Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort and Spa

Customer ratings & reviews

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

3659 reviews

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  Waikoloa Beach Marriott is Starving its long time Resident Cats (they used to help them)💔

  I have been a loyal guest at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott for many years, specifically choosing this resort because of their compassionate partnership with local rescues to manage the property’s cat population. For years, the resort embraced "Trap, Neuter, Release, and Manage" (TNRM), allowing guests and rescues to care for a small, stable family of cats: Momma Tigger, Splash, Blackie, and Baby Grey. Not to mention the countless cats that live in the bushes next to the property. I am devastated to learn that the current General Manager has implemented a feeding ban, effectively deciding to starve these animals that have lived there for generations. This decision is not only cruel; it is ecologically dangerous. I understand the concern for Hawaii’s native species, but starving feral cats does not make them leave; it forces them to hunt. A managed feeding program keeps cats satisfied so they do not prey on native birds and wildlife. By removing their food source, the resort is actively endangering the local ecosystem they claim to protect. The good parts of this resort were the great family-friendly atmosphere and pools, but the cats' new treatment combined with that are why we will not be returning. My daughter is going to be absolutely devastated when I let her know. This is a place she has grown to love as our top family vacation spot. We spent hours sitting next to the lava rock under the tree, talking to the cats. We befriended locals and visitors alike over our shared love of them. My daughter learned to swim as a young girl in these pools, and is now top of her age level in swimming. I am very disappointed—actually, that is not a strong enough word. I am devastated. To the management: Please reverse this inhumane decision. You are turning a compassionate, successful program into a tragedy. Until this policy changes, I cannot in good conscience return to a resort that chooses starvation over humane management.

  Feb 09, 2026
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  Outstanding Experience except for one downside

  Beautiful location, amazing ocean views and spotlessly clean spacious room. The room was at the ocean side of the hotel so even better. However a downside is that our room was next to a door that led directly to the assorted pools without needing to through the corridors of the hotel. Sounds like a benefit but we found that the door was slammed every few minutes with tourists exiting or entering the building and it lasted even late into the night. Hotel needs to address this! Hawai’i calls restaurant was quite good for breakfast but the Kings shops and Queens Market place are only a few minutes walk away away where you have plenty of options if restaurants, Roy’s is the best, with Tommy Bahamas great too.

  Feb 08, 2026
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  Will not be returning

  After a poor experience last year which led us to cut our stay short and move to a different property, we are saddened to hear that the. Waikoloa Marriott no longer allows local animal welfare groups to feed cats on their property. Our family will definitely not be sponsoring this hotel.

  Feb 07, 2026
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  Great resort for families

  This review is for parents with young kids. There are pluses and minuses. But the pluses outweigh... The resort is perfect for families. My kiddos are 5 1/2 & 8. The beach was great!! We saw turtles, walked to Lava Lava, snorkels, and even saw a manta ray swimming about! They loved the 3 different styles of pools and waterside. I liked that it was compact so we weren't walking all over the place trying to get to things. When we went, the resort was slow (end of January), so I'd bee curious how packed the pool is peak season. I loved that we could walk to both kings and queens shopping areas for cheap food, stock up, and find dining and shave ice. We had a mini fridge, which was great. There is only a community microwave. It was doable but not ideal. There is a BBQ on site but we didn't use it. Great coffee shop on site, too! Incredible Mai Tais! The room: the room is tight with two queens and 4 bodies. Hopefully you aren't in it much anyway, but it's good to note. The wall between the bathroom and bedroom is frosted glass so plan to shower in the dark because as soon as you turn the bathroom light on, the whole hotel room lights up. We made do. But it's good to note since you're sharing a room with kids. There is 1 bath hook and 1 towel rack. These aren't so much complaints as things to plan for with 4 people's towels and swimsuits. Honestly I don't know who thought that was enough hooks at a beach resort in even with just two people hahaha. In the end, as a resort for families who want to be able to walk and see other restaurants, stores, etc., this one beats the others in the area. I hope this helps future families! I would stay here again, but would think of how to make sleeping work easier in this particular hotel's layout/design.

  Feb 01, 2026
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  Waikoloa Marriott is not what it was.

  Waikoloa Marriott is not what it just to be. As a titanium elite member, my privileges were ignored! No bottled water, no early check-in or late checkout, no upgraded room, and an insulting continental breakfast was half offered instead of a full breakfast that was an option for $16 to get scrambled eggs!! The parking has increased to $40!! In addition to a resort fee of $40!! Airbnb is going to be a better option on my next trip to the big island!!!

  Jan 19, 2026