Pros
- Direct access to pretty stretch of beach with lots of sea turtle sightings
- Modern, streamlined rooms have mini-fridges, flat-screen TVs, and toiletries
- Infinity pool, two kids' pool, a hot tub, and waterslide
- Beautiful 15-acre grounds with fish ponds and black lava rock
- Mandara Spa offers massages, facials, and hair and nail treatments
- Two all-day restaurants serving local and American cuisine, plus Sunset Luaus
- Well-equipped fitness center and a tennis court
- Water sports such as snorkeling and sailing available
- Walking distance to shops and restaurants
- Located next to two championship golf courses
- Free property-wide Wi-Fi
See MorePros
Cons
- Restaurants are reportedly mediocre
- Bathrooms are on the small side
- Pool complex is small for size of property, and often loud and crowded
- Room decor is generic and lacks local flair
- Daily resort fee, plus parking fee (typical for Hawaii)
See MoreCons
Bottom Line
Renovated in 2017, the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa is an upscale property set along Anaehoomalu Bay on the Kohala coast, offering beach access, lovely grounds with winding paths and fish ponds, and features for both kids and adults. The 297 rooms are modern and sophisticated, if a bit generic, equipped with free Wi-Fi, showers, and Netflix-enabled flat-screen TVs. All units have furnished balconies or terraces -- some with ocean views. The pool complex is attractive but a bit small for the size of the resort, and the many kids found here may be a con for couples seeking a peaceful retreat. However, Mandara Spa offers tranquil treatments, fun luaus are well-regarded, and water sports such as snorkeling are available. The hotel's location -- next to two championship golf courses, and within walking distance of shops and restaurants -- is convenient, especially since guests may be inclined to skip the mediocre on-site dining. Couples seeking a romantic getaway should consider the nearby Mauna Lani.
See MoreBottom Line
Hotel & Amenities Photos
Amenities
- Cribs
- Fitness Center
- Internet
- Jacuzzi
- Pool
- Spa
See More Amenities
Oyster Awards
- Best Luxury Hotels on the Big Island
- Best Kid-Friendly Hotels in Hawaii
Oyster Hotel Review
Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
Hotel Class:Upscale
What are the Design and Scene Like at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa?
Upscale, family-friendly resort along the beach with contemporary design, fun luaus, and small pool complex.
The Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa sits along the western coast of the Island of Hawaii, attracting both couples and families – many Marriott rewards members. The property completed a multimillion-dollar renovation in the summer of 2017, leaving the resort with a modern, streamlined style that’s attractive but lacking in local flair. Ocean-inspired elements such as blue accents, plant-motif throw pillows, and paintings of the Big Island do add some character. Grounds, meanwhile, are unique and lovely, with a big fish pond and lots of black lava rock separating the beach and resort.
The pool complex is pleasant but small for the size of the hotel, and couples may find the many kids and loud atmosphere not conducive for a romantic getaway. The Sunset Luaus here, however, are well-regarded, providing Hawaiian food, music, and dancing. Overall, this is a decent pick for the price, though more family-friendly (think Hilton Waikoloa Village) and luxurious (Four Seasons Resort Hualalai) options are available on the island.
Where is the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa Located?
On Anaehoomalu Bay on the Kohala coast, offering some of the Big Island's best sunsets and snorkeling.
The Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa rests on Anaehoomalu Bay, which has a beautiful beach that is, typically, not very busy. It's part of the Big Island's northwestern Kohala coast, where ancient sites coexist with luxury resorts and renowned golf courses. This area is also known for its snorkeling, sunsets, fish ponds, and of course lava rock.
The Big Island is packed with natural wonders, including active and dormant volcanoes, where visitors can still see lava flows, white-sand, black-sand, and even green-sand beaches, cascading waterfalls, and rainforests. It's by far the largest of the Hawaiian islands, so visitors should be prepared to drive to experience some of the top attractions.
- 30-minute drive from Kona International Airport
- 2-hour drive from Hilo International Airport
- Five-minute walk to restaurants, including Lava Lava Beach Club, as well as Queens' Marketplace for shops and chain eateries
- 8-minute walk to the Waikiloa Petroglyph Reserve, where there are ancient Hawaiian rock carvings
- 11-minute walk to Waikoloa Golf Course Beach Course
- 13-minute walk to Hilton Waikoloa Village golf course
- 15-minute drive to Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area, one of the island's top beaches
- 18-minute drive to the Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site
- 33-minute drive to Waimea
- 36-minute drive to Kailua-Kona
- 1-hour-40-minute drive to Akaka Falls State Park, home to the 442-foot Akaka Falls and the 100-foot Kahuna Falls
- 2-hour drive to Mauna Kea Observatories (at the summit)
- 3-hour-50-minute drive to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, home to the island's most popular volcanoes
What are Rooms Like at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa?
Rooms are modern and attractive, with streamlined decor, furnished outdoor spaces, and compact bathrooms.
Renovations that were completed in 2017 brought a modern, attractive style to the 290 rooms and seven suites. They’re a bit generic, but some ocean-inspired elements such as paintings of the Big Island and blue-and-white carpeting add character. Rooms are well-sized, with most measuring 410 square feet. All units have furnished balconies or patios, and some rooms overlook the ocean. Bathrooms are somewhat small, either equipped with showers or shower/tub combos. Standard amenities include desks, sitting areas, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs with Netflix capability, mini-fridges, and coffeemakers. Closets come with laptop-sized safes. Hairdryers and toiletries are provided.
Suites have separate living spaces with sofa beds.
What Features are Available at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa?
An outdoor pool complex, lovely stretch of beach for snorkeling, full-service Mandara Spa, and a fitness center are all available.
The standout features here are the wide stretch of beach and pool complex. The beach offers loungers, umbrellas, and water sports such as snorkeling, and sea turtles are often found here. The pool complex consists of three small pools, one of which is a heated infinity pool and one that has a waterslide. While they’re pleasant spots and surrounded by loungers, the pools are small for a resort of this size. Additionally, the presence of lots of kids (and adult groups) and loud atmosphere may be a downside for couples seeking a peaceful getaway. Drink service is available here.
For a more relaxing setting, the Mandara Spa offers a full menu of body and beauty treatments, such as massages, mani/pedis, and body scrubs. A well-equipped fitness center has a variety of cardio and strength-training machines.
Meeting and event spaces are on-site, and wedding packages and planners are available.
What Restaurants and Bars are at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa?
Two all-day restaurant serve local and American cuisine, which receives mixed reviews.
The main eatery is Hawaii Calls Restaurant, a casual spot serving buffet breakfasts and a la carte fare for lunch and dinner. The menu consists of local and American cuisine, with options such as fresh-caught fish, sandwiches, and chicken katsu loco. A full list of alcoholic beverages and smoothies are available. Food is largely average, particularly for the price.
The other dining option is Aka`ula Lanai, which is situated near the lobby and has a beautiful view of the pool and ocean in the distance. Grab-and-go breakfast, coffee, and poke nachos are some of the items on offer.
Sunset Luaus take place every Monday and Wednesday evenings, and they’re well-regarded among guests for their tasty Hawaiian food, live music, and dancing.
A shave ice stand is on the beach, and room service is available 24/7.
Oyster Hotel Review
Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
Hotel Class:Upscale
What are the Design and Scene Like at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa?
Upscale, family-friendly resort along the beach with contemporary design, fun luaus, and small pool complex.
The Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa sits along the western coast of the Island of Hawaii, attracting both couples and families – many Marriott rewards members. The property completed a multimillion-dollar renovation in the summer of 2017, leaving the resort with a modern, streamlined style that’s attractive but lacking in local flair. Ocean-inspired elements such as blue accents, plant-motif throw pillows, and paintings of the Big Island do add some character. Grounds, meanwhile, are unique and lovely, with a big fish pond and lots of black lava rock separating the beach and resort.
The pool complex is pleasant but small for the size of the hotel, and couples may find the many kids and loud atmosphere not conducive for a romantic getaway. The Sunset Luaus here, however, are well-regarded, providing Hawaiian food, music, and dancing. Overall, this is a decent pick for the price, though more family-friendly (think Hilton Waikoloa Village) and luxurious (Four Seasons Resort Hualalai) options are available on the island.
Where is the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa Located?
On Anaehoomalu Bay on the Kohala coast, offering some of the Big Island's best sunsets and snorkeling.
The Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa rests on Anaehoomalu Bay, which has a beautiful beach that is, typically, not very busy. It's part of the Big Island's northwestern Kohala coast, where ancient sites coexist with luxury resorts and renowned golf courses. This area is also known for its snorkeling, sunsets, fish ponds, and of course lava rock.
The Big Island is packed with natural wonders, including active and dormant volcanoes, where visitors can still see lava flows, white-sand, black-sand, and even green-sand beaches, cascading waterfalls, and rainforests. It's by far the largest of the Hawaiian islands, so visitors should be prepared to drive to experience some of the top attractions.
- 30-minute drive from Kona International Airport
- 2-hour drive from Hilo International Airport
- Five-minute walk to restaurants, including Lava Lava Beach Club, as well as Queens' Marketplace for shops and chain eateries
- 8-minute walk to the Waikiloa Petroglyph Reserve, where there are ancient Hawaiian rock carvings
- 11-minute walk to Waikoloa Golf Course Beach Course
- 13-minute walk to Hilton Waikoloa Village golf course
- 15-minute drive to Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area, one of the island's top beaches
- 18-minute drive to the Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site
- 33-minute drive to Waimea
- 36-minute drive to Kailua-Kona
- 1-hour-40-minute drive to Akaka Falls State Park, home to the 442-foot Akaka Falls and the 100-foot Kahuna Falls
- 2-hour drive to Mauna Kea Observatories (at the summit)
- 3-hour-50-minute drive to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, home to the island's most popular volcanoes
What are Rooms Like at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa?
Rooms are modern and attractive, with streamlined decor, furnished outdoor spaces, and compact bathrooms.
Renovations that were completed in 2017 brought a modern, attractive style to the 290 rooms and seven suites. They’re a bit generic, but some ocean-inspired elements such as paintings of the Big Island and blue-and-white carpeting add character. Rooms are well-sized, with most measuring 410 square feet. All units have furnished balconies or patios, and some rooms overlook the ocean. Bathrooms are somewhat small, either equipped with showers or shower/tub combos. Standard amenities include desks, sitting areas, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs with Netflix capability, mini-fridges, and coffeemakers. Closets come with laptop-sized safes. Hairdryers and toiletries are provided.
Suites have separate living spaces with sofa beds.
What Features are Available at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa?
An outdoor pool complex, lovely stretch of beach for snorkeling, full-service Mandara Spa, and a fitness center are all available.
The standout features here are the wide stretch of beach and pool complex. The beach offers loungers, umbrellas, and water sports such as snorkeling, and sea turtles are often found here. The pool complex consists of three small pools, one of which is a heated infinity pool and one that has a waterslide. While they’re pleasant spots and surrounded by loungers, the pools are small for a resort of this size. Additionally, the presence of lots of kids (and adult groups) and loud atmosphere may be a downside for couples seeking a peaceful getaway. Drink service is available here.
For a more relaxing setting, the Mandara Spa offers a full menu of body and beauty treatments, such as massages, mani/pedis, and body scrubs. A well-equipped fitness center has a variety of cardio and strength-training machines.
Meeting and event spaces are on-site, and wedding packages and planners are available.
What Restaurants and Bars are at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa?
Two all-day restaurant serve local and American cuisine, which receives mixed reviews.
The main eatery is Hawaii Calls Restaurant, a casual spot serving buffet breakfasts and a la carte fare for lunch and dinner. The menu consists of local and American cuisine, with options such as fresh-caught fish, sandwiches, and chicken katsu loco. A full list of alcoholic beverages and smoothies are available. Food is largely average, particularly for the price.
The other dining option is Aka`ula Lanai, which is situated near the lobby and has a beautiful view of the pool and ocean in the distance. Grab-and-go breakfast, coffee, and poke nachos are some of the items on offer.
Sunset Luaus take place every Monday and Wednesday evenings, and they’re well-regarded among guests for their tasty Hawaiian food, live music, and dancing.
A shave ice stand is on the beach, and room service is available 24/7.
Amenities
Air Conditioner
Airport Transportation
Babysitting Services
Balcony / Terrace / Patio
Beach
Beauty / Hair Salon
Business Center
Cabanas
Cable
Children's Pool
Concierge
Cribs
Dry Cleaning
Fitness Center
Golf Course
Internet
Jacuzzi
Kids Allowed
Laundry
Meeting / Conference Rooms
Pool
Poolside Drink Service
Rental Car Service Desk Onsite
Room Service
Separate Bedroom / Living Room Space
Spa
Swim-Up Bar
Tennis Court
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.
