Shores at Waikoloa #135

Hotel Description

You know what surprised me about Shores at Waikoloa #135? It’s one of those places that doesn’t try to be fancy, but honestly ends up being exactly what you want after a long day exploring the Big Island. I mean, it’s a 3-star spot so you’re not expecting marble everything, but the location on the Kohala Coast is actually pretty sweet – you’re close enough to the resort action at Waikoloa Beach Resort that you can walk over for dinner or drinks, but far enough away that you’re not dealing with crowds of cruise ship tourists every morning.

The condo itself (because that’s really what this is) feels lived-in in a good way. Like, someone actually furnished this place thinking about comfort instead of just checking boxes for a hotel catalog. The kitchen’s got everything you need if you want to cook – and trust me, you’ll want to after you see grocery prices at the resort shops. I actually loved having morning coffee on the lanai before the trade winds really pick up, watching the golfers at the Waikoloa Beach Course figure out how to play in the wind. The unit’s got that slightly worn tropical vibe that somehow works better than pristine – you don’t feel like you’re going to get charged for every scuff mark. Parking’s right there, which is huge because some of these Waikoloa properties make you hike half a mile with your luggage.

What really sold me on this place was how quiet it gets at night. During the day you’ll hear some activity from the pools and maybe some maintenance stuff, but honestly, by evening it’s just you and the sound of palm trees doing their thing. The 8.0 rating makes sense – it’s not perfect (the WiFi can be spotty, and don’t expect daily housekeeping), but it delivers on what matters most. You’re literally five minutes from some of the best beaches on the island, fifteen minutes from Waimea if you want to escape the heat and grab some real local food, and close enough to Kona that day trips don’t feel like a major expedition. I’d definitely stay here again, especially if I was doing one of those longer Big Island trips where you actually want to settle in somewhere instead of just passing through.

To book a hotel in Hawaii during the famous winter whale watching season, visitors should make reservations well in advance as the islands attract tropical paradise seekers and ocean lovers from around the world.

Rooms

• Two Bedroom Apartment with 2 × 1 extra-large double bed, 2 × 1 single bed and 1 large double bed for 5 adults

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities