BIG Island Hawaii with beach

[jcanary]

We are looking to go to the Big Island of Hawaii in 2005, probably not trading but renting from someone, but my main concern, besides it being comparable to DVC, is that it have a sandy beach. We will probably be doing a trade for our week on Waikiki so we will probably be renting for this part. I have two teenage girls who must have 'their beach' time. We also enjoy it. I know there are alot of rocky coastline so I want to try to stay away from there.
Hawaiian experts, your help will be greatly appreciated. thanks

 

[Dean]

I can't say much about the Big Island as I never made it there in the 3 years I lived in the islands or the 3 trips since then. I'd go over to TUG and check out the information. Likely renting a timeshare is a great option and may be your cheapest bet. You might try to the Hilton on Waikiki as well with a direct exchange or one of the independent companies.

 

[jcanary]

Thanks Dean. I have already contacted an individual for a direct exchange for the Hilton Hawaiian. Hopefully that will all work out. Now I am just trying to see about another island for 3-4 days. I have always wanted to go to the big island, but I may end up at one of the other ones that has good beaches. My husband and I were to Maui but that was 13 years ago. Not sure if the kids would like it. Do you have any suggestions for a nice place for a possible rental that has a nice beach on it's grounds?
thanks
Joann

 

[Dean]

Originally posted by jcanary
Thanks Dean. I have already contacted an individual for a direct exchange for the Hilton Hawaiian. Hopefully that will all work out. Now I am just trying to see about another island for 3-4 days. I have always wanted to go to the big island, but I may end up at one of the other ones that has good beaches. My husband and I were to Maui but that was 13 years ago. Not sure if the kids would like it. Do you have any suggestions for a nice place for a possible rental that has a nice beach on it's grounds?
thanks
Joann

It depends on what you want. For 3-4 days, you may just want to go with a hotel. Personally, I'd recommend the Marrriotts, Westin, Sheraton, Hyatt or the like. I'm not much of a beach person so I may not be the best to ask about the beach. But if you will be at the Hilton for a wee, you'll have a great beach so that shouldn't be a big deal. I'd recommend Maui though, esp for a few days and since it's been 13 years. For timeshares you may also want to look at the Embassy, Maui Lei, Whaler; depending on what you want to do. The CC option on Maui is great as well though expensive.

 

[dianeschlicht]

It doesn't sound to me like your girls would be happy on the Big Island. While it is my favorite, it is a little short on beaches. You might try either Maui or Kauai (my second favorite ). I really like the north area of Kauai around Hanalei and Princeville.

 

[jcanary]

Thanks Dean. I am actually looking at the Hilton Waikoloa Village . It looks great and it says that there is a beach. Might go with the regular hotel for 4 days. then we will stop in Las Vegas for a few days on our way back to the east coast. thanks again.
Joann

 

[RLevy29]

The Big Island is my favorite island. There is so much to do there and this is where the Volcanoes National Park is located. For beaches, your best bet would be to try the Kohala Coast, which is located on the northwestern side of the island. The Mauna Lani Bay hotel has a beach and it is part of the Concierge collection. Here is the internet address: http://maunalani.panpacific.com/hotel/index.shtml
However it costs 47 -69 pts. a night depending on the view.
If you have any questions, you can PM me. We have been to The Big Island, Maui, and Kauai several times.
Aloha!

 

[travelbug]

Since RLevy brought up the Mauna Lani, I'll comment on it. It is a spectacular place to stay, and we loved it very much. Yes, it does have a sand beach but it is pretty small in area. Not the best for strolling along water's edge or something like that, if that's what your girls like to do. If they mostly like to lay out on the sand, or go snorkeling or swim in the ocean, those things would be fine on that beach. There are also scenic walkways and trails all around the grounds, some right close to the water. So it's a beautiful place for walking and enjoying the Hawaiian atmosphere, just not necessarily on the sandy beach itself right at water's edge. Did I explain that clearly?

If you wind up staying at the Hilton Waikola, I bet you will love it. It's just a couple miles down from the Mauna Lani, and we went over there a number of times. Sometimes to shop or eat, and once when our tour mini-bus was stopping there to pick up other passengers. Everything there looked gorgeous and top-notch, although we did not get a look at their beach.

Whatever you decide to do, have a wonderful time!

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

The Hilton Waikoloa Village is a spectacular mega-resort, but the site lacked a true ocean beach, so the developer built a lagoon with a sandy beach. If you're looking for an ocean beach, you may be disappointed.

There are a bunch of reviews of the Hilton Waikoloa Village at Epoinions. See http://www.epinions.com/lodg-Accommodations-North_America-All-epi0926/display_~reviews

 

[Paula H]

If you're looking for a beautiful, sandy beach on the big island, consider the Royal Waikoloan (sp?). It's adjacent to the Hilton (there's an oceanside walking path you can take to the Hilton to check out the dolphins, mega pools, ect.), but it is on a GORGEOUS beach. The property this resort was built on was owned by the Royal Family and is just breathtaking. You can snorkel right from the beach, and the beach is even dotted with palm trees. I remember there being some timeshare properties right near the resort.

 

[robinb]

Originally posted by jcanary
Thanks Dean. I am actually looking at the Hilton Waikoloa Village.

The Hilton Waikoloa Village is awesome! We stayed there in March and we are returning again over Spring Break (using Hilton Honors points ). But ... there is no real beach . There are 3 pools and a salt water lagoon that is very safe for snorkeling. I actually swam with sea turtles there! The complex is so big, there is a TRAM that runs from one end to the other . There are other hotels nearby and a small shuttle bus runs from the Hilton and the other hotels to a small mall-type area about a mile from the Hilton gates where you can find shops and other restaurants. Beaches are all public in Hawaii, even if they are sitting in front of a hotel. You are able to visit the other hotels and use their beaches ... you may want to bring your own non-Hilton beach towels with you. There are also some pretty awesome beaches (like Hapuna Beach) nearby if you drive.

If your dates are absolutely solid, I would suggest that you try Priceline for the Big Island. The HWV comes in at about $125 and the Hapuna Prince Beach Resort Hotel comes in at $140. Go to www.biddingfortravel.com for more information on the hotels that show up on the Big Island and how to best bid on PL .