Posts Tagged ‘waikoloa beach resort’

The Waikoloa Beach Resort is known to offer a full day of activities for the 4th of July and 2010 will be no different.

The Kings Shops will be host to the 19^th Annual Waikoloa Rubber Duckie Race and 4^th of July Extravaganza is an all day fundraiser for the United Cerebral Palsy Association of Hawaii held at the Kings’ Lake. The Kings’ Shops proudly sponsor this annual event where rubber ducks are adopted for a $5.00 donation and are set to race to the finish line where prizes will be awarded.  The Kings’ Shops will also be host to activities and entertainment throughout the day.  The race typically takes place mid-afternoon.

The Queens Shops will offer an array of activities, music, and other entertainment throughout the day from 10 am to 9:30 pm.  You may find areas for lei making, face painting, and much more. A detailed list of activities will be available when it is released.

Next to the Queens Shops is Waikoloa Bowl, which will be host to the evening activities.  From 6 to 8 pm Jimmy Mac and the Kool Kats will be playing.  They are a popular band known for performing at large events and playing popular music from the 50s to present to keep everyone entertained.  At 8 pm will be a beautiful firework display over Waikoloa Bowl.

The Kings’ Shops complement the Queens Marketplace to help give vacationers everything they need right within the Waikoloa Beach Resort.  The Kings’ Shops is home to the 4th of July Rubber Duckie Race.  Here are all the companies you will find at the Kings’ Shops.

Restaurants

Blazin Steaks (808) 886-0570 - A great place for a quick, quality lunch or dinner place for under $10.
Roy’s Waikoloa Bar and Grill (808) 886-4321 - Roy’s offer the most popular dining at Waikoloa Beach Resort.  Here you will find a great Pacific Rim cuisine with an excellent full service bar.
Merriman’s Market Cafe (808) 886-1700 - A great local cafe specializing in locally grown produce meats and fish.  Offers great lunches at reasonable prices and also offers a wine bar.
Island Fish and Chips (808) 886-0005 - Fast food style restaurant offering combination baskets of fish and chips with pineapple coleslaw.  Enjoy outdoor seating overlooking Kings’ Lake.
Jungle Edge Coffee (808) 886-4070 - Locally owned coffee company offering 100% Kona grown coffee.

Apparel

Cinnamon Girl (808) 886-0241 - Enjoy a selection of casual and elegant wear for women featuring dresses designed in Hawaii.
Crazy Shirts (808) 886-9393 - A favorite wherever you go.  Enjoy custom made t-shirts specific for Hawaii.  Get great shirts for gifts here.
Honolua Surf Co. (808) 886-6422 - Hip, high quality surf clothing for men and women.
Honolua Wahine (808) 886-1019 - Offers quality surf wear catering to women (wahine).
Island Intimates Lingerie - Specializes in bra fitting.
Kilauea Clothing Company - Offers a variety of vintage Hawaiian aloha shirts.
Kohala Coast Fine Art (808) 886-4240 - Featuring work by Ford Smith, and Clint Sloan along with many more.
Swank Boutique (808) 886-7965 - Trendy boutique offering accessories and clothing for women.
Big Island Motorcycle Company (808) 886-2011 - A great place to rent motorcycles, scooters, and bikes for use around Waikoloa Beach Resort.
Macy’s (808) 886-5385 -  A selection of clothing for both men and women featuring Tommy Bahama and Ralph Lauren clothing.
Making Waves (808) 886-1814 - Enjoy the latest trends of swimwear in Hawaii.
Noa Noa (808) 886-5449 - Local hand printed batik fabrics in silk, cotton, and rayon.
Tommy Bahama (808) 886-8865 - Upscale men and women tropical clothing.

Specialty and Gifts

Alina’s Candles - Hand made Hawaiian candles.
Coach (808) 886-4201 - Offers a selection of the world famous Coach accessories.
Genesis Galleries (808) 886-7770 - Offers a selection of art from local artists.
Sunglass Hut (808) 886-0593 -  Offers a large selection of sunglasses for both men and women.
Sweet Paradise Chocolatier -  Hawaiian style chocolate confections.  Guests in the past have raved about this store.
The Walking Company (808) 886-8228 - Selection of shoes and slippers for both men and women.
Tiffany and Co. (808) 886-1931 - One of the worlds premier jewelers offering an array of Triffany creations.
Under the Koa Tree (808) 886-7444 - Hawaiian art and woodwork.
Walking in Paradise (808) 886-7057 - Offers a selection of shoes that satisfies your comfort with style.
Whaler’s General Store (808) 886-7057 - Small convenient store for souvenirs, cosmetics, sundries, and much more.

Other Stores

Baron and Leeds Swiss Watches and Fine Jewelry (808) 886-1645 - Offers some of the most desireable Swiss watches and jewelry.
Dolphin Galleries (808) 886-5533 - Offers an array of artwork including work of Dr. Seuss.
Maui Divers (808) 886-0055 - Some beautiful jewelry created in their design center in Honolulu.
Na Hoku (808) 886-7599 - A local favorite jeweler.
Orchid Jewelers (808) 886-884 - Specializes in 18K gold jewelry from Hawaiian, American, and European designers.
Pearl Factory (808) 886-0077 - Hawaii’s original Pearl-in-the-Oyster jeweler.
Royal Gold (808) 886-7701 - An extensive collection of Hawaiian jewelry.
Waikoloa Shell Gas Station (808) 886-9512 - The most convenient gas station for Waikoloa Beach Resort.

The Queens Marketplace at Waikoloa Beach Resort complements the Kings Shops to offer a vacationer to Waikoloa Beach Resort almost all the shopping and dining one could need all within the resort.  A full size grocery store and food court are among the many things you will find at The Queens Marketplace.

Most Popular

Island Gourmet Market (808) 886-3577 - Full size grocery store ran by ABC and Foodland.  Also offers a nice meat market and wine tasting.
Food Court -  The Food Court offers a variety of fast food restaurants including SubWay, DairyQueen, Arbys.
Starbucks (808) 886-1888

Restaurants

Romano’s Macaroni Grill (808) 443-5515 - Offers signature Italian dishes for a reasonable price.  Also offers takeout.
Sansei Seafood and Sushi Bar (808) 886-6286 - Specializes in sushi and contemporary Japanese specialties.  Also is a great place for entertainment in the evenings.
Charley’s Thai Cuisine (808) 886-0591 - Reasonably prices thai food.

Shopping

Blue Ginger Family (808) 886-0022 - Offers an assortment of clothing for women, children, and men.
Blue Wilderness Dive Adventures (808) 886-0980 - Dive shop offering an assortment of gear as well as dive packages and instructions.
Claire’s (808) 886-8905 - Teen and young girls favorite store!  Offers a variety of jewelry and cosmetic accessories.
Exclusive Designs (808) 886-0350 - Features traditional and contemporary apparel for all people.
Genisis Galleries (808) 886-1170 - Genisis Galleries has some of the finest Hawaiian artwork on the island.  Original oils and painted surfboards are among the many pieces they offer.
Giggles (808) 886-0014 - Offering an assortment of clothing, toys, and much more for children.
Hawaiian Quilt Collection (808) 886-0494 - Wrap yourself in Hawaiian style with beautiful hand-quilted purses, wall hangings, quilts, and much more.
Island Pearls (808) 886-4817 - Selection of fine jewelry featuring Tahitian Black Pearls.
King and Queen Day Spa and Salon (808) 886-8889 - Full service spa and salon.
Lids (808) 886-1649 - Selection of hats along with the ability to custom make any hat one desires.
Local Lizards and Friends (808) 886-8900 - A store filled of gecko themed items.
Local Motion (808) 886-7873 - One of Hawaiis’ favorite surf shops.  Local Motion offers contemporary surf apparel as well as everything you need for a day at the beach.
Pacific Nature (808) 886-8919 - Specialty jewelry store that features fine jewelry inspired by Hawaii’s natural surroundings.
PacSun (808) 886-0415 - Provides young adults and teens with an assortment of trendy apparel.
Perfumania (808) 886-0409 - Find all of your favorite fragrances and bath and body products.
Persimmon (808) 886-0303 - Big Island based boutique offering the latest clothing and shoe fashions.
PostNet (808) 886-7678 - Full service business center.
QuickSilver (808) 886-0900 - Popular surf store Quicksilver and Roxy clothing along with accessories.
Reyn’s (808) 886-1162 - Home of the world famous Reyn Spooner aloha shirts.
Savvy Butik (808) 886-7289 - Offers contemporary fashion for women who appreciate luxurious fabrics with ease of movement and flow.
Sunglass Hut (808) 886-0274 - Offers and assortment of sunglasses for all occasions.
The Studio - Classic car museum.

The first quarter of 2010 looks very promising for Kolea at Waikoloa Beach Resort. With vacation rental occupancies up and sales increasing, many believe that the effects of the economy on Kolea are coming to an end.

With twelve vacation rentals in our program, we have one of the largest selections of vacation rentals at Kolea. They have enjoyed an average occupancy of 75% this first quarter. The “front row” of Kolea has really become the most desirable location on the entire coast. Our front row villas had an average occupancy of 90%. Along with these great numbers, we were able to book multiple reservations into other villas at Kolea due to all of ours being occupied. In early April we helped host a wedding party staying at Kolea. Not only did they book all of our villas, but also six others at Kolea.

Going forward, there are almost ten times as many future reservations confirmed this year in comparison to last year. A lot of this is in part to a large convention at the Hilton this summer, which has booked several of our villas, and a family reunion this Christmas, which booked all of our available villas. We also have several repeat guests that have rebooked for next year.

Kolea has led the Waikoloa Beach Resort in sales over the course of the last six months. There have been a total of eight sales and four are currently in escrow. Most of the sales have been on the smaller villas at prices much lower than the purchase price. Currently there are not any villas on the market that are foreclosures and there do not appear to be any short sales at very low prices. The recent sale of 7F for $2.55 million has brought hope that better days are to come for the real estate market at Kolea. If you are interested in discussing real estate at Kolea, contact your real estate agent or one of our recommended agents, Johnny McElree and Beth Robinson. Johnny McElree can be reached at (808) 443-6288 and Beth Robinson can be reached at (808) 443-4588.

We are looking to add more three bedroom/three bath villas to our vacation rental program and would like to discuss our services with you at your convenience. You can reach us at (808) 987-4519 or waikoloavrm@aol.com.

Over the years of running a vacation rental business in the Waikoloa Beach Resort I have come across numerous web sites that rank the vacation rental complexes at Waikoloa Beach Resort.  The thing that seems to amaze me is that most of the companies aren’t even located in Hawaii so I have a hard time understanding why they feel they would be able to correctly rate the properties.

Here are my rankings taking into account what I think along with what guests have mentioned to me over the years.

Kolea
Kolea is by far the most luxurious complex at Waikoloa Beach Resort.  The average selling price of a villa there is almost double that of any other complex at Waikoloa Beach Resort, which supports the fact that they are very nice and in an excellent location.

Pros- Only beachfront vacation rental complex; Spacious lanais with grills; Luxurious interior finishes; Solid construction; Easy access to all the Waikoloa Beach Resort amenities
Cons- Small pool

Halii Kai
Halii Kai is in a middle class of its own.  It is nicer than the other complexes at Waikoloa Beach Resort, but falls short of Kolea. The Halii Kai Ocean Club is the most attractive feature of Halii Kai.  The Ocean Club is on a bluff overlooking the ocean and features a multi-layer heated resort style pool, restaurant, and fitness hale.

Pros- Halii Kai Ocean Club; Spectacular views from the buildings towards the front of the property; Tennis court
Cons- Small Interiors; average construction; distant from the amenities at Waikoloa Beach Resort.

The rest of the vacation rentals all fall within the same class of properties.  Although they they are close in value, there are some that are a little more desireable than others.

Vista Waikoloa
Pros- Centrally located within Waikoloa Beach Resort; Good construction; Large lanais; Heated swimming pool
Cons- Road noise for many of the buildings; Many of the interiors are outdated

The Shores at Waikoloa Beach Resort
Pros- Good construction; Resort style pool; Tennis Court
Cons- Many interiors are outdates

Colony Villas at Waikoloa Beach Resort
Pros- Townhome style so there is no other properties above you; Nice pools; Quiet location
Cons- Distant from the amenities of Waikoloa Beach Resort

Beach Villas at Waikoloa Beach Resort
Pros- Nice interiors; Convenient location to the amenities of Waikoloa Beach Resort
Cons- Poor construction

Waikoloa Beach Resort Fairway Villas
Pros- Nice interiors; Convenient location to the amenities of Waikoloa Beach Resort
Cons- Poor construction; Small pool area

Kolea and Halii Kai are the top two vacation rental complexes at the Waikoloa Beach Resort. Both of them are very different and offer a unique experience. Many vacationers who have been to the Waikoloa Beach Resort know which complex is best for them and many people who have not been to the Waikoloa Beach Resort have a hard time deciding which property is best for them. Below is some helpful information about the two complexes.

Location

Kolea is located on A’Bay, the only sandy beach at the Waikoloa Beach Resort. The two hotels and the Waikoloa Kings and Queens Shops are also within ¼ mile of Kolea. Halii Kai is located on the signature hole of the Waikoloa Beach golf course in a more private setting and is roughly a mile from the beach at A’Bay and 1/2 mile from the Waikoloa Kings and Queens Shops..

Views
Both complexes have a wide range of views. The front row condos at Kolea offer ocean, beach, and mountain views. The condos nestled in behind them offer mostly mountain and garden views with a few condos offering ocean views. The condos on the oceanfront at Halii Kai offer spectacular solid ocean views. Other buildings towards the front of Halii Kai offer a view of the signature hole of the Waikoloa Beach Course and the ocean. As you travel away from the front of the property most of the condos have fairway and garden views.

Interiors
The standard finishes within Kolea condos are better than what you will find in a Halii Kai condo. The furnishings within each condo are supplied by the owners so that is not better in one place versus the other. The average condo at Kolea is much larger than the average Halii Kai condo. A Kolea condo ranges in size from 1200 to 2200 square feet and a Halii Kai condo ranges in size from 1000 to 1400 square feet.

Pools
Although both Kolea and Halii Kai have nice pool areas, the Halii Kai Ocean Club is a step above the Kolea Beach Club. The Halii Kai Ocean Club is situated on an oceanfront bluff and features a multi layered resort style pool. You will also find a restaurant, which has a very nice menu, and an open air fitness hale overlooking the ocean. The Kolea Beach Club has access to the beach at A’Bay. In addition to an infinity pool and lava rock Jacuzzi, the Kolea Beach Club has a sand bottom kids pool with a waterfall which is great for toddlers. There is also an open air fitness hale and a shaded lounging area there.

The Kohala Coast on the Big Island of Hawaii has become known as one of the premier vacation destinations in the world.  On this coast you will find the Waikoloa Beach Resort, which has expanded and offers two hotels, over 1000 vacation rentals, shopping, and activities for everyone.  It has recently been rated “The Top Vacation Destination in Hawaii for Families”.

The cornerstone of the Waikoloa Beach Resort is the Hilton Waikoloa.  This expansive hotel spans over 62 acres and consists of four towers and two large resort style pools.  Within the hotel you will find seven dining choices.  KPC is the nicest restaurant and is located on a bluff giving an amazing ambiance.  The Kona Pool is the most popular pool and consists of multiple jacuzzis, a grotto, and a waterslide.  The Kohala Pool is comprised of two pools connected by a “lazy river”.  You will also find a few smaller slides at this pool.  Since the Hilton Waikoloa is not located on the beach, they designed a lagoon area fed by the ocean.  Enjoy water activities and snorkeling here.

The Marriott at Waikoloa Beach Resort is the other hotel and is located on the beach, A’Bay.  You will also find shopping just a short walk from the Marriott.  The Marriott was just recently renovated and features a large infinity pool and with a small slide.

If you choose to stay in a vacation rental, the Waikoloa Beach Resort has the best selection on the Big Island.  From vacation rentals as low as $100/night to luxurious beachfront rentals as high as $600/night, there is a vacation rental for everyone.  Kolea is the most luxurious destination with some of its beachfront vacation rentals spanning over 2000 square feet and just minutes from the beach.  Halii Kai offers the best views and has the nicest pool area of any vacation rental complex on the coast.

Within the Waikoloa Beach Resort is the Kings Shops and Queens Shops.  You will find dining as well as an array of boutique stores here.  The Queens Shops has a Marketplace where you can do all your grocery shopping as well as get great local food.

There is a shack at the beach, A’Bay, which has beach toy rentals as well as snorkel gear.  The Hilton Waikoloa is home to DolphinQuest, which is another popular activity for children.  Here dolphins are raised and it gives you an opportunity to get to know them better as well as have close encounters.  If you are a golfer, the Waikoloa Kings and Beach courses offer a challenging game amongst a beautiful setting.

Please contact Waikoloa Vacation Rentals at WaikoloaVRM@aol.com or (808) 987-4519 if you have any questions about the Waikoloa Beach Resort.