The Island of Hawaii, or the Big Island, is a place like no other, where adventure, culture, and natural beauty come together to create unforgettable experiences. From pristine beaches to volcanic landscapes, there’s something for everyone. During our stay at the Hilton Waikoloa Village, we had the perfect home base to explore it all. Let me share the highlights of our trip and some hidden gems you won’t want to miss!

Hilton Waikoloa Village: A Resort Experience Like No Other

Located on the Kohala Coast, the Hilton Waikoloa Village is a sprawling resort offering everything you need for an unforgettable stay. The tropical gardens, serene lagoons, and multiple pools are just the beginning.

What Sets Hilton Waikoloa Village Apart:

• Amazing Pools and Waterslides: Perfect for families, the resort features multiple pools, a waterslide, and even a lazy river. It’s ideal for both relaxation and fun.
• The Lagoon: With paddle boards, kayaks, and great snorkeling opportunities, the lagoon at Hilton Waikoloa lets you get up close and personal with sea turtles and colorful fish.
• Monorail: The unique monorail around the resort adds a fun touch to the experience, making it easy to get from one end of the property to the other.

Earning Points for your Hilton Stay

One of the best ways to earn Hilton points quickly is by taking advantage of a Hilton co-branded credit card welcome offer, which can provide a substantial points boost right from the start.

Another option is earning American Express Membership Rewards through a welcome offer on an eligible Amex card, then transferring those points to Hilton—especially during a transfer bonus promotion, which can significantly increase the number of Hilton points you receive.

Once you’ve built up your Hilton points balance, you can stretch them even further by taking advantage of Hilton’s 5th Night Free perk, available to Hilton Honors members with Silver status or higher when booking a stay of five nights or more using points. This benefit effectively lowers the per-night cost of your stay, making it an even better redemption value, especially when combined with points earned from a welcome offer and transfer bonus.

Hidden Gems and Must-See Spots on the Big Island

While Hilton Waikoloa Village is an amazing place to stay, the island itself is filled with hidden gems waiting to be explored. Here are some of the best, more off-the-beaten-path experiences:

1. The Green Sand Beach (Papakolea Beach)

Papakolea Beach, often referred to as the Green Sand Beach, is one of the few green sand beaches in the world! Located in South Point (Ka Lae), this hidden gem takes a little effort to reach—expect a 2.5-mile hike along a rocky coastline—but the view is worth it. The sand gets its unique green hue from olivine crystals, which are remnants of volcanic rock. The striking contrast between the green sand and turquoise water makes it an unforgettable spot for photos.

Pro Tip: Wear sturdy shoes for the hike as the terrain can be rough, and be sure to bring plenty of water.

2. Punalu’u Black Sand Beach

Punalu’u Black Sand Beach is a sacred and serene spot located on the southeast coast of the Big Island. The black sand comes from lava that has cooled and shattered over time, creating a unique beach that’s perfect for relaxing, spotting sea turtles, and enjoying the island’s natural beauty. It’s also considered a sacred Hawaiian site, so be sure to respect the land and its history.

Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for sea turtles basking on the shore—they love the warm black sand.

3. Kailua-Kona City Park: Snorkeling Paradise

Kailua-Kona City Park might not look like much when you first arrive, but once you put your head underwater, you’ll realize you’ve stumbled upon a hidden snorkeling paradise. The waters here are clear, calm, and filled with tropical fish. It’s a great spot for families or anyone looking to snorkel without the crowds.

Pro Tip: The best snorkeling is often just off the rocks near the park. Arrive early for the clearest waters and avoid the crowds later in the day.

4. Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park

Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park is another Big Island gem that looks like something straight out of Disney’s Moana. The park features ancient Hawaiian fishponds, petroglyphs, and stunning coastal views. A great hike through the park leads to a beautiful secluded beach. Pro Tip: Arrive early and park at the nearby boat yard for easy access to the trailhead.

Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for sea turtles in the waters as you explore this unique site.

Volcanoes National Park: A Journey Through Time

One of the Big Island’s crown jewels is Volcanoes National Park, home to two of the world’s most active volcanoes: Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. The park offers a wealth of fascinating hikes and viewpoints. Here are some of the best hikes:

1. Kīlauea Iki Trail

This 4-mile loop takes you through lush rainforests and down into the crater floor. The highlight is walking across the solidified lava lake, where you can feel the volcanic power beneath your feet. It’s an incredible experience and a must-do for anyone visiting the park.

2. Sulphur Banks Trail

A shorter, easier hike (about 1 mile), the Sulphur Banks Trail offers a unique experience with its geothermal activity. You’ll walk past bubbling fumaroles and steam vents, learning about the island’s volcanic history.

3. Crater Rim Trail

For incredible views of the caldera and the ongoing volcanic activity, Crater Rim Trail is a must. This 11-mile trail will take you to the edge of the crater, where you can peer into the depths of one of the world’s most active volcanoes.

Pro Tip: Volcanoes National Park can be foggy, especially in the mornings, so plan to visit in the afternoon when the weather is clearer.

Here are five affordable and delicious food spots on the Island of Hawaii (Big Island):

Da Poke Shack (Kailua-Kona) – A must-stop for fresh, flavorful poke at a great value. Their spicy ahi and shoyu poke are local favorites, and you can pair them with rice and seaweed salad for a filling meal.

Kaaloa’s Super J’s (Captain Cook) – A small, family-run spot serving some of the best laulau (Hawaiian-style steamed pork wrapped in taro leaves) on the island. It’s a local gem with generous portions at reasonable prices.

Punalu’u Bake Shop (Naʻalehu) – Famous for their sweet bread (try the taro or guava flavors!), malasadas, and other baked goods. Perfect for a quick and affordable breakfast or snack.

Hawaiian Style Cafe (Hilo & Waimea) – Huge portions of local comfort food at great prices. Try their loco moco, macadamia nut pancakes, or kalua pork hash—you won’t leave hungry! Get here early on the weekends, it gets busy! We ended up doing carry out since the wait was long for seating.

Manago Hotel Restaurant (Captain Cook) – Known for their pan-fried butterfish, this no-frills, old-school spot serves classic Hawaiian plate lunches with rice and sides at budget-friendly prices.

Conclusion: Why Hilton Waikoloa Village is the Perfect Base for Your Big Island Adventure

Whether you’re looking to relax by the pool at Hilton Waikoloa Village, explore the island’s hidden beaches, or hike through Volcanoes National Park, the Big Island offers an incredible variety of activities for every traveler. Staying at Hilton Waikoloa Village provides the perfect combination of luxury and convenience, with easy access to both adventure and relaxation.

From the stunning green sand beaches to the powerful lava flows of Volcanoes National Park, the Big Island is a place that will leave you in awe. Ready to start planning your trip? Make sure to check out my best offers page for top credit cards that will help you earn points for flights and hotels, making your adventure more affordable!

Next Step

Dreaming of your own Big Island adventure? Head to my best offers page to find out which credit cards can help you earn points for your next getaway. Have questions about your trip? Send me a DM on Instagram (@pointsandmilesteachers)—let’s make your Hawaiian vacation a reality!