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Hilton Kings’ Land Waikoloa Review: Is This Big Island Hilton Worth It?
- Alyssa
- Apr 1, 2023
- 11 min read
Updated: Aug 29
Choosing between Big Island Kona hotels can feel overwhelming, with so many resorts and vacation rentals to consider. One property that stands out for families and longer stays is the Hilton Grand Vacations Club Kings’ Land Waikoloa. Located in Waikoloa on the Big Island of Hawaii, this resort offers condo-style suites with full kitchens, in-room laundry, and free parking, making it especially convenient for travelers who want more space and flexibility than a standard hotel room.
On-site, you’ll find a small bistro/bar, multiple pools, and a shuttle service that connects you to a local shopping center as well as the nearby Hilton Waikoloa Village. A big perk is that Kings’ Land guests get full access to the Village’s lagoon, pools, and resort amenities, giving you two very different experiences in one stay.
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Where Is Hilton Kings’ Land Waikoloa Located?
Hilton Grand Vacations Club Kings’ Land Waikoloa is located on the Kohala Coast of the Big Island, in the resort community of Waikoloa Village. The property sits about 25 minutes north of Kona International Airport (KOA), making it one of the more convenient resort areas to reach after landing on the island.
Kings’ Land is not an oceanfront property; it’s set inland among the lava fields and golf courses of Waikoloa. While you won’t step out of your room directly onto the beach, the resort offers a free shuttle service that takes you to the Hilton Waikoloa Village nearby. This gives you access to the Village’s saltwater lagoon, multiple pools, and restaurants, all while enjoying Kings’ Land’s quieter, more residential feel. Nearby attractions include the King’s Shops and Queens’ Marketplace (both reachable by shuttle or a short drive) for shopping, dining, and groceries. Several well-known Big Island beaches, like ʻAnaehoʻomalu Bay (A-Bay) and Hapuna Beach, are also within a 10–15 minute drive.
Pricing and Value at Hilton Kings’ Land Waikoloa
Prices at Hilton Kings’ Land Waikoloa vary depending on the season, room type, and whether you’re booking directly through Hilton or as part of a Hilton Grand Vacations (HGV) package. On average, you can expect to pay between $300 and $450 per night for a one-bedroom suite, with larger two-bedroom units running closer to $500 to $600 per night.
For our stay, we booked a Bedroom Deluxe King Resort View Suite and paid $1,320.67 for four nights (about $330 per night). Considering the space, full kitchen, in-room laundry, and access to both Kings’ Land and Hilton Waikoloa Village amenities, we felt this was an excellent value compared to a standard Waikoloa hotel room.
Another major perk is that parking is included, something that many Big Island resorts charge $30–$50 per night for. The condo-style layout also allows you to save money by cooking meals, which can make a big difference on a longer trip. Keep in mind that Hilton Kings’ Land does charge a daily resort fee (around $35 per night), which covers shuttle service, Wi-Fi, and other amenities. Even with the fee, the overall cost is often lower than staying directly at Hilton Waikoloa Village, especially if you’re booking a multi-night family stay.
Pro tip: Prices can vary significantly depending on the dates and booking source. It’s worth checking multiple sites to see who has the best deal.
Getting to Hilton Kings’ Land Waikoloa from Kona Airport
Quick takeaway: Hilton Kings’ Land is a 30-minute drive from Kona Airport. Most visitors rent a car to explore the Big Island, but ride-share or taxis work if you’re staying local
Hilton Kings’ Land Waikoloa is about a 25–30 minute drive from Kona International Airport (KOA). How you get there depends on whether you’re planning to stay mostly at the resort or explore the island.
Rental Car (Recommended)
We usually rent a car when visiting the Big Island, and highly recommend it. The island gets its name for a reason; it’s big! Many top attractions are spread out, and driving is almost always the most convenient way to explore.
Our cost: We rented a compact car with full insurance and paid $420.27 for four days.
Example distances: From Kings’ Land, it takes about 2 hours to drive to Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park and about 45 minutes to Waipiʻo Valley Lookout.
Pro tip: Check both traditional rental agencies and Turo for availability, prices, and options can vary a lot, especially during peak seasons.
Ride-Share and Taxis
If you’re planning a resort-focused trip, ride-share might be enough. Uber and Lyft are available at KOA, and getting a car from the airport has been straightforward in our experience.
Cost: Around $80–$100 each way from Kona Airport to Hilton Kings’ Land.
Best for: Couples or solo travelers who don’t plan to leave Waikoloa often.
Public Transportation
The Hele-On bus is the only public transit option, but service from KOA is extremely limited. According to the airport website, routes between the airport and Kailua-Kona operate infrequently and can be unreliable for time-sensitive travel. Check Hele-On bus schedules here
Check-In Experience at Hilton Kings’ Land Waikoloa
The standard check-in time at Hilton Grand Vacations Club Kings’ Land is 4:00 PM. We arrived early, but even as Hilton Diamond members, we weren’t able to check in before the official time. The staff, however, were helpful and offered to store our luggage and refrigerate our groceries while we waited. They also provided us with towel cards and pool access cards, along with locker access if we wanted to swim or change clothes. Instead of heading to the pool, we decided to relax at the on-site Bistro Lounge, the resort’s covered open-air bar and restaurant. Ceiling fans kept the space comfortable, and there was live music along with food and drinks available to enjoy while waiting.
Unfortunately, our room still wasn’t ready by 4:00 PM. The staff apologized and gave us $25 each in bar credit as compensation, which was a nice gesture. By around 5:00 PM, the front desk called to let us know our room was ready. We drove over to our building, but for those without cars, golf cart shuttles are available to help with luggage and transportation around the property.
Room Details at Hilton Kings’ Land Waikoloa
Quick takeaway: Rooms at Hilton Kings’ Land Waikoloa are spacious condo-style suites with full kitchens, in-room laundry, and private lanais, perfect for families and longer Big Island stays.
We booked a One Bedroom Deluxe King Resort View Suite for four nights and paid $1,563.21 in total. The suite felt more like a full apartment than a hotel room, with a separate living room, dining area, full kitchen, in-room washer/dryer, and a furnished lanai.
Kitchen and Dining Area
The kitchen came with a small electric stovetop (two burners), a microwave/toaster oven combo, a large refrigerator with ice and water dispenser, and a dishwasher. While there wasn’t a full oven, we were able to cook smaller meals using the stovetop and toaster oven.
There were also handy small appliances like a coffee maker, toaster, and rice cooker, along with basic cookware, plates, glasses, and silverware. One thing missing was simple seasonings like salt and pepper. We made do, but it’s worth packing or buying small packets if you plan to cook. A pleasant surprise: under the sink, we found paper towels, dish soap, a sponge, and dishwasher tablets, which made cooking and cleanup much easier.
In-Room Laundry
One of the best amenities was the washer and dryer in the unit, with a complimentary pack of detergent included. Having laundry in the room was a lifesaver, especially before our flight home. We were able to wash everything and avoid packing wet or sandy clothes.
Living Room and Lanai
The living room had a sofa, coffee table, and smart TV, giving us access to streaming services, YouTube, and cable. Sliding doors opened to a furnished lanai with a small bistro set and a chaise lounge. We loved sitting outside in the evenings and watching the sunset over the lava fields.
Bedroom and Bathroom
The bedroom included a king bed, a closet, a dresser, and a wall-mounted TV. Unlike the living room TV, the bedroom TV wasn’t a smart TV, which was a little disappointing since we couldn’t stream shows in bed. The bathroom was a standard hotel-style setup but included a bidet attachment on the toilet. We also liked that the bedroom had a direct door to the bathroom, so we didn’t have to walk through the living room at night.
Property:
Quick takeaway: Hilton Kings’ Land has plenty of pools, BBQs, and family amenities onsite, plus free shuttle service and access to Hilton Waikoloa Village’s lagoon and pools
Hilton Kings’ Land Waikoloa offers plenty of amenities right on the property, so you don’t have to go far from your villa to relax and enjoy your stay.
Pools on Property
Each building has access to smaller pools, often with fun touches like water slides and waterfalls, making them great for kids. Right outside our building (25), we had a pool with a water slide, a small picnic area, and barbecue grills. The resort also features a large family pool complex with waterfalls and slides, along with a separate adults-only pool for quieter relaxation. We found the pools to be well-maintained and never overcrowded, even during peak hours.
Shuttle Service
A free shuttle bus runs between Kings’ Land, Hilton Waikoloa Village, and nearby shopping centers. The shuttle stops at Kings’ Shops and Queens’ Marketplace, where you’ll find a grocery store, shops, restaurants, and even a small farmer’s market on Tuesdays. It’s a convenient way to get around if you don’t feel like driving.
BBQ Grills and Picnic Areas
Several barbecue grills are located throughout the property, making it easy to cook dinner and enjoy an outdoor meal with family or friends. We noticed multiple groups using them in the evenings, which gave the resort a nice community feel.
Access to Hilton Waikoloa Village
One of the biggest perks of staying at Kings’ Land is complimentary access to Hilton Waikoloa Village, just down the road. Guests can use the Village’s multiple pools, waterslides, and the large saltwater lagoon, a great spot for swimming or even snorkeling. If you drive instead of using the shuttle, you can get your parking validated by the Hilton Waikoloa valet team.
Dining Options at Hilton Kings’ Land Waikoloa
Quick takeaway: Dining at Hilton Kings’ Land is limited to a small bistro and poolside menu, but the in-room kitchens, BBQ grills, and shuttle access to Hilton Waikoloa Village make it easy to eat well during your stay.
Hilton Kings’ Land has limited dining compared to its sister property, Hilton Waikoloa Village, but there are still a few convenient options on-site.
Using the Kitchen
Since every villa at Kings’ Land comes with a full kitchen, most guests (us included) use the opportunity to cook their own meals. The free shuttle to the nearby Queens’ Marketplace and Kings’ Shops makes grocery shopping easy, and there are barbecue grills scattered throughout the resort for outdoor cooking.
Bistro & Lounge
The Bistro & Lounge is the resort’s main dining option, located near the pool. It offers a casual menu of burgers, salads, sandwiches, and drinks, along with live music in the evenings. We enjoyed spending time here during check-in. It was a comfortable space with covered outdoor seating and fans that kept the area cool.
Poolside Service
At the main pool, staff circulate with a smaller poolside menu, offering light snacks, tropical cocktails, and non-alcoholic drinks. It’s not full-service dining, but it’s a nice perk if you don’t want to leave your lounge chair.
Dining at Hilton Waikoloa Village
For more variety, you can hop on the shuttle to Hilton Waikoloa Village, which has multiple restaurants ranging from grab-and-go cafés to sit-down dining overlooking the lagoon. This makes it easy to pair Kings’ Land’s quieter vibe with access to more resort-style dining when you want it.
Checkout at Hilton Kings’ Land Waikoloa
Checkout at Hilton Kings’ Land Waikoloa is officially 10:00 AM, which can feel a little early, especially when you’re packing up a condo-style suite with a full kitchen. Like us, you may find yourself doing last-minute dishes and laundry before heading out.
The good news is that the front desk is flexible if you call ahead. We requested a later checkout the night before and were able to extend by one additional hour, giving us until 11:00 AM. While it’s not guaranteed, it’s worth asking if you need a little extra time.
Things to Do Near Hilton Kings’ Land Waikoloa (and How to Save Money While Visiting)
Quick takeaway: Kings’ Land is a great base for both exploring the Big Island and saving money, whether it’s through Hilton promos, stocking up at Costco, or bringing your own snorkel gear.
One of the best parts of staying at Hilton Kings’ Land Waikoloa is its location on the Big Island, close enough to great attractions, but still quiet and family-friendly. Whether you want to fill your days with adventures or simply relax, there are plenty of options nearby.
Activities and Excursions
During our trips to the Big Island, we’ve tried some incredible experiences:
Manta Ray Night Snorkel – one of the most unique adventures you can do in Hawaii.
Big Island Stargazing Tour – one of the best places in the world to see the stars.
Big Island Waterfall Tour – lush and dramatic falls showcase the island’s natural beauty.
If you’d rather stay local, you can spend the day at Hilton Waikoloa Village (included with your Kings’ Land stay), where you’ll find beachfront lounging, a saltwater lagoon, and multiple pools. That’s exactly how we spent our last day after checkout, relaxing before our evening flight.
Wallet-Friendly Tips for Your Stay
Hawaii can be expensive, but a few strategies helped us save money during our trip:
Use your kitchen: Since Kings’ Land villas come with full kitchens, cooking a few meals can save a lot compared to dining out. We stocked up at Costco in Kona (only ~10 miles from the airport) right after picking up our rental car. Prices are the same as on the mainland, unlike some local grocery stores near the resort, which can be pricier.
Bring your own snorkel gear: Renting snorkel sets in Hawaii can get expensive, sometimes costing as much as buying your own. We travel with lightweight sets that fit in our carry-on. They fog up a bit after an hour, but they work great with anti-fog and save us rental fees.
FAQ About Hilton Kings’ Land Waikoloa
How far is Hilton Kings’ Land from Kona Airport?
About a 25–30 minute drive north from KOA. Most guests rent a car, though ride-share and taxis are also available.
Do Kings’ Land guests have access to Hilton Waikoloa Village?
Yes! Kings’ Land guests can use the free shuttle and enjoy the Village’s pools, restaurants, and saltwater lagoon.
Does Hilton Kings’ Land Waikoloa have free parking?
Yes. Parking is complimentary and conveniently located next to each building, no daily resort parking fees.
Is Hilton Kings’ Land Waikoloa family-friendly?
Definitely. The spacious villas with kitchens, multiple pools, and BBQ areas make it especially popular with families and longer-stay travelers.
Final Verdict – Is Hilton Kings’ Land Waikoloa Worth It?
Our four-night stay at Hilton Grand Vacations Club Kings’ Land Waikoloa cost us $1,320.67 for a Bedroom Deluxe King Resort View Suite. For that price, we enjoyed spacious condo-style living with a full kitchen, in-room washer and dryer, a large furnished lanai, and free parking right outside our building.
While our room wasn’t ready at the 4:00 PM check-in time, the staff handled it well by giving us $50 in bar credit to enjoy while we waited. The free shuttle service was another major perk, making it easy to reach nearby shops and restaurants as well as the Hilton Waikoloa Village lagoon and pools, all included with our stay.
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