Hilton Grand Vacations Club Kohala Suites Waikoloa

Hotel Description

Look, I’ll be honest – when I first pulled up to the Hilton Grand Vacations Club Kohala Suites, I wasn’t expecting much from a 3-star property on the Big Island. But you know what? This place actually gets it right in ways that matter more than thread count or marble lobbies.

The suites here are proper suites, not those fake “suites” where they just put a couch in the corner and call it a living room. I mean, you’ve got actual space to spread out, which is clutch when you’re doing the Hawaii thing with beach gear everywhere and wet swimsuits draped over every surface. The kitchenettes are legit too – I actually used mine instead of just storing leftover poke containers in the mini fridge. And honestly, after dropping serious cash on Waikoloa dinner prices (because let’s face it, everything on this side of the island costs a fortune), being able to make your own breakfast feels like a small victory.

What really won me over though was how the staff seemed to actually live here and know their stuff. The front desk guy – I think his name was Koa – didn’t just hand me a generic island map. He marked up spots where locals go, told me which beaches get crazy crowded after 10am, and gave me the real scoop on where to grab plate lunch without paying resort prices. The location works too, even if it’s not directly beachfront. You’re close enough to walk to the Kings’ Shops when you need sunscreen or forgot to pack something essential, but far enough back that you’re not dealing with the constant parade of tour buses and rental cars that clog up the main drag near the fancy resorts. Parking was never an issue either, which – trust me – is not something you can take for granted around here.

The pool area gets busy during peak season (I was there in March and it was pretty packed), but early mornings and late afternoons are perfect. There’s this weird thing where the trade winds hit just right around 4pm and it actually feels amazing outside, not just survivably hot. The 8.6 rating makes sense to me – it’s not trying to be the Grand Wailea or anything ridiculous like that, but it delivers on what it promises. The AC works great (crucial when it’s 85 degrees at midnight), the beds are comfortable enough that I didn’t wake up feeling like I wrestled a pineapple, and the whole vibe is relaxed without being sloppy. I’d definitely stay here again, especially since you get the Waikoloa location without the Waikoloa resort prices. Sometimes that’s exactly what you need – a solid home base that doesn’t eat your entire vacation budget before you even hit the beach.

Rooms

• Two-Bedroom Suite with 2 double beds, 1 extra-large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 6 adults, 4 children
• Two-Bedroom Suite with View with double bed, 1 double bed, sofa bed and 1 sofa bed for 6 adults, 4 children
• Deluxe Two-Bedroom Suite with View with 2 × 1 extra-large double bed and 2 × 2 double beds for 6 adults, 4 children

Reviews

• Julie from United States (9/10)

  Rooms were big and nice,
  Loved big hot tub

• Roxie from United States (9/10)

  Location, well maintained property, beautiful spacious room, friendly staff, ability to visit the other properties, proximity to the shops.

• Amy from United States (9/10)

  Comfort, view and convenience to restaurants and shopping make it an ideal get-away.

• Belle from United States (9/10)

  The suite was roomy and very tastefully decorated. The bed was comfortable. The kitchen had all the necessities of home. I loved the view from the balcony. I also loved the washer and dryer and the ice maker!

• Ronald from United States (9/10)

  Spacious (2 br 2 ba)and great facilities, with access to the hotel and its beach and pools.

• Mark from United States (8/10)

  Excellent room..comfortable beds.

• Daniel from Australia (9/10)

  Great location. Pool slides are good fun for kids

• Niall from New Zealand (9/10)

  Clean and spacious very quiet and wonderful staff

• Sharunne from United States (9/10)

  This property has everything you could want. We left to explore the island but made sure to enjoy the many amenities especially the lagoon

• Jimmy from United States (9/10)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities