Big Island Waikoloa Colony Villas 1206 condo

Hotel Description

You know what? I wasn’t expecting much from Waikoloa Colony Villas when I first pulled up – it’s not one of those flashy resort complexes that dominate this stretch of the Kohala Coast. But honestly, that turned out to be exactly what made unit 1206 so perfect for our Big Island stay. The whole complex has this low-key, residential vibe that feels more like you’re borrowing a friend’s place than staying at some impersonal hotel.

The condo itself is pretty spacious – I mean, you’ve got a full kitchen that actually works (shocking, I know), and the lanai looks out toward the golf course, which sounds fancy but really just means you get these gorgeous views of the manicured greens with Mauna Kea looming in the background. What I loved most was how quiet it gets in the evenings. You’re close enough to the Hilton Waikoloa Village that you can walk over for dinner or drinks – takes about ten minutes through their back paths – but far enough away that you don’t hear all the resort chaos. The pools at Colony Villas are smaller, sure, but they’re never crowded, and there’s something really nice about having a morning swim without fighting for lounge chairs.

Here’s the thing about staying here though – you definitely want a rental car. The location puts you right in the heart of the Waikoloa Beach Resort area, so you’re maybe five minutes from some incredible beaches like Anaeho’omalu Bay (locals just call it A-Bay), and the snorkeling at the tide pools near the Marriott is spectacular if you time it right with the tides. Parking’s never an issue, which is honestly a relief after dealing with some of the resort parking situations elsewhere on the island. The unit comes with all the beach gear you need too – chairs, umbrellas, even a cooler – which saved us probably a hundred bucks in rental fees. Check-in was surprisingly smooth; they’ve got this lockbox system that actually works, though I’d recommend arriving before sunset because the unit numbers aren’t super well-lit. One small heads up – the air conditioning in the bedroom can be a bit loud, but honestly after a day of exploring the island, it didn’t bother us much. For what you’re paying compared to the big resorts nearby, this place delivers exactly what you want: a comfortable home base that doesn’t eat your entire vacation budget, with easy access to some of the best beaches and activities on the island.

Rooms

• Two-Bedroom Apartment with 2 × 1 extra-large double bed, 2 × 3 single beds, sofa bed and 1 sofa bed for 6 adults

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities