Waikoloa Colony Villas

Hotel Description

You know what honestly surprised me about Waikoloa Colony Villas? It’s one of those places that feels way more like a neighborhood than a typical resort – and I mean that in the best possible way. When you first pull up, it’s not this grand entrance with marble and fountains, but rather these low-rise buildings scattered across what feels like a residential area on the Kohala Coast. The whole setup is actually pretty genius because you get that “living in Hawaii” vibe instead of feeling like you’re stuck in tourist central.

The villa setup is where this place really shines, honestly. These aren’t your standard hotel rooms – we’re talking actual condos with full kitchens, which becomes pretty essential when you realize how pricey dining out gets on the Big Island. I spent way more time than expected just hanging out on our lanai in the mornings with coffee, watching the local birds do their thing. The units themselves feel lived-in rather than sterile (some people might call it dated, but I found it charming), and you’ll actually have space to spread out your beach gear and let sandy swimsuits dry properly. The kitchens are genuinely functional too – not those weird hotel kitchenettes where nothing actually works.

What really makes this spot work is the location within Waikoloa. You’re close enough to walk to some decent restaurants and the Kings’ Shops when you need provisions, but far enough from the massive Hilton Waikoloa that you’re not dealing with their crowds and chaos. The beach access is the real winner here – Anaeho’omalu Bay is probably a ten-minute walk, and it’s one of those beaches where locals actually hang out, not just cruise ship passengers taking selfies. I’d usually head over there around 4 PM when the trade winds picked up and it wasn’t quite so blazing hot. Fair warning though – if you’re expecting daily housekeeping and turndown service, this isn’t that kind of place. It’s more like borrowing a friend’s condo, which means you’ll be doing your own dishes and making your own bed, but honestly? After a few days, that routine becomes part of the whole island rhythm. The property does have a couple of pools scattered around, and they’re usually pretty quiet – perfect for an afternoon float when you’ve had enough sun and salt for the day.

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

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities