Waikoloa Fairway Villas N-5

Hotel Description

You know what? When I first pulled up to Waikoloa Fairway Villas N-5, I’ll be honest – I wasn’t expecting much from a 3-star place. But honestly, that 9.0 rating isn’t just numbers on a screen, and I get why people keep coming back here. The thing about this spot is it sits right in the sweet spot of the Waikoloa Resort area where you’re close enough to hear the ocean but far enough back that you’re not dealing with the constant tourist foot traffic that can drive you nuts at some of the beachfront places.

The villa itself has this lived-in comfort that actually works in its favor – I mean, sure, it’s not going to win any design awards, but there’s something refreshing about staying somewhere that feels more like a home than a sterile hotel room. The kitchen is surprisingly well-stocked (and I say surprisingly because most vacation rentals seem to forget that people actually want to cook), and the lanai overlooks the fairway which gives you these killer sunset views if you time it right. What really won me over though was how quiet it gets at night – you’d think being near the golf course would mean early morning maintenance noise, but the groundskeepers here are pretty respectful about timing. The only sounds you’ll really hear are the occasional gecko chirping and maybe some distant waves if the trade winds are cooperating.

Here’s the thing that sets this place apart from the fancier resorts down the road – it’s got that authentic Big Island vibe without the markup. You’re still within easy walking distance of the Hilton’s lagoons if you want to pretend you’re staying there for an afternoon, and the Kings’ Shops are close enough that you can grab groceries or hit up that poke place everyone raves about. Parking is never an issue (which, trust me, matters more than you think when you’re lugging beach gear around), and the check-in process is refreshingly straightforward – no upselling, no mandatory resort fees, just keys and helpful local tips. I actually ended up extending my stay because, well, when you find a spot that just works, why mess with it? It’s not flashy, but sometimes that’s exactly what you need when you want to actually relax instead of feeling like you’re on display at some Instagram-worthy resort.

Rooms

• Two Bedroom Apartment with 2 × 1 extra-large double bed, 2 × 2 single beds, sofa bed and 1 sofa bed for 6 adults

Reviews

• Charlotte from United States (9/10)

  Excellent location. Beautiful area. Nice pool and hot tub and work out machines very close to unit. We love the Big Island. Loved having beach chairs and towels we could use. Loved the washer and dryer convenience.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities