If you’re heading to Hawaii this summer, here’s 7 reasons why to stay at the Hilton Waikoloa Village and experience what it’s like to stay in paradise. Over time I have come to the realization that there are two types of people in the world.

There are the ultra, uber planners who have lists for their lists for their lists, who could command and transport a small army with precision and ease, and then there’s me. I am the person that gets up on Sunday morning, decides I want to go somewhere and a few hours later I am on a plane heading to Hawaii because I love the thrill of living in the moment.

And while I may not be a planner, I am the reigning queen of the last-minute discounts which make my spur-of-the-moment adventures so affordable you’ll wonder why you’ve been missing out all these years. It was thanks to my last-minute expertise that I first came to discover the beauty, peace, and serenity of the Hilton Waikoloa Village and I loved it so much that I returned to a much-needed respite from life several years later. With so many incredible properties to call home on the Big Island, here is a glimpse of what awaits you when you stay at the Hilton Waikoloa Village.

Something For Everyone

For me, it was a combination of the stunning location and the fact that the Hilton Waikoloa Village had dolphin encounter program that first drew me in but the moment I stepped into the lobby and was greeted with open arms and warm smiles that I immediately felt as though I was at home with family, that I knew I was home.

This unique resort in Waikoloa is set on a spectacular 62 oceanfront acres of the exclusive Kohala Coast on Hawaii Island. It is an easy 20 minute north of Kona International Airport and features tropical gardens with waterways, exotic wildlife, and a museum walkway with Asian and Polynesian artwork. Here at the Hilton Waikoloa Village, you can do everything or nothing at all, or a little bit of both.

From spacious and luxurious appointed rooms to recreational amenities that include not one but two championship golf courses, eight tennis courts, three swimming pools, dolphin encounters, and lagoon watersports it truly is paradise.

Immerse Yourself In Hawaiin Culture

The Hilton Waikoloa Village allows you to stay in the lap of luxury without the price one would expect of a luxurious upscale resort with all those little extras that make the Hilton name synonymous with when you want the very best.

There truly is something for each and every member of the family. Hilton Waikoloa Village offers a wide variety of resort activities to choose from and is the perfect starting point to explore the  Hawaiian Island, the Island of Adventure.

At the resort, there are endless opportunities including interactive dolphin encounters, snorkeling, kayaking, and standup paddleboarding. You can also have fun in one of three pools with water slides, waterfalls, and other fun features.

On land, you can explore the resort by foot or take a leisurely ride in a canal boat or on the tram. Walk along the museum walkway or just relax in a hammock. Get pampered at Kohala Spa or get fit on our stadium tennis court or the two championship golf courses within Waikoloa Beach Resort.

3 Unique Towers To Call Home

There are three distinct towers to choose from with convenient transportation connecting each to the rest of the resort either by tram or water taxi. Each tower is unique in their own special way but they all have one thing in common and that is the spaciousness and upscale feel of your home away from home. The carefully appointed guest rooms and suites are based in unique towers, with balconies and free WiFi access.

Even though each and every room is spacious with room to spare, for those traveling with the entire family or making a multigenerational once-in-a-lifetime journey, there’s also suites with separate sleeping accommodations as well as dining and living room areas and other amenities.

Having stayed in both the Lagoon Tower on my first visit with a room overlooking the dolphin encounter as well as the coastline and on my most recent visit, the breathtaking Ocean Tower no matter which tower you stay you will immediately feel all your troubles slip away and a calmness engulfs you.

All of the rooms come with an outdoor lanai and views of the ocean, golf course, or mountains while still having all of the comforts of home such as WiFi, a mini-fridge, and HDTV with PlayStation 3® for unlimited movies and games.

The suites offer multiple lanais, a living area, a wet bar, and dining space and are perfect for the entire family.

Foodie Paradise

It is easy to get spoiled when it comes to eating at the Hilton Waikoloa Village with 14 restaurants and lounges to choose from right at the resort.

Menus and atmospheres cover every mood and occasion, from casual coffee and pastries to delectable steak and lobster and an extensive offering for those with special dietary restrictions and needs.

Feel like relaxing in your room as the sun goes down? Not to worry because the convenience shop has cravings covered, and room service is available every morning and evening. Every restaurant and eaterie has its own unique location once again reminding us to sit back, relax and take in the paradise that surrounds you.

Make sure not to miss the mouth-watering Italian food at Nui. I was lucky enough to be able to talk to Steve Katz the director of Nui and he alone is the reason to keep me coming back for more. With his leadership, it’s easy to see why it is definitely a favorite of both resort guests and the welcoming people that live on Hawaii

Dolphin Quest

If you’re like I am, I have always been fascinated with dolphins, and truth be told, it was knowing that there were dolphins right there on the property which led me to first stay at the Hilton Waikoloa Village. Now that I’ve come to know and fallen in love with the property, it is the Dolphin Quest that is definitely the cherry on top of the sundae for me.

Dolphin Quest is the only dolphin attraction of its kind on Hawaii, the Big Island. At Dolphin Quest, you can just sit on the grass and spend hours watching these magnificent creatures, or better yet, take a guided tour with the marine mammal experts, and gain an understanding of the importance of preserving the ocean.

Experience a creative approach to dolphin-human interactive programs including getting into the water with them for an up-close and personal encounter and swim. Whether you want to play with the dolphin ohana by being a trainer for the day or for the week, it’s truly fantastic family fun and an extraordinary and memorable once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The People

Anyone company can build a luxurious, welcoming, breathtaking resort but at the end of the day, it’s the people that work there that truly turn your vacation into more than just a vacation but a memorable stay and one that you feel as though you are a part of their family.

From the moment you walk in and are greeted by the smiles and hugs of the staff at the front desk, to the ukulele player who you felt as if could look into your soul and sing as if you were the only person in the room to every staff member of the resort who goes out of their way for you and makes sure that you have no worries in the world, always anticipating your every need and always greeting you with a

heartfelt aloha, the hardest part about staying at the Hilton Waikoloa Village is having to bid adieu to your new-found family when it’s finally time to depart. They are what paradise is all about.

Your Home Away From Home

Set along the breezy oceanfront, Hilton Waikoloa Village is perfectly located for exploring this beautiful Hawaiian island.

From the people that work there to the beautifully appointed rooms, to the 62 acres of spacious grounds perfectly situated along the coastline of the Big Island of Hawaii whether you’re traveling on

your own, or with your huge multigenerational family, the next time you decide to run away to paradise, let the Hilton Waikoloa Village welcomes you to their family and see for yourself what staying in Paradise is truly all about.