particlemn

ask for jon as your waiter if possible he helpd to make the meal great

ilovesprint

Just had a very very good meal at merriman's market cafe. Pesto pasta was excellence, ordered Mac & cheese of the adult menu for the son which was excellent, caprese salad very good and kids 3 and under eat free!

Highly recommended

ilovesprint

Atmosphere was great, our server was very below avg (didn't get Jon). Lava lava burger was a top 5 burger I have ever had. Ahi was OK.

Definite must dine whe going to hwv

diver858

We liked http://www.yelp.com/biz/charleys-thai-cuisine-waikoloa Didn't see the reviews until afterwards, do not agree with most of the negative ones; a bit pricey relative to the mainland, but a good value for Waikoloa.

The _Banking_Scot

Hi,

I will be arriving at KOA on 28th April for 6 nights at the Waikoloa village and will not have a car ( I realise this will make me a POH ( Prisoner of Hilton ) but am looking forward to 6 days of doing not a lot ( and practice taking photos with my DSLR) but might book a volcano tour.

Do you know if there are any good towncar/taxi firm to book in advance to take me from KOA to the hotel ( and back). I would probably like to make a stop at a grocery store to pick up water and soda ( cheaper than at the hotel) please.

Many thanks

TBS

nadaranch

On the hiltonwaikoloavillage.com website there is a section near the upper right portion of the main page titled "location and travel" with links and info for many transportation options between the airport and hotel.

Also, National Car Rental has an on-site office at the hotel and you could book a car for a day or so if you wanted to drive to the volcano and do some site-seeing.

Also, there are a couple different markets in the shopping areas near the hotel where you can purchase groceries so no need to stop in town. (Yes, probably more expensive, but convenient.) the Kings Shops and Queens Marketplace are within walking distance and there is also a shuttle that is a buck or two.

While I love the property (have been there 10 times or so and am returning in May) you are on one of the most beautiful island places on earth and it would be a shame not to see more of it than just the hotel...

Enjoy your trip!

Westcoaster

The next time someone here stays at this hotel would you please make note of the brand of thermostat in the room? A picture would be great but the brand name itself would be most helpful.

I want to do some research before my stay there later this year.

Thanks!

some dude

I totally agree here -- Yes, you can walk to Kings Shops, and you could just stay at the hotel the whole time, but you are missing out on *so much* by not renting a car.

Every time I go, I rent a jeep, and enjoy the places unlike anywhere else on earth such as Mauna Kea summit, Waipio Valley, and the green sand beach (and others). Last time I was there, I was able to rent a jeep from (national or alamo, I forget) for like $15/day -- totally worth it.

Also keep in mind that the dining options at the Hilton are all expensive. Renting a car can easily save you money. on dinner costs alone.
Enjoy your trip.

NVGuy36

I couldn't get anything remotely close to $15 for our upcoming 16 day trip. Best I could do was $42/day AI for a full size. I think 4 wheel drives were running $75 and higher....and they were just SUV type 4WD...crazy man...crazy!!

joetro

What would this resort be like for a single person who wouldn't want to venture out much beyond the premises? Not a kid person, nor much of a driver, but I got a great offer recently for a week's stay ...

ilovesprint

Very family orientated

joetro

Ugh thanks.

FlyinDutchman

Agree with former poster. Forget it then. The taxi driver who drove us from the airport to the hotel called it "Disneyland", which is kinda true.... Nice place to stay if you can get away lots by car

BrlDsguise

The resort doesn't have a beach, why fly to Hawaii for a pool and shopping center? We were there for six nights and spent a half day at the resort (laundry day) before going to the beach for the rest of the day.

It isn't the kind of place you wouldn't want to leave, HHV would be a better choice since you could walk to Waikiki restaurants, bars, shopping etc. or take public transportation.

some dude

Totally agree about this hotel. Having been to the Big Island a few times (and staying at this hotel once), I spent almost no time at the hotel, and most of it out and about exploring the island. This place may be a great place to stay with a kid, or if you have a great deal as a place to sleep and then leave for the day. I couldn't imagine spending multiple days hanging out by the pool at a no-beach hotel on this island. Go to Florida if that's your thing -- much cheaper.

As far as what to do here -- either rent a car, or if you just want to hang out at the hotel, I'd really suggest picking another.