In 2022 the Hilton Waikoloa began construction on the Kona pool where the most popular features were located including the grotto, waterfall, and water slide. They just completed the construction and the slide in that area has reopened. Many people are curious as to what the construction accomplished and what the difference is now.
Ultimately, the biggest difference is they changed that area of the pool from a grotto to more of an open air area. Previously there was a nice large waterfall that you would walk under from the pool to reach the grotto area. Here you would find the jacuzzies and on the other side of it you would find the bottom of the slide. The sounds of the waterfalls could be heard for guests that chose to site anywhere on that side of the Kona pool. One long time guest of the Hilton Waikoloa said what he will miss most are the free shoulder massages you receive while standing under the waterfall.
While it isn’t fully known why the changes were made, here are some practical reasons that mostly relate around guest safety. The Hilton Waikoloa is great for families and thus there are a lot of kids. First, once the kids would go under the waterfall they were out of the sight of their parents. Second, another issue was with all the water splashing and the lack of sunlight in the grotto area it made the ground slippery and wet. Without the rocks above most of the walkways can now get sunlight and thus dry faster. Third, with the steam from the jacuzzis and well as the mist from the waterfalls at times the amount of chlorine in the air could be too much for people. Lastly, for those families with children that like to ride the slides nonstop, parents would find themselves sitting near the end of the side and would be isolated from the rest of the pool by the grotto and waterfall.
For those looking for a place to stay on the Big Island of Hawaii, Kolea at Waikoloa Beach Resort is conveniently located next to the Hilton Waikoloa and guests get access to the amenities at the Hilton Waikoloa including the pools.