. Water’s Edge offers breathtaking views of the tropical landscape, making it the perfect place to enjoy your morning coffee. After breakfast, the island is at your fingertips: whether you want to relax on the beach or do something a little more exciting, like paddle boating, snorkeling, or swimming, the resort is ready to provide. The best part about Hilton Waikoloa Village is that it’s peaceful, yet playful. And with the amazing transportation system of trams and canals, its always easy to get to your next activity.   

One of the best parts of the resort is definitely the Kohala Spa. Kohala Spa is committed to the native Hawaiian concept of "Ho'oponopono," a therapeutic dimension or feeling that inspires a healing of body and mind, making it one of the most relaxing spa experiences out there. Kohala Spa was designed to feature all the elegance of a European–style spa within the natural habitat and aura of Hawaii. Our much–awaited couple’s massage provided the ultimate relaxing experience. Each therapist was incredibly talented, so that neither of us left disappointed. Trust me, I am an expert when it comes to massages: this is something you don't want to miss. 

If there’s a golf enthusiast in your group, you absolutely can’t miss the the award–winning Kings Course. It’s a true player’s course, offering both challenge and reward. The course is carved into ancient volcanic rock and offers incredible views of the Big Island. We spent an entire day on the course and, between the amazing landscape and challenging golf game, we were never bored.

Of course, the most magical part of our experience was undoubtedly swimming with dolphins! Hilton Waikoloa is the only Hawaiian resort with a dolphin encounter experience on property. The Dolphin Quest interactive program is truly an experience of a lifetime, where you’re guided by knowledgeable experts and find yourself face–to–face with one of the world’s most intelligent creatures. Not only did I get to fulfill a lifelong dream by swimming with dolphins, we learned so much about these amazing animals, too. 

Hilton Waikoloa Village calls itself a "gateway to cultural immersion," and it truly accomplishes that goal. Its foundation is built on the beautiful, peaceful spirit of Hawaii and it constantly incorporates those traditions into visitors’ everyday experiences. We left feeling relaxed, rejuvenated and inspired. Hilton Waikoloa Village sent me home with a little piece of Hawaii, and not just in the form of a lei: the serene spirit of the Big Island still rests in my heart, the best souvenir in the world.