Marriott’s Waikoloa Ocean Club, Hawaii
One of the few drawbacks to staying at a resort on the Big Island’s sunny Kohala Coast is that those who’d like a kitchen or just space to spread out will either pay dearly, have a hike to the beach, or both. Marriott’s Waikoloa Ocean Club, a recent conversion of half of the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, takes care of space and proximity to sand, with relatively moderate prices, too. And though it’s part of Marriott’s time-share Vacation Club program, you don’t have to join the club to book here.
The setting: Overlooking Anaehoomalu Bay (nicknamed “A-Bay”) and its sandy crescent beach, on the other side of historic rockwalled fishponds. Waikoloa Beach Resort’s two shopping centers and a trail through the lava to petroglyphs are within a short walk; two championship golf courses are also nearby.
The appeal: Family- and foodfriendly. All of the stylish, abstract-island-themed units come with a full-size washer-dryer and most of a kitchen (just no cooktop or oven), plus dining room table for four, a large L-shaped sofa bed, balconies off bedrooms and living rooms, and a spacious bathroom (two for two-bedroom units). Three pools, the beach and numerous resort activities will woo you outside.
Insider’s tips: For inexpensive noshing, pick up prepared food in Lamont’s Sundries in the lobby — much less pricey than the restaurant downstairs. Book the highly enjoyable Sunset Luau through the welcome desk for a discounted rate ($90). Near the hotel (and right on the sand), Lava Lava Beach Club offers happy hour specials as well as spectacular sunset views. Non-snorkelers should take advantage of the frequent half-hour, glass-bottom boat rides from the beach ($27) — turtles abound.
Good to know: Most units are one-bedroom; “resort view” can include partial ocean view as well as fishpond and mountain vistas. Kitchen utensils are limited, but a toaster and blender are tucked into a side cupboard. There’s no resort fee on this side of the hotel; self-parking and Wi-Fi also are free.
Details: 69-275 Waikoloa Beach Dr., Waikoloa Beach, Hawaii. (808) 886-6789. One-bedroom suites from $274, two-bedroom suites from $518. www.marriotthawaii.com/marriotts -waikoloa-ocean-club