The Spread:

Book It Here!

Find the best rate at the: Hilton Waikoloa Village here.

This Hilton is big, spread across 62 oceanfront acres and 1,240 rooms. To get around, board a boat that ferries you through the canals or take the tram for a faster air-conditioned ride. Waikoloa is fantasyland, complete with lush tropical vegetation, intriguing resident wildlife, and a Zen garden. The resort also has nine restaurants, two championship golf courses, eight tennis courts, a seaside putting course, and a four-acre swimming and snorkeling lagoon. For quiet moments, wander through the museum walkway displaying a $7 million art collection, or indulge in yoga, Pilates, or classic spa treatments at the Kohala Sports Club & Spa.

Why Families Love It:
One million gallons of water in three swimming pools with waterfalls, a sandy-bottomed children’s area, several short slides, and a 175-foot whopper slide keep kids entertained. The saltwater lagoon teems with colorful fish, while kids (five and up) and adults can get up close and personal with resident dolphins in Dolphin Quest’s interactive learning programs (book in advance).

Camp Menehune is for keiki (children) ages five through 12 (9 a.m. to 4 p.m., half- and full-day options, $50 to $85; discounts for more than one child; nighttime camp runs 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., starting at $67.50) with activities that include hula lessons, exploring the flora and fauna at the resort, and swimming. Parents and children can do drop-by activities together, and Keiki Hour ($15 per child per session) for kids under the age of five is offered twice each day.

Special Events & Activities:
Tuesday and Friday evenings, the resort presents its Legends of the Pacific Luau with dinner and a show, basically an extravaganza of Hawaiian legend, music, and dance accompanied by a grand buffet dinner.

The annual Dolphin Days Summer Fest takes place each June and features food and music, free demonstrations by the Dolphin Quest trainers, a chance to watch an artist create dolphins out of glass, and more.