1303 Waikoloa Colony Villas

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about 1303 Waikoloa Colony Villas? It’s got this lived-in vacation feel that actually works in its favor – not one of those sterile resort complexes where everything feels too perfect. I mean, it’s a 3-star property with an 8.0 rating, which honestly tells you everything you need to know: solid, comfortable, and clearly doing something right without breaking the bank.

The location is pretty sweet if you know the Waikoloa area. You’re tucked into this residential-style complex that feels more like borrowing a friend’s Big Island hideaway than staying at a hotel. The units have that condo vibe – and I actually prefer this because you get real kitchen space and can spread out properly. There’s something about being able to make your morning coffee without trekking to a lobby that just hits different when you’re on island time. The pool area gets busy during peak hours (think 11 AM to 3 PM when families are out in full force), but if you sneak down early morning or after dinner, it’s pretty peaceful. You’ll hear the trade winds rustling through the palms, and honestly, that sound alone is worth the stay.

What I really appreciate is how the place sits in relation to everything else – you’re close enough to the Waikoloa resort area to hit up the good restaurants and shops, but far enough away that you’re not dealing with all the tour buses and cruise ship crowds. The Kings’ Shops are maybe a 5-minute drive, and you know those parking lots can be absolute chaos during busy season. Here, you just park right outside your unit and you’re done. The beach access isn’t right on property (don’t expect to roll out of bed onto sand), but Anaehoomalu Bay is super close and way less crowded than some of the hotel beaches. Local tip: hit A-Bay in the late afternoon when the light gets all golden and the windsurfers come out – it’s pretty spectacular. The units themselves are… well, they’re functional. You might get some quirks (the AC in my unit had this personality where it would randomly decide to take breaks), but everything worked well enough and the beds are comfortable. I actually slept better here than at some fancier places because it’s genuinely quiet at night – no elevator dings or hallway chatter. Just the sound of geckos doing their thing, which is oddly soothing once you get used to it.

Rooms

• Holiday Home with 4 × 1 extra-large double bed for 6 adults

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities