Big Island White Sands Village 323 condo

Hotel Description

You know what? I wasn’t expecting much from Big Island White Sands Village 323 when I first pulled up – it’s got that classic condo complex vibe from the outside, nothing too fancy. But honestly, this place surprised me in all the right ways. The unit itself is way more spacious than most hotel rooms you’ll find on the Big Island, and there’s something refreshing about having an actual kitchen where you can store those incredible papayas from the Hilo farmers market (trust me, you’ll want to hit that up on Wednesday or Saturday mornings). The living area actually feels lived-in rather than sterile, which I mean… some people might call dated, but I found it comfortable. Real comfortable. The kind of place where you can spread out your snorkel gear to dry and not worry about dripping on fancy furniture.

The location is what really sold me though – you’re close enough to hear the ocean without dealing with the circus that some of the resort beaches turn into during peak season. I could walk to decent snorkeling spots without fighting for parking, which anyone who’s tried to find a space at popular Big Island beaches knows is basically winning the lottery. The complex is quiet too, especially in the evenings when you can actually hear the waves and maybe some geckos doing their thing (they grow on you, I promise). Parking was never an issue, and check-in was straightforward – none of that resort rigmarole where they try to sell you timeshares or dinner packages. The neighbors I encountered were mostly other travelers, the kind who nod hello and respect your space, which created this nice community feel without being intrusive.

Look, it’s not going to win any design awards, and the WiFi can be spotty when it’s really windy – but that might actually be a blessing depending on what you’re after. What it does give you is a genuine Big Island experience without the resort markup or crowds. The shower has solid water pressure (surprisingly important after a day hiking around volcanic rock), and the bed was comfortable enough that I actually slept through the night instead of tossing around like I usually do in new places. For the price point, especially considering you get a full kitchen and living space, it’s honestly hard to beat. I’d stay here again, particularly if I was planning to explore different parts of the island each day rather than being tied to one resort’s beach. It’s the kind of place that works better the longer you stay – perfect for people who want to actually experience Hawaii rather than just Instagram it.

Hotels in Hawaii offer guests the perfect blend of tropical luxury and modern comfort, with many featuring surfing concierge services and traditional Hawaiian spa treatments to enhance the authentic island experience.

Rooms

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

Reviews

• Christopher from Germany (8/10)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities