I just completed a 4 night stay to attend a wedding on-site. The property is one of the most unique hotels I've ever visited; the scale of everything is massive and they were aggressive-as-possible in incorporating the design trends of the time. Fast-forward to today, and it's a palace dedicated to the 60's. The hotel keeps the furniture and the guestrooms up-to-date, but the common areas are well-preserved in all their 60's glory. I didn't appreciate it at first, but it grows on you, especially after walking through the "Oceanfront" wing which incorporated the same designs on a smaller scale and budget.

There is also eclectic art sprinkled throughout. Trendy by 60's standards and unusual by 2018 standards, but it works. My wife and I especially liked the 1000 year old Buddha statue on top of a staircase that welcomed you into a zen garden:


I booked the base "Golf View" room at the negotiated wedding rate. As a Marriott Gold, I didn't get a room upgrade. They had no problem checking us in around 1pm, but I believe that was just a matter of them providing accommodating service than elite recognition. They did thank me for our loyalty and give me this card at check-in (consistent with wiki):


The room itself was fine - consistent with what you would expect in a business hotel, plus a few bells and whistles. The golf view wasn't bad at all. Some family members booked ocean view rooms, which came with a jaw-dropping view (and price tag).

The beach and pool were enjoyable - the pictures speak for themselves.

Food is what you would expect from a higher-end resort: quality but overpriced. I would routinely drive to Waimea for lunch (Big Island Brewhaus is recommended); the 30 minute drive each way is so beautiful that you won't mind taking it (invest in a convertible if you can). I'm admittedly a cheapskate, and not usually resort-guy, but my relaxation was spoiled by the price-gouging for food/drink onsite.

Finally, I hope you didn't come here to watch TV, but they are currently upgrading the TVs in the rooms and should be complete this week.