Shores at Waikoloa Bungalow 225

Hotel Description

Look, I’ll be honest – when I first pulled up to Shores at Waikoloa, I wasn’t expecting much from a 3-star place. But Bungalow 225? This little spot completely changed my mind about what a mid-range stay can actually deliver on the Big Island. You know that feeling when you walk into a place and immediately think “okay, I could actually live here for a week”? That’s exactly what happened.

The bungalow sits in this sprawling complex that feels more like a residential neighborhood than a typical hotel setup. I mean, you’ve got your own little front door and everything – no trudging through endless carpeted hallways that smell like industrial cleaning products. What really got me was how quiet it was, especially considering you’re still close enough to all the Waikoloa action. The trade winds do their thing here (honestly, natural air conditioning is the best air conditioning), and there’s something about waking up to the sound of palm fronds rustling instead of traffic that just… well, it sets the whole tone for your day. The kitchen setup is actually functional too – not one of those sad hotel kitchenettes with a broken coffee maker and plastic plates. I ended up cooking breakfast most mornings because the local Foodland has incredible fresh poke, and eating it on the lanai while watching the sunrise? Yeah, that became my routine pretty quickly.

Here’s the thing that surprised me most: the 9.5 rating isn’t some fluke or fake review situation. The attention to detail is real – fresh linens that actually smell good, reliable wifi (crucial when you’re trying to make everyone back home jealous with your sunset photos), and the kind of shower pressure that makes you not want to leave. The pool area never felt crowded, even during peak season in February when I visited. I think it’s because the complex is spread out enough that you’re not dealing with that resort cattle-call vibe. Plus, being in Waikoloa means you’re maybe ten minutes from some of the island’s best beaches – Hapuna and Mauna Kea Beach are both right there, and honestly, they’re the kind of spots that make you understand why people move to Hawaii and never leave. The only minor thing I’d mention is that you’ll want a rental car here. I mean, you probably already planned on that for Big Island exploring anyway, but just know that walking to dinner isn’t really an option. That said, the Hilton Waikoloa Village is close by if you want to wander around their grounds and grab a drink, and the Kings’ Shops have decent dining options when you don’t feel like driving to Kona. This place just works – it’s comfortable without being fancy, peaceful without being isolated, and priced like you’re not paying for a bunch of amenities you’ll never use.

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 × 2 large double beds and 2 × 1 extra-large double bed for 6 adults

Reviews

• Jenn from United States (9/10)

• Roger from Switzerland (10/10)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities