5 Best Hotels in Waikoloa, Big Island

These modern, impeccably furnished condos offer far more high-end amenities than the average condo complex, including both an infinity pool and a sand-bottom children's pool at its oceanside Beach Club, a fitness center, and a hot tub. It's within walking distance of Anaehoomalu Bay and the beach and close to shopping.

Spend the day swimming at the beach just steps away from your private lanai and fall asleep to the sound of the ocean at one of four artfully decorated, one-room cottages on the sandy beach at Anaehoomalu Bay. These cottages are among the few beachfront rentals you will find anywhere on the island. It's a short stroll to the adjacent Lava Lava Beach Club bar/restaurant, which serves lunch and dinner daily. Ride your included cruiser bike in the morning to the nearby coffee shops at the Kings' Shops and Queens' MarketPlace.

Villas with terra-cotta-tile roofs are set amid landscaped lagoons and waterfalls at the edge of the championship Waikoloa Village Golf Course. The spacious units—ground and upper floors are available separately—are privately owned, so furnishings vary from unit to unit. Sliding glass doors open onto a large lanai, and picture windows look out onto rolling green fairways. All units have full kitchens and washer-dryers. Check the website for separate online-booking rates and specials. There's also free access to tennis courts, a swimming pool, outdoor barbecues, and the fitness center. A daily $10 amenity fee includes Wi-Fi, newspaper, parking, coffee, and security safe.

Gondola trams glide by, pint-size guests zoom down the 175-foot waterslide, a bride poses on the grand staircase, a fire-bearing runner lights the torches along the seaside path at sunset—these are some typical scenes at this 62-acre megaresort. Shaded pathways lined with a multimillion-dollar Pacific Island art collection connect the three tall buildings, while Swiss-made trams and canal boats shuttle those who want to bypass the long hallways and meandering paths. Though there's no ocean beach, a seaside trail leads to Anaehoomalu Bay, one of the island's most beautiful tropical beaches. An ocean-side saltwater lagoon is great for families. Modern rooms in neutral tones have private lanai and are large enough to accommodate the families that flock here. The flagship restaurant, KPC (Kamuela Provision Company), presents incomparable coastline views. Although some may find the resort a fantasy version of Hawaii, others love it for its one-stop-shop approach to a Hawaii holiday.

Encompassing 15 acres replete with ancient fishponds, historic trails, and petroglyph fields, the Marriott offers rooms with sleek modern beds, bright white linens, Hawaiian art, and private lanai. The hotel has three pools: a heated infinity pool, a pool with a sandy entrance for kids, and one with a waterslide for the young and young at heart. The resort's two restaurants, Hawaii Calls Restaurant and Lounge (open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner), and Akaula Lanai (a "coffee and cocktail" restaurant) showcase beautiful views of Waikoloa Beach. Experience a renowned luau and show Wednesday or Saturday. There are also many great eateries within walking distance at the Kings' Shops and Queens' MarketPlace. The hotel's Mandara Spa pampers with a full range of treatments in a spacious wellness center. Bordering the white-sand beach of Anaehoomalu Bay, the hotel offers ocean activities through Ocean Sports Hawaii, including stand-up paddleboards, hydro-bikes, kayaks, and wedding-vow renewals on a catamaran. The resort recently received honors for its efforts to enhance the local community.