Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa

Hotel Description

You know what? The Waikoloa Beach Marriott isn’t going to blow you away with Instagram-perfect luxury, but honestly, that’s kind of what I liked about it. It sits right on Anaehoomalu Bay – locals just call it A-Bay – and there’s something refreshingly unpretentious about the whole place. The lobby opens up to this view of ancient fishponds that most people walk right past without realizing they’re looking at centuries-old Hawaiian aquaculture. I mean, you’re literally staying next to where Native Hawaiians perfected sustainable fishing before anyone knew what that term meant.

The resort sprawls across these lava fields in a way that actually works with the landscape instead of fighting it. Walking the grounds, you’ll notice they kept a lot of the original petroglyphs – there’s this whole trail system where you can spot rock carvings if you know where to look (ask the concierge, they’ll point you toward the less obvious ones). The pools are decent, nothing revolutionary, but the adults-only section gets surprisingly quiet around 3 PM when everyone heads to the beach. Speaking of which – A-Bay is one of those rare Big Island beaches where you can actually swim without worrying about rough surf. The snorkeling right off the beach is solid too, especially near the old canoe launch area on the north end.

Room-wise, it’s standard Marriott stuff, which means you know exactly what you’re getting. The oceanview rooms are worth the upgrade if you can swing it, but honestly, even the partial ocean views give you glimpses of the bay through the coconut palms. Pro tip: rooms ending in 01 and 02 tend to be larger corner units. The resort feels busy during whale season (January through March), but summer months have this laid-back vibe where you can actually find empty lounge chairs without the towel wars. One thing that surprised me – the fitness center stays open 24/7 and it’s rarely crowded, probably because everyone’s either at the beach or exploring the island. Parking is free, which saves you about $25 a day compared to some of the fancier resorts down the coast. The 7.8 rating feels about right – it’s not cutting-edge luxury, but it’s solid, reliable, and the location really delivers. Plus, you’re like five minutes from the King’s Shops if you need anything, and the sunset views from the beach bar are legitimately spectacular. Just don’t expect white sand beaches – this is the Big Island, so you’re getting that classic black rock coastline that’s way more interesting to explore anyway.

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

• Resort Room, Guest room, 1 King bed, Balcony with 1 extra-large double bed for 4 adults, 3 children
• Pool View Guest Room, Guest room, 1 King bed with 1 extra-large double bed for 4 adults, 3 children
• Ocean View Guest Room, Guest room, 1 King bed with 1 extra-large double bed for 4 adults, 3 children
• Ocean Front Guest Room, Guest room, 1 King bed with 1 extra-large double bed for 4 adults, 3 children
• Na Hale Oceanfront Room, Larger Guest room, Na Hale Building, 1 King bed with 1 extra-large double bed for 4 adults, 3 children
• Na Hale Oceanfront One Bedroom Suite with Balcony with 2 × 1 extra-large double bed for 4 adults, 3 children
• Na Hale Oceanfront Two Bedroom Suite – Ocean front with 4 × 1 extra-large double bed for 4 adults, 3 children
• Pool View, Guest room, 2 Double, Partial ocean view with 1 extra-large double bed for 4 adults, 3 children
• Ocean View Double Double, Guest room, 2 Double, Ocean view with 2 double beds for 4 adults, 3 children
• Oceanfront Double Room, Guest room, 2 Double, Oceanfront with 2 double beds for 4 adults, 3 children
• Na Hale Oceanfront Double, Larger Guest room, 2 Double with 2 double beds for 4 adults, 3 children
• Resort View Double Double, Guest room, 2 Double, Balcony with 2 double beds for 4 adults, 3 children
• Double Room with Two Double Beds, Balcony and Adapted Tub – Mobility and Hearing Accessible with 2 double beds for 2 adults, 1 child

Reviews

• Epstein from United States (8/10)

  Enjoyed continental breakfast every day. Very friendly hostess and servers. Loved the view, didn’t love all the birds that “attacked” tables as soon as guests got up.

• Steve from United States (9/10)

  Pool

• Deldon from United States (9/10)

  room

• Rajamin from United States (9/10)

  On the beach and close to shopping centers

• Nicole from United States (7/10)

  Loved location – beach is beautiful

• Gus from United States (9/10)

• Rocio from United States (7/10)

  Service was excellent. Hotel is beautiful.

• Ellen from United States (8/10)

  Resort, pools and beach excellent. Restaurant okay, good coffee

• Charles from United States (8/10)

  Great location on the Kohala Coast. Very short walk to other restaurants, grocery/market, and other shops.

• Jenny from United States (9/10)

  Pools were great, food was good, sunsets on the beach were beautiful.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities