Hi everyone,
I'm planning a trip to Hilton Waikoloa Village in Hawaii and was wondering if anyone has any tips on using resort maps to plan their vacation. I've seen a few different types of maps, from physical ones you can pick up at the resort to digital versions available online.
Honestly, I don't see a need for an app unless a resort uses one for reserving services like restaurants or spas. We've stayed at one for a wedding in Mexico that would dwarf the one you're looking at - 619 acres before the latest expansion compared to just 62 at Waikoloa Village - and just used a physical map provided to navigate. Your resort has an online map on their website that you could use as well. It's not difficult.
It comes down to what you are most comfortable using. I prefer a physical map, so that I can use a highlighter to mark specific spots, and write notes on it. Other people like the convenience of looking on their phones. Decide what will be the most efficient for you.
My husband and I stayed there about eight years ago. Our room was in the building set that looks like three joining rings. They will give you a paper map when you check in, plus you can look up photos on-line ahead of time to have a good idea of the layout. It looks complex but is very easy when you’re there.
It’s easy to take the monorail or the slower boat option to go between sections of the site, and many times we just walked.
If you play golf, I’ll just let you know that my husband said it was the windiest location he has ever played, and he played at Bandon Dunes in Oregon and northern England!
Be sure to drive up to Hapuna Beach - one of the best on the island. I also highly recommend purchasing the “Hawaii, The Big Island Revealed” book ahead of time. Those series have been so valuable when we planned our Hawaiian trips to the different islands! Have a great time!
Just an FYI - we finished our time after the Hilton days with a week at a condo on the southern part of Kailua-Kona. We returned on subsequent trips to stay again at Kailua-Kona, adding a couple of nights near the Volcano National Park and/or Hilo.
If I need a planning app, or map, for a resort, I've picked the wrong resort. The resorts I've been to have maps placed strategically so I don't need to overheat my little brain figuring out how to get to wherever I want to go next.
