A Stay at Hawaii’s Waikoloa Beach Marriott

On my final day in Hawaii, I awoke refreshed and ready for the day. There were a couple of items left on my itinerary to see, but nothing where reservations were made or I was required to meet someone; there were only a couple suggestions to complete my trip. I took a great big stretch on my balcony overlooking the Pacific Ocean at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott, my final hotel for the trip, and decided I’d rather end my stay on the Big Island right there.

I had arrived at the Waikoloa a few days before, badly in need of a shower and absolutely ravenous. I had spent the morning hiking at the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, driving from there to the resort – which is about 30 minutes north of Kona – and making a handful of stops that didn’t offer any dining options. So after making a quick stop in the shower, I headed down to the Waikoloa Beach Marriott’s restaurant and bar area for a big bite and a few drinks.

I was tired from a long day of driving, so I had to rub my eyes; what I was seeing didn’t seem possible. Could it really be? Could I have arrived at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott on the night where they offer two-for-one meals in the bar at the exact time I was heading down there? It didn’t seem possible that such good fortune could continue to smile upon me.

But it was.

The bartender seemed not to believe my appetite, so he suggested I wait before ordering the second meal; he foolishly thought I’d want it to take back to my room. I did as he suggested, though, and devoured it upon its arrival just the same as the first; they were big meals, but I had gone so long without eating I was still hungry. After letting things settle, though, and with a few drinks in me, I began to relax and have a good time talking with the bartender and other guests at the bar.

It was another beautiful Hawaiian night and I honestly could not have asked for anything more. The same was true for the rest of my time at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott, which is why, I suppose, that I didn’t want to leave it on my final day. And as a matter of fact, despite all of the amazing things to see and do in the area, I could have easily spent my remaining time at the resort and not have been disappointed.

My room was nicely decorated, spacious, and – most importantly – overlooking the hotel’s pool area, semi-private beach, and the Pacific Ocean. Despite having become accustomed to such luxuries by this point in my Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau-sponsored trip, I was still in a state of awe when I saw it. The view was absolutely stunning. I could not have asked for anything better, since better would have been the same thing:

I spent the next day out seeing the sites on the Kona-side of the Big Island, but the final day was going to be just for me – relaxing at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott. I wanted to see the beach, swim in the Pacific Ocean one last time – holy crap it was cold at 8am! – and lounge on my balcony and admire the view.

Thanks to the extended check-out time I was offered, I was able to do all of this and more: games were on in the bar with nachos on the menu, a nap was calling my name, and I still hadn’t touched the complimentary eats that were provided for me upon check-in. I was loving life and hesitant to ever leave. And without a doubt, I was not disappointed in my decision to stay in and skip the final stops on my itinerary – they can wait for my return journey.

Although, I may just stay in and relax at the hotel, since my return journey will likely include another stay at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort and Spa.