Ala Kahakai
An ancient pathway runs along the coastline behind Waikoloa Beach Resort, a segment of the “Ala Kahakai” (“trail by the sea”) that links communities, temples, fishing areas and other important locations on the western coast of the Big Island. The 175-mile Ala Kahakai is only part of a much larger trail system Hawaiians called ala hele (walking paths) and ala loa (long trail). Also called the “King’s Trail,” Ala Kahakai is accessible at several places along the shoreline of Anaehoomalu Bay. Please refrain from walking on adjoining historic sites and do not remove any rocks from walls or other features. The Ala Kahakai is a national historic trail. Damage to the trail or any archaeological sites along the trail is subject to penalties.
Anaehoomalu Bay
Anaehoomalu is the Hawaiian name of the Bay and Beach neighboring Waikoloa Beach Resort. A fun and welcoming recreation area for visitors and kamaaina of all ages, its 900’-long granular salt & pepper sandy beach is a popular, picturesque place to watch the sunset or relax along the shady shore. The beach park has great facilities including showers and restrooms, picnic areas, plenty of free parking and all kinds of fun opportunities to swim, surf, windsurf, boogie board, snorkel, sail and see under the sea on a glass-bottom boat cruise.
Anchialine Ponds
Another interesting historical feature of Waikoloa Beach Resort is a series of anchialine ponds preserved in 1985 as the Waikoloa Anchialine Pond Preservation Area (WAPPA), and maintained by the University of Hawai‘i. These shallow salt or brackish water lava pools located near the coast are fed by freshwater springs as well as the ocean through fissures in the lava, the perfect home for various small fishes, crustaceans, mollusks and the opae’ula, tiny red shrimps that look like (and are sometimes called) “micro-lobsters.” A well marked trail off Naupaka Kai Place between the Kolea complex and Hilton Waikoloa Village takes you on an easy hike around a portion of the anchialine pond area. Please do not leave the trail, enter the ponds, disturb or remove rocks, corals or other objects from this protected area.
Beach Golf Course
Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., the Beach Golf Course at Waikoloa winds its way along historic lava flows near Anaehoomalu Bay, almost distracting even avid golfers with hypnotic ocean views, swaying coconut palms and tropical tradewinds. Immaculate greens are well-guarded by numerous white sand bunkers and strategically placed, shimmering water features, but the ultimate Big Island golf experience may be the Beach Course’s 502-yard par 5 twelfth—known throughout the islands as the most spectacular oceanfront par-five in Hawaii. Not only is it a challenging golf hole, its rocky point over the breakers is an awesome place to spot humpback whales and misty, distant views of other Hawaiian Islands.
Hilton Waikoloa Village
62 acres of fun, the Hilton Waikoloa Village’s 1,545 rooms and suites are artistically set among tropical gardens, exotic wildlife, cascading waterfalls, tranquil lagoons and waterways, awaiting your arrival by the hotel’s exclusive tram or boat. Fresh from a $6 million makeover, the Hilton Waikoloa Village recently unveiled the new Dolphin Quest Village and the “coolest pools in Hawaii,” along with extensive indoor and outdoor meeting and event venues, world-class tennis, the luxurious Kohala Sports Club & Spa, nine international cuisine restaurants, the Museum Walkway, Camp Menehune children’s program and Hawaiian cultural activities. With something different every day, Hilton Waikoloa Village is a favorite for families on the go. For reservations or more information, please call 1-800-HILTONS or visit www.hiltonwaikoloavillage.com.
Kings' Grille
The Scottish-themed Kings’ Grille is the perfect location for a quick lunch or post-round pupus and libations in a casual yet elegant setting overlooking the 18th hole of the championship Kings’ Course. The Kings’ Grille also provides a unique venue for your next special event, luncheon, post tournament awards banquet, meeting or private party. The Kings’ Grille Library provides an intimate setting, perfect for your next meeting or private party. Open for breakfast and lunch, cocktails till 6pm. (808) 886-7600
Kings' Shops
A long time favorite shopping experience, featuring famous name designer shops like Tommy Bahama, Tiffany & Co., Louis Vuitton, Coach, Baron & Leeds and L’Occitane. Kings’ Shops offers worlds of ways to wander and wonder at beautiful works of art, fine jewelry, resort wear and much more. Pick up essentials at Whaler’s General Store, get re-charged at Starbucks or sit down for a leisurely meal at Merriman’s Market Café, Roy’s Waikoloa Bar & Grill or Island Fish & Chips. Free petroglyph tours, an exhibition of bronze plaques telling the story of Hawaii’s Kings, hula performances, Hawaiian music and jazz add to the fun and complete the experience.
Kings’ Golf Course
Waikoloa’s classic Kings’ Golf Course, designed by former British Open champion Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish, offers Big Island golfers the best of two worlds: a great links-style layout that reflects the rugged seacoast of Scotland – yet set on an island paradise where brilliant color flashes across the thousand shades of green, and Mauna Kea towers in the distance. The 7,000+ yard Kings’ Course meanders over and around an ancient lava flow, and its wide, undulating fairways are framed by palm trees and vibrant flowers of Hawaii. Multiple tee placements and challenging pot bunkers add complexity to the Scottish links experience, complete with a double green on holes #3 and #6.
Ku’uali’i and Kahapapa Fishponds
Anaeho’omalu can be translated “protected mullet,” and at its peak, Anaeho’omalu was best known for its thriving aquaculture. Two existing ponds Ku’uali’i and Kahapapa, were part of a large complex of fish farms, carefully tended by ohana (family groups) who passed down the practices for many generations. Seasonal fishing of various species helped manage the population. Some fish were good to eat, some traded, some used for bait, many given to the alii (royalty). The story is told of swift-footed runners along the old Ala Kahakai trail, delivering fresh fish from Anaeho’omalu to King Kamehameha when he was in residence in Kailua Kona. Please do not leave the trail, enter the ponds, disturb or remove rocks, corals or other objects from this protected area.
Petroglyphs
Waikoloa Beach Resort contains some of the best examples of the petroglyphs, stone carvings, in the state. Possibly the closest thing to a written language that Hawaiians used, some petroglyphs are thought to be astronomical symbols, travel markers or commemorations of historic events. A marked petroglyph trail is located near the mauka entrance to Kings’ Shops and complimentary guided tours are provided Thursday-Sunday at 10:30am. Please stay on the trail and do not approach the petroglyphs for photos or rubbings. These are fragile carvings, possibly thousands of years old and are easily subject to damage and erosion. The best way to capture a petroglyph is with a photo in the late afternoon, when the shadows are long.
Queens' MarketPlace
A fun family life style resort destination shopping experience with something for everyone, visitors and residents alike, Queens’ MarketPlace presents an exciting collection of boutiques, galleries, shops and services, plus a delightfully diverse Ono Food Court, upscale restaurants and a full schedule of free Hawaiian cultural activities and entertainment. Meet at the Clock, marvel at the meandering water features and fountains, and learn about Hawaii’s Queens from bronze plaques in the rotunda. Then, explore stores like Giggles, Blue Ginger Family, Reyn’s, Local Motion, Persimmon and Sunglass Hut, stop at Starbucks or take a break at the King & Queen Salon & Day Spa. Plus, coming soon, a food and wine emporium with everything to suite your tastes, from gourmet to local-style “grinds.”
Queens’ Gardens
Lush tropical landscaping with sloped grass as seating is the best description of this outdoor entertainment venue. Developed for the guests of Waikoloa Beach Resort, this oasis amidst the lava will host local halau hula performances, premier films and other stage productions, under Hawaii’s starry skies. Conveniently located near Queens’ MarketPlace, with an inter-resort shuttle and plenty of free parking and lots of room to lounge on the wide green lawns, Queens’ Gardens is the perfect place to enjoy your favorite entertainment.
The Studio
The Studio is a Hawaiian educational center that will offer everything from stories of ancient Hawaii to music and dance lessons of the islands. Debut is scheduled for September 2008.
Waikoloa Beach Grill
Award winning chefs David Brown and Stephen Tabor have prepared meals for Presidents Reagan, Bush, and Clinton. With absolute passion for taking your favorite dishes and adding extraordinary twists, they bring favorite foods to the table, from all over America and around the world. Enjoy fresh baked breads, homemade chutneys, dressings and sauces featuring Big Island produce and fresh local seafood, plus a mouthwatering selection of desserts. And, all of Steve and Dave’s favorite dinner selections are now served in appetizer portions — a fun way to dine and a great way to sample different dishes. Available for special occasions, chef’s table dinners, golf luncheons, pupus and take-out. Open for Lunch and dinner. (808) 886-6131, www.wbgrill.com
Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
A classic Hawaii hotel, updated for the next generation, Waikoloa Beach Marriott is an excellent choice for visitors and kamaaina too. This 15-acre beachfront resort in 2007 completed a multi-million dollar renovation of chic new guestrooms, an artful restaurant, the cloistered Mandara Spa, meeting spaces, meandering multiple pools with waterslides and fun features, fitness center, Royal Luau grounds and a beautifully landscaped walk through history along an ancient Hawaiian fishponds. For reservations or more information, please call 1-888-924-5656 or visit www.waikoloabeachmarriott.com.