Includes Beach Gear Waikoloa Fairway Villas

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about the Waikoloa Fairway Villas? It’s not trying to be something it isn’t. This place sits right along the golf course – and I mean right there, where you can actually watch people tee off from some of the units – but it has this relaxed, almost residential vibe that honestly feels more genuine than a lot of the flashier resorts up the coast.

The whole “includes beach gear” thing isn’t just marketing fluff either. They actually have a decent selection of chairs, umbrellas, and boogie boards you can grab, which saves you from that awkward dance of trying to find rental spots or lugging everything from home. Smart move, really, especially since you’re about a 10-minute drive from some of the better Big Island beaches. The units themselves are… well, they’re condo-style, so you get that kitchen situation that makes grabbing breakfast or a late-night snack way less complicated. I mean, resort dining gets old fast, and having that option to just make coffee in your pajamas? Priceless. The decor’s pretty standard vacation rental stuff – nothing that’ll blow you away, but clean and functional with those sliding doors that let in all that gorgeous Waikoloa light.

What I really appreciated was how quiet it gets here, especially compared to some of the mega-resorts down by the water. Sure, you’ll hear the occasional golf cart puttering by (they start pretty early, just so you know), but there’s something almost meditative about the whole setup. The pool area’s nothing fancy – actually pretty small – but it does the job when you need to cool off between beach trips. Parking’s easy, check-in was straightforward, and the staff seemed to actually know the area well enough to give decent recommendations. The 8.0 rating makes sense to me – it’s not luxury, but it’s solid and unpretentious. Perfect if you’re planning to spend most of your time exploring the island anyway, but want a comfortable home base that won’t completely drain your vacation fund. Plus, being in Waikoloa puts you in a good spot for day trips – you’re not stuck in one corner of the Big Island wondering how you’re going to see everything else.

Rooms

• Holiday Home with 2 × 1 extra-large double bed and 2 × 2 double beds for 6 adults

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities