[ 2024 ] Waikoloa for First Timer

[linsj]

We have three favorite dining experiences when we stay in Waikoloa…only one of which is actually *in* Waikoloa.

Lava Lava Beach Club with your toes in the sand can’t be beat for a Hawaiian romantic dinner. The drinks are excellent and the food quite good.

The Bamboo Cafe in Hawi is magical in its own way as is the town itself. Lots of quaint, quasi-artistic shops and ‘local’ Hawaiian feel.

Lastly, Marriman’s in Waimea spawned a gastronomic empire…and for good reason. Reliably our best meal on the Big Island with great service…albeit with no ambience to speak of.

I enjoy all three of these when I go to the Big Island. The fish tacos at Lava Lava are the best I've ever had.

 

[4TimeAway]

I enjoy all three of these when I go to the Big Island. The fish tacos at Lava Lava are the best I've ever had.

There's rocky beach access to the west of Lava Lave lots of turtles.

Had fun just hanging out.

 

[JTurner538]

Saw this on our pre dinner walk right by Lava Lava.

 

[4TimeAway]

View attachment 99895
Saw this on our pre dinner walk right by Lava Lava.

The location is just priceless.
Makes eating there seem almost free.

 

[brp]

I'm resurrecting this older thread as it's the most recent one I can find on the general topic of Waikoloa resorts, and I'm not sure where better to put this.

It seems that the Waikoloa (and Oahu, for that matter) Sansei is no more. We were just there and were planning to go (probably twice) for the Sunday/Monday half-price early dinner. Sadly, this did not happen.

I realize that this is not HGVC-specific but as HGVC are the biggest presence in the area, I wanted to add this to the HGVC forum.

Cheers.

 

[Monkeyboy]

I'm resurrecting this older thread as it's the most recent one I can find on the general topic of Waikoloa resorts, and I'm not sure where better to put this.

It seems that the Waikoloa (and Oahu, for that matter) Sansei is no more. We were just there and were planning to go (probably twice) for the Sunday/Monday half-price early dinner. Sadly, this did not happen.

I realize that this is not HGVC-specific but as HGVC are the biggest presence in the area, I wanted to add this to the HGVC forum.

Cheers.

We were sad Sansei was gone, lots of changes in kings/queens the last few years. I heard they retired and the kids didn’t want to take over the business.

 

[Luanne]

We were sad Sansei was gone, lots of changes in kings/queens the last few years. I heard they retired and the kids didn’t want to take over the business.

There is one Sansei left, on Maui in Kapalua. The one in Kihei closed a couple of years ago.

 

[Monkeyboy]

There is one Sansei left, on Maui in Kapalua. The one in Kihei closed a couple of years ago.

Wonder if the owners are the same.

 

[brp]

Wonder if the owners are the same.

Well, the overall Sansei owner, AFAIK, is still DK Kodama. And he still has other places open.

Cheers.

 

[Tyrael-36]

You can rent a car at the resort. Last trip I rented for half of my stay and did some exploring and shopping.

I second Lava Lava Beach Club; excellent sunset dining option.
I recommend getting your grocery shopping done at the KTA in Waikoloa Village proper. The HiCO Coffee Shop next door is excellent.
If you have a car and go exploring through Waimea: - Ippy's Hawaiian BBQ is authentic and excellent. - Get pastries at Pattessirie Nanako.

The sunset pool at Ocean Tower is nice in the evening with the tiki torches lit. - Aloha!

 

[Monkeyboy]

You can rent a car at the resort. Last trip I rented for half of my stay and did some exploring and shopping.

I second Lava Lava Beach Club; excellent sunset dining option.
I recommend getting your grocery shopping done at the KTA in Waikoloa Village proper. The HiCO Coffee Shop next door is excellent.
If you have a car and go exploring through Waimea: - Ippy's Hawaiian BBQ is authentic and excellent. - Get pastries at Pattessirie Nanako.

The sunset pool at Ocean Tower is nice in the evening with the tiki torches lit. - Aloha!

For the Amex platinum card users, I found a good spot to use the $100.00 Resy credit near Waikoloa. - Napua at The Mauna Lani Beach Club​