An Unexpected Introduction To Hawaii
I had never been to Hawaii. Sitting at poolside with a cocktail with a parasol ornament attached had nothing to do with me. But my professional organization, The Association of Family and Conciliation Courts, decided to hold its yearly conference at the Waikoloa Beach Resort. I decided, why not? Let's go. I packed a bathing suit but otherwise chose Oregon-style professional attire (way too thick), and with two game young friends, headed to Hawaii.
First Impressions Of Hawaii’s Big Island
I will try to describe arriving at the Kailua-Kona outdoor airport, the likes of which no Chicago-bred and raised, Los Angeles-transitioned, and Oregon-arrived person had ever seen before. The air was not just warm but also soothing, and the sounds were amazing — birds and wind — and the scents were fragrant enough to beckon you to seek out their source: flowers. The memory resides in my soul. Used to living in the fast lane, I had just been transported to another world.
Discovering Waikoloa Beyond The Conference
The conference atmosphere was quiet, but the outdoors was loud and clear. In the open-air environment, the hotel is finely arranged so you can see the sights and sounds of Hawaii. I could not pay attention; although I am a very rule-governed professional, I admit it was hard. My young friends, however, found their time on the island to be superb. They did ask me to escape the conference for an all-day tour around the entire island, which is possible in a day but not recommended. This is only required if you're someone like me, trying to understand how the other half lives — those who enjoy life rather than working their way to the end.
Returning To Waikoloa With Hilton Grand Vacations
So, in a phrase, Hawaii changed my life. I once again visited Waikoloa, this time with Hilton Grand Vacations. It’s only gotten better with time. HGV offers The Bay Club, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club, where we stayed before heading to Kohala Suites, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club. We then stayed at my favorite, Kings’ Land, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club, but this journey does not end with just HGV stays. It involves a love affair with the Big Island that would not have happened without the introduction HGV gave me. Look carefully at what the universe sends you as messages as to how you should move forward.
What Made Kings’ Land A Favorite Place To Stay
I ended up coming back year after year and became an owner at Kings' Land along the way. This remote property, set in the middle of expansive lava fields, a golf course, and fields of wild goats, is a paradise day or night. You have access to the resort via a shuttle that takes you everywhere you might want to go on the expansive property. The amenities include golf course discounts, water classes, yoga, a wonderful daily happy hour bar with music almost every night, and a magnificent performance by Hula dancers.
If you can decide how to spend the day, you’ll find plenty of breakfast, lunch and dinner options nearby. Because Hawaii evenings tend to wind down around sunset, usually between 6:30 p.m. and 7 p.m., late-night choices are more limited, but nearby restaurants and hotels are only a quick drive away.
Four Big Island Experiences Worth Exploring
I will share what I once told friends visiting this wonderful island for the first time. It highlights what I have experienced, learned and still look forward to discovering over the years ahead. Put simply, there is never a moment in this sacred place that does not offer something new and quite possibly life-changing.
I researched four links to things I think you would enjoy. The first is a self-guided South Island Coastal Loop Driving Tour that takes you at your own pace to the volcano, orchids, black sand beaches and botanical gardens near Hilo. It will take some time to complete, but you will gain a lot of information about the island.
The second is watching the sunset above the clouds on theMauna Kea Summit and Stars Small-Group Adventure Tour. It is truly the experience of a lifetime.
The third is a simple snorkel trip called theCaptain Cook Snorkel Tour at Kealakekua Bay. The tour is in a small boat that takes you to to the best snorkel spot on the island.
And the fourth is something I have not done but several friends have, and they say it is amazing. It’s the Sunset Manta Ray Tour in Kailua-Kona. The tour takes place in the evening, and the mantas are right there with you.
Building A Life Near Waikoloa Beach Resort
My friends and I became so enamored with this place that we decided we had to live here. HGV stays made it easier for us to make this decision than it would have been otherwise.
We will transition from our beautiful pastoral acreage in Oregon in the foothills of the Coast Range to the wonderment of island magic in the winter, when Oregon becomes less desirable.
In October of 2025, we purchased a home near the Waikoloa Beach Resort property. It gives us access to all the Kohala Coast, the resort and a humble resort of our own.
Making More Time For Meaningful Travel
My message is: Let Hilton Grand Vacations introduce you to a journey you might genuinely enjoy. Life is short, and there is not enough time to enjoy. The reason we all work is to find the time at the end of the line to experience what we worked for.
We are now planning a luxury cruise to Vietnam in December. Only with Hilton investments would this ever have been possible. Dream big and invest small but often.
Key Takeaways
The Big Island Showcases Diverse Environments: Visitors can experience lava fields, black sand beaches, volcanic landscapes, coastal areas and high-elevation environments across a single island.
Waikoloa Provides a Convenient Base for Exploration: The Kohala Coast location offers access to resort amenities, nearby beaches, sightseeing opportunities and day trips around the island.
Mauna Kea Delivers a Unique Summit Experience: Elevation above the cloud layer creates opportunities for sunset viewing and nighttime stargazing, unlike most destinations in Hawaii.
Snorkeling is One of the Island's Signature Activities: Waters near the Kona coast provide opportunities to explore marine life and underwater volcanic landscapes.
Manta Ray Encounters Are a Popular Evening Adventure: Nighttime excursions give travelers the opportunity to observe one of Hawaii's most memorable marine experiences.
The Island Rewards a Flexible Travel Schedule: While many attractions can be visited during a single road trip, allowing extra time creates opportunities to experience the island's diverse regions at a more relaxed pace.
FAQs
Q: What makes Hawaii's Big Island different from the other Hawaiian Islands?
A: The Big Island is known for its dramatic range of environments, including volcanic landscapes, lava fields, black sand beaches, coastal resorts and high-elevation mountain regions.
Q: Where is Waikoloa Beach Resort located?
A: Waikoloa Beach Resort is located on the Kohala Coast of Hawaii's Big Island and serves as a convenient starting point for exploring nearby attractions and outdoor activities.
Q: What are some popular activities near Waikoloa?
A: Visitors can explore scenic driving routes, snorkel along the Kona Coast, visit volcanic areas, experience sunset views from Mauna Kea, and participate in manta ray excursions.
Q: Is Mauna Kea worth visiting?
A: Mauna Kea is widely known for its elevated summit views, sunset experiences and stargazing opportunities above the cloud layer.
Q: Can the Big Island be explored in a single day?
A: It is possible to drive around much of the island in one day, but travelers may benefit from a longer stay to fully experience the island's varied landscapes and attractions.
Q: What marine experiences are available on the Big Island?
A: Popular options include snorkeling excursions and nighttime manta ray experiences along the Kona Coast.
