Jan 26, 2014, 12:41 pm
Last edit by: Canarsie
To jump to the year in which you would like to search, please click on the desired years:
1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014
Better yet, please feel free to add links to what you believe are portions of this discussion with important information about the Hilton Waikoloa Village® hotel property.
Examples from a different discussion not yet updated here:
Please report any errors — such as broken links, for example — to the moderators of the Hilton | Hilton HHonors forum.
Thank you.
1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014
Better yet, please feel free to add links to what you believe are portions of this discussion with important information about the Hilton Waikoloa Village® hotel property.
Examples from a different discussion not yet updated here:
Please report any errors — such as broken links, for example — to the moderators of the Hilton | Hilton HHonors forum.
Thank you.
[ARCHIVE to 2015] Hilton Waikoloa Village {US-HI}
Feb 4, 2014, 8:18 am
#4081
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Long Beach
Programs: HHonors Diamond, Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 1,171
My wife and I are heading to HWV for the first time in May. She has been wanting to "swim with dolphins" for years. I have been to the Dolphin Quest website and read about all of their different packages but I still have a couple of questions for the FT experts!
1. Are there any coupons or discounts for Dolphin Quest that I can get at the hotel (or anywhere else) when I check in? I know some hotels give out coupon books and other stuff for on property activities and restaurants.
2. Can I charge Dolphin Quest to my room folio so I can earn points for these charges?
3. This is probably a stretch, but I know Hilton has some options for using points for on property benefits at some hotels such as spa treatments. I didn't see anything on their website for the HWV but I thought I'd ask. Is there anyway to use points for any activities at this property?
4. Have any of you done Dolphin Quest at this property and if so, what are your thoughts? I know it is extremely overpriced, but did you at least have a good time and maybe which package did you purchase (30 min, 45 min, 1hr 30 min, etc....)?
5. Finally, any tips for the big island? We've been to Oahu and Maui 4 times each but have never made it to the big island. We're planning on seeing the volcanoes and ideas for other stuff would be great! Also, we're booked in a Royal Suite. I know they aren't in the newly renovated tower but are they at least still nice?
Thanks in advance for any input and suggestions you all may have!!
1. Are there any coupons or discounts for Dolphin Quest that I can get at the hotel (or anywhere else) when I check in? I know some hotels give out coupon books and other stuff for on property activities and restaurants.
2. Can I charge Dolphin Quest to my room folio so I can earn points for these charges?
3. This is probably a stretch, but I know Hilton has some options for using points for on property benefits at some hotels such as spa treatments. I didn't see anything on their website for the HWV but I thought I'd ask. Is there anyway to use points for any activities at this property?
4. Have any of you done Dolphin Quest at this property and if so, what are your thoughts? I know it is extremely overpriced, but did you at least have a good time and maybe which package did you purchase (30 min, 45 min, 1hr 30 min, etc....)?
5. Finally, any tips for the big island? We've been to Oahu and Maui 4 times each but have never made it to the big island. We're planning on seeing the volcanoes and ideas for other stuff would be great! Also, we're booked in a Royal Suite. I know they aren't in the newly renovated tower but are they at least still nice?
Thanks in advance for any input and suggestions you all may have!!
2. yes you can charge it to the room and get points for the cost of the dq on your folio
4. we have done the wee tot 10 minute deal with kid and mom, glad we did it. we also purchased the 8x10 +20 and the video +35 but the basic session was only 95 or so, while not cheap it was pretty cool for my son
5. goto the beach at mile marker 69, its about 1/2 mile south of hapuna off the saem access road just turn left after the campground
Feb 5, 2014, 11:19 am
#4082
Join Date: Jan 2013
Programs: AA and UA aluminium foil, Hilton gold
Posts: 12
My wife and I are heading to HWV for the first time in May. She has been wanting to "swim with dolphins" for years. I have been to the Dolphin Quest website and read about all of their different packages but I still have a couple of questions for the FT experts!.....
Anyway - Have a great time at HWV and enjoy the island!
Feb 6, 2014, 12:56 am
#4083
Join Date: Jan 2013
Programs: HH Diamond, Priority Club Platinum
Posts: 54
Hilton Waikoloa Village®
Thank you all very much for your suggestions. The book/app looks very useful and I will definitely get one or the other. I told my wife that the "swimming with the dolphins" will probably be more like standing in the water while they swim by you, but she said that's the best it's probably ever going to get so it looks like she'll still be giving it a chance (I'll probably just stay out and take pictures or something). Thanks again for all of the input!
Feb 6, 2014, 8:41 am
#4084
Flyertalk Evangelist and Moderator: Coupon Connection and Travel Products
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: Milton, GA USA
Programs: Hilton Diamond, IHG Platinum Elite, Hyatt Discoverist, Radisson Elite
Posts: 19,040
Used the book for many visits; got the app this past time... loved it.
I highly recommend taking the Mauna Kea Observatory Tour. They are done on weekends. You need to have a four wheel drive vehicle. You arrive at the Visitor Center by 1 pm. You will then see a video that also allows you to get accustomed to the altitude. The rangers will then lead a caravan with you in your own vehicle up to the summit. You will then get to go into Keck One telescope and usually meet one of the astronomers. You can then spend all the time you want until just past sunset on the summit. You can then come down and do some sky watching. Local amateur astronomers set up several telescopes at the Visitor Station.
We have done this every time we have been on the Big Island... and it is so worth it and always a highlight of our trip. Don't waste money on the paid tours... you do not get access to the observatory with them. And the tours are overpriced. Spend the money on the 4WD instead.
I also highly recommend you head over to the Hawaii Forum here on Flyertalk. Lots of great suggestions there.
I highly recommend taking the Mauna Kea Observatory Tour. They are done on weekends. You need to have a four wheel drive vehicle. You arrive at the Visitor Center by 1 pm. You will then see a video that also allows you to get accustomed to the altitude. The rangers will then lead a caravan with you in your own vehicle up to the summit. You will then get to go into Keck One telescope and usually meet one of the astronomers. You can then spend all the time you want until just past sunset on the summit. You can then come down and do some sky watching. Local amateur astronomers set up several telescopes at the Visitor Station.
We have done this every time we have been on the Big Island... and it is so worth it and always a highlight of our trip. Don't waste money on the paid tours... you do not get access to the observatory with them. And the tours are overpriced. Spend the money on the 4WD instead.
I also highly recommend you head over to the Hawaii Forum here on Flyertalk. Lots of great suggestions there.
Feb 22, 2014, 8:32 am
#4086
Join Date: Mar 2011
Programs: Hilton Diamond
Posts: 45
Was "On Island" and stopped by the Hilton to visit my favorite boat captain and they had just removed all of the trees on the islands at the Lagoon tower to eliminate the Myna noise. All new sod on the islands. There is also a new work platform attached to the boat landing there. No one knows what is going on. Seems odd to me that they removed the trees during high season........
Feb 23, 2014, 1:20 pm
#4087
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2000
Posts: 17,424
I've stayed at this property a few times before. I'll be on the Big Island with my family of 4 (2 adults, 2 teenagers) later this year. I'm Gold. I'm kind of "on the fence" about whether to return to the HWV for a few nights. But the Points and Money price is pretty reasonable -- certainly when compared to resorts on the other islands. What sort of comped food would we get -- I'm a little confused about that from the recent discussion. That might sway my decision, as I dislike showing up at expensive hotels and getting no perks.
Feb 23, 2014, 1:46 pm
#4088
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,786
I've stayed at this property a few times before. I'll be on the Big Island with my family of 4 (2 adults, 2 teenagers) later this year. I'm Gold. I'm kind of "on the fence" about whether to return to the HWV for a few nights. But the Points and Money price is pretty reasonable -- certainly when compared to resorts on the other islands. What sort of comped food would we get -- I'm a little confused about that from the recent discussion. That might sway my decision, as I dislike showing up at expensive hotels and getting no perks.
Feb 23, 2014, 6:33 pm
#4089
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2000
Posts: 17,424
You will get two $10 food vouchers per night per room. You can use it at any restaurants or coffee/food stands on property at any time of the day. If you want to use it at the breakfast buffet, it is around $26 to $28 per person.. so you will have to come with the with rest. $10 is about enough to get a cup of coffee and a piece of pastry at the coffee stand in the morning, or a soda + a hot dog at lunch by the pool.
EDIT: If I pay the $125 + 20K points, do I also have to pay the $25 resort fee? The website doesn't mention it. If I do, I'm probably better off just booking a promo room rate, which seem to start at $169. I'm assuming I'm also on the hook for the (gulp) $17 parking fee?
Last edited by iahphx; Feb 23, 2014 at 7:58 pm Reason: more
Feb 24, 2014, 2:23 pm
#4090
Join Date: Mar 2011
Programs: Hilton Diamond
Posts: 45
Hilton Costs
Thanks. I guess nobody is going to stay here for the Gold benefits.
EDIT: If I pay the $125 + 20K points, do I also have to pay the $25 resort fee? The website doesn't mention it. If I do, I'm probably better off just booking a promo room rate, which seem to start at $169. I'm assuming I'm also on the hook for the (gulp) $17 parking fee?
EDIT: If I pay the $125 + 20K points, do I also have to pay the $25 resort fee? The website doesn't mention it. If I do, I'm probably better off just booking a promo room rate, which seem to start at $169. I'm assuming I'm also on the hook for the (gulp) $17 parking fee?
I have found that all resorts charge for parking now. Nickles and dimes are the new paradigm.......
Feb 26, 2014, 10:09 am
#4091
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2000
Posts: 17,424
That is an interesting question. Using all points, the resort fee is waived. I'm guessing that it won't be if you are paying anything out of pocket. With two teenagers, get the discount food card (I believe that it's $20/day) that comes with two daily cocktails (basically the cost of the card) and , I believe, 10% off of consumables around the resort. That will make your coupons stretch further.
I have found that all resorts charge for parking now. Nickles and dimes are the new paradigm.......
I have found that all resorts charge for parking now. Nickles and dimes are the new paradigm.......
Instead, I booked the newly-renovated and well-praised Marriott Courtyard King Kamehameha in Kona. It's not in the same class as the HWV, but using an online travel agency coupon (others have used the Marriott LNF process), it's only $100 all in with no resort fee and, reportedly, free parking across the street. For the time frame I have, it seemed like the better deal.
BTW, I'll still probably stop in at Waikoloa if for no other reason than to exchange rental cars. Folks might want to have a look in the National Car forum about the opportunities to reduce your nasty airport car rental taxes by swapping cars at the Waikoloa National.
Feb 27, 2014, 11:18 am
#4092
Join Date: Mar 2011
Programs: Hilton Diamond
Posts: 45
King Kam
Well, with the nickel and diming, and lean Gold benefits, they lost my business. I just had 2 nights, with an evening KOA arrival, before heading to the east side for a Kapoho house rental (which I highly recommend). There just wasn't a satisfying rate to book. It seems silly to spend 50,000 points for a hotel with room rates of only $169. But that $169 rate is really $237 when you add tax, resort fee and parking. And I couldn't give them $125 and 20,000 points (Points & Money) when the room rate is only $169.
Instead, I booked the newly-renovated and well-praised Marriott Courtyard King Kamehameha in Kona. It's not in the same class as the HWV, but using an online travel agency coupon (others have used the Marriott LNF process), it's only $100 all in with no resort fee and, reportedly, free parking across the street. For the time frame I have, it seemed like the better deal.
BTW, I'll still probably stop in at Waikoloa if for no other reason than to exchange rental cars. Folks might want to have a look in the National Car forum about the opportunities to reduce your nasty airport car rental taxes by swapping cars at the Waikoloa National.
Instead, I booked the newly-renovated and well-praised Marriott Courtyard King Kamehameha in Kona. It's not in the same class as the HWV, but using an online travel agency coupon (others have used the Marriott LNF process), it's only $100 all in with no resort fee and, reportedly, free parking across the street. For the time frame I have, it seemed like the better deal.
BTW, I'll still probably stop in at Waikoloa if for no other reason than to exchange rental cars. Folks might want to have a look in the National Car forum about the opportunities to reduce your nasty airport car rental taxes by swapping cars at the Waikoloa National.
Feb 27, 2014, 11:55 am
#4093
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2000
Posts: 17,424
Stayed at the King Kam 1-1/2 weeks ago on points. Being just a silver, they gave me an oceanfront room. Not quite the same as the hilton, but good bang for the buck. There is no free parking - $14/night. Across the street is a pay lot, behind is a shopping center lot. There is a city lot a couple of blocks away, but I wouldn't leave my car there overnight.
Having stayed at the HWV before and having attended a luau at the King Kam (pre-Marriott refurbishment, though) I know that the King Kam is not in the same class as the HWV. But at less than half the price, I think it will suit our purposes fine. I wouldn't stay there, though, for a honeymoon or "once in a lifetime" type trip. Although folks who like to be closer to the action, and to a wide array of services and restaurants, might actually prefer the King Kam's location.
Feb 28, 2014, 1:53 pm
#4094
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Bay Area
Posts: 1
HWV - thanks for the tips!
Going in 2 weeks - so happy to see all the tips; especially (my favorite) Just ask with a smile "What kind of view or suite upgrades are available to me as a gold today?"
I was going to use the E-Check-in’ area at the HHonors Lobby Reception Desk as it was touted as faster but then no upgrade, right?
Is the 10% off $29.95 dining card really worth it? I'm going to try to eat off-site almost all the time but if I could use it for drinks, then I'm game. How do you know which restaurants will take the $10 certificates for drinks?
Thank you.
I was going to use the E-Check-in’ area at the HHonors Lobby Reception Desk as it was touted as faster but then no upgrade, right?
Is the 10% off $29.95 dining card really worth it? I'm going to try to eat off-site almost all the time but if I could use it for drinks, then I'm game. How do you know which restaurants will take the $10 certificates for drinks?
Thank you.
Feb 28, 2014, 5:52 pm
#4095
Join Date: Mar 2011
Programs: Hilton Diamond
Posts: 45
I was going to use the E-Check-in’ area at the HHonors Lobby Reception Desk as it was touted as faster but then no upgrade, right?
Is the 10% off $29.95 dining card really worth it? I'm going to try to eat off-site almost all the time but if I could use it for drinks, then I'm game. How do you know which restaurants will take the $10 certificates for drinks?
The dining card includes (or included) 2 drinks per day. In the past - Malolo Lounge, Boat Landing Cantina, and Lagoon Bar have taken them for drinks. I have found that a Jack and Coke is cheaper than their Mai Tai's and are stiffer.