We recently had the opportunity to stay at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa in Big Island, Hawaii.
Was is a good choice? Read on to find out.
Review: Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa (Big Island, Hawaii)
A-Bay and the Waikaloa Beach Marriott (photo: marriott.com)
About
The hotel is situated on the sunny Kohala Coast, which is known for its beautiful beaches and amazing weather.
The resort itself is surrounded by lush gardens, and features a large lagoon-style pool that is perfect for lounging in the sun. The beach is just a short walk away, and offers snorkeling and swimming opportunities.
(photo: marriott.com)
At A Glance:
- Official Website: Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
- Average Nightly Cost During Stay: $773/night
- Loyalty Program: Marriott Bonvoy
- Loyalty Category: N/A
- Discount Applied: 41,000 points (free night certificate + 6,000 points)
- Room Type as Booked: Resort Room, 1 King Balcony
- Room Upgrade: Na Hale King Guest Room [Bonvoy Platinum]
- Resort Fee: $30 + $1.41 (Called the “Resort Activity Program”)
- Self-Parking Fee: $25 Per Night
Booking/Redemption
Location & Parking
The resort parking options including both self-parking and valet parking. We chose the self-parking option which cost $25 per night.
Resort entrance from the valet area (photo: marriott.com)
FHOP Tip: The resort also had a shuttle service that provided transportation to nearby attractions and shopping centers.
Lobby
(photo: marriott.com)
Front Desk & Check-In
We were warmly greeted and recognized as Platinum members of the Marriott Bonvoy program.
To our pleasant surprise, we were told we had been given an upgrade to a room in the Na Hale Suites Guest House, before being handed our room keys and a welcome package.
Welcome Package
Room Key
Room Upgrade: Na Hale King Guest Room
The Na Hale property (photo: marriott.com)
We stayed in the separate and semi-private Na Hale Suite Guest House in a Na Hale King Guest Room, which was a luxurious and spacious room that provided us with all the amenities we needed for a comfortable stay – including an outdoor shower and private patio overlooking the fish ponds.
Walkthrough Tour: Na Hale King Guest Room
Room Entrance
The rooms at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott are spacious and comfortable, and feature all of the modern amenities that you would expect from a top-notch hotel.
Our room had a private patio with views of the ocean, gardens, and fish ponds, as well as a comfortable king-sized bed and a large flat-screen TV.
Bedroom (Promo Photo)
(photo: marriott.com)
Bedroom Area (Actual Photos)
Closet
 Room Amenities
Complimentary water bottles
Bathroom
Outdoor Shower
Patio
A black cat heading to the fish ponds
View From The Room
Fish ponds & the Pacific Ocean
Dinner At Clipper Lounge (AKA Hawaii Calls)
For dinner, we dined at the resort’s restaurant, Clipper Lounge, which offered casual dining experience with a delicious menu.
We went with the Poke Tacos (which we thought were amazing – especially with local beer) and the Hot Sampler. We also cashed in our two free beer coupons.
The restaurant had a great selection of local craft beers, as well as a variety of pub-style dishes and Hawaiian favorites. The service was exceptional, and we thoroughly enjoyed our dining /Hawaiian sunset experience.
Poke Tacos (Excellent)
Hot Sampler (Good)
Breakfast At Hawaii Calls
When it came to dining options, the resort had plenty to offer. We enjoyed breakfast at the resort’s signature restaurant, Hawaii Calls, which offered a delicious breakfast buffet with a variety of fresh fruits, pastries, and hot dishes.
As Bonvoy Platinum members we were offered a free Continental Breakfast OR the choice to upgrade to the $22 breakfast buffet for only $12. We chose the buffet upgrade, which was easily the correct choice as the resorts breakfast spread was excellent.
 
Aka’ula Cafe
(photo: marriott.com)
The Property Interior
The Property Exterior
Fish Ponds
The resort also had a network of ancient fish ponds built by Hawaiians long ago, that were home to various species of marine life, including exotic fish and eels. We enjoyed strolling through the ponds and observing the aquatic life.
The resort was also home to fascinating ancient Hawaiian ruins . The ruins provided a glimpse into the rich history and culture of the Hawaiian people, and we appreciated the resort’s efforts to preserve and honor these important cultural artifacts. 
  
Swimming Pool
One of the highlights of our stay was the resort’s stunning swimming pool. The pool(s) area was surrounded by palm trees and lush tropical vegetation, and the water was a perfect temperature for swimming and relaxing.
(photo: marriott.com)
Fitness Center
(photo: marriott.com)
Snorkeling In A-Bay
A-bay, which was a short walk from the resort, was an O.K. spot for snorkeling. We were able to see a small variety of marine life, including colorful fish and coral.
Overall, it wasn’t the best snorkeling experience we had on Big Island, as the reef was semi-far and required you to be a very strong swimmer to get to it, the visibility wasn’t great, and most of the coral seemed dead or dying.
You can check out the video below.
Note: A few weeks after our stay, there was a fatal shark attack in A-Bay. Make sure to use the buddy system or swim in groups if possible and take all necessary precautions whenever snorkeling in Hawaii.
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Other Recreational Activities
For those who enjoy outdoor activities, the Waikoloa Beach Marriott offers a variety of options. The hotel has its own tennis courts, and guests can also enjoy golfing at the nearby Waikoloa Beach Golf Course.
The hotel also offers a variety of water sports and beach activities, such as paddle-boarding and kayaking with benefits included in the Resort Activity Program fee (we used ours to rent snorkeling gear).
Nearby Attractions
There were plenty of things to do nearby the resort as well. The resort was located just a short drive away from several stunning beaches, including Hapuna Beach and Mauna Kea Beach (one of my favorites!).
FHOP Tip: What’s Nearby – When it came to shopping, the nearby Queens’ Marketplace and Kings’ Shops were excellent options (and walking distance). Both shopping centers offered a variety of stores and boutiques, ranging from high-end designer brands to local artisan shops. We enjoyed browsing the shops, stocking up on snacks and alcohol, and picking up souvenirs to bring back home.
Jus’ sayin’
Hawaiian Sunsets
 
The Bottom-Line Review: Review: Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa (Big Island, Hawaii)
The Waikaloa Beach Marriott was a great resort that provided us with an upscale stay and memorable vacation.
The resort’s great swimming pool, fish ponds, and ancient ruins made for a unique and immersive experience, and the nearby snorkeling, shopping, and outdoor activities provided ample opportunities for exploration and adventure.
As Platinum members of the Marriott Bonvoy program, we were able to take full advantage of the benefits offered – including the excellent room upgrade and breakfast benefit.
Overall, I would highly recommend the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa to families, couples, or even singles looking for a solid and affordable vacation option in Hawaii (especially if redeeming Marriott Bonvoy points or free night certificates). The hotel’s stunning location, comfortable rooms, friendly staff, delicious dining options, and great amenities make it the perfect place to stay on the Big Island.
Final Rating: 8 out of 10.
