Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(
www.mokif.com
;
Waikoloa Resort Area; admission per night $7-20)
This early-November hula
competition includes
kahiko
(ancient),
ʻauana
(modern) and
kupuna
(elder) categories.
Set on an outdoor lawn, the vibe is international, with troupes from Japan and the US
mainland.
Sleeping
Waikoloa Beach Marriott
HOTEL $$$
$$$
MAP
(
888-924-5656, 886-6789;
www.waikoloabeachmarriott.com
;
69-275 Waikoloa Beach Dr; r
$200-450;
) The Hilton might be Waikoloa's glamour gal, but the Marriott
is the solid girl next door. This airy, 555-room hotel is rather standard in design, but it
fronts ʻAnaehoʻomalu Bay and thus boasts an awesome beach setting, plus three ocean-
front pools. Rooms feature quality beds (down comforters and 300-count linens), taste-
fully muted decor and the expected amenities, from cable TV to refrigerator.
Internet access is wi-fi in public areas and wired in rooms. Expect a $20 'resort fee'
for parking, phone, internet and other essentials. Book ahead for deep discounts.
Hilton Waikoloa Village
HOTEL $$$
$$$
MAP
(
800-221-2424, 886-1234;
www.hiltonwaikoloavillage.com
;
425 Waikoloa Beach Dr; r $225-540,
ste from $720;
) You'll either love or hate the showy, theme-park features of
this 62-acre megahotel. There's no natural beach, so its glamour is manmade. Rooms are
comfy enough, but they're standard business class, not luxury (nothing's oceanfront
either) - and no additional facilities (internet access, gym, kitchen appliances) are in-
cluded in the nightly rate.
A monorail and covered boats let you navigate the sprawling grounds without scuffing
your flip-flops, while kids splash aboard kayaks in waveless artificial waterways. There's
visual interest everywhere, from a giant Buddha sculpture near the lobby to interesting
collections of Polynesian and Asian art pieces or replicas along sidewalks.
It's an additional $15/21 per day for self/valet parking.
Eating
Increase your dining options beyond resort fare at two Waikoloa shopping malls:
Kings'
