Aloha, Waikoloa!
When planning a Hawaiian vacation, the Big Island has a lot to offer. Conveniently located on the northwest coast of the island is Kohala Suites by Hilton Grand Vacation Club in Waikoloa, an ideal location to explore and relax.
The resort features a heated swimming pool, a pool bar, a children’s swimming area, a whirlpool spa, picnic areas with barbecue grills and a golf course. Club Members can also access any of the 14 indoor and outdoor restaurants in the nearby Hilton Waikoloa Village resort and enjoy the resort’s pools, lagoon beach and spa and water activities.
Not only that, but staying in Waikoloa gives Members easy access to the rest of the island. So, if you’re looking to stretch your legs and explore the Big Island beyond your suite, we’ve put together a list of activities that are all within reach.
Dolphin Quest
Located at Hilton Waikoloa Village, a three-minute shuttle ride from Kohala Suites
Dolphin kiss! Photo taken at Dolphin Quest at Hilton Waikoloa Village. Photo by Karol Franks, Flickr.
Swim with the dolphins — literally. Dolphin Quest is located conveniently in Hilton Waikoloa Village, and families can choose which quest is best for them based on the ages of family members. Bringing preschool children? Look into the Wee Tots experience. Got teens? Try The Encounter. Learn about the variety of other Dolphin Quest experiences for all ages.
Snorkel and Scuba Dive - Kawaihae
12 miles north of Kohala Suites
Father and son have fun snorkeling underwater. Photo by Shalamov.
Just a short drive from the resort is Kawaihae, where you’ll find Kohala Divers. Rent snorkel gear and take the family out exploring the creatures of the ocean. Or sign up to learn how to scuba dive from a variety of courses like the one-day Padi Discover Scuba Diving Course.
Holualoa Kona Coffee Plantation
32 miles south of Kohala Suites
Coffee bags hanging at the Holualoa Kona Coffee Plantation. Photo by Tandy Penn, Flickr.
The Holualoa Kona Coffee Co. not only produces its own coffee, but also mills and roasts coffee from more than 100 nearby farms. Visitors can take a free plantation tour, which includes a tasting, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. While you’re touring, your little ones may find it fun to see the more than 50 tame geese that roam the plantation. After the tour, enjoy a complimentary cup of fresh-roasted coffee.
Akaka Falls State Park
60 miles northeast of Kohala Suites
Club Member Douglas Christen Jr. captured this sensational view at Akaka Falls State Park in Pepeekeo, Hawaii.
Walk the 0.4-mile loop footpath through lush green trees and vegetation at Akaka Falls State Park. While you’re there, check out the amazing outlook points where you’ll see the cascading Kahuna Falls and Akaka Falls, which free-fall 442 feet into the gorge. The hike may be short, but it requires some exertion, so pack good shoes and plenty of water.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
95 miles southeast of Kohala Suites
Above, the Kilauea Caldera at Volcanoes National Park. Photo by Coleong.
Take a day trip to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, which is just more than a two-hour drive from the resort. Explore the park by foot, bike or car by driving along Chain of Craters Road. The National Park Service’s website offers helpful information to plan your visit, whether you intend to explore for one to three hours or one to three days. After the park, drive to the nearby Volcano Winery to sample “local wines inspired by volcanic fire and the bounty of the island.” Wine tastings are offered from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily.
*The image appearing at the top of this article is a crater at Volcanoes National Park. Photo by George Burba.