Waikoloa Beach Marriott

Hotel Information: Situated on 15 acres, this hotel is compact enough for families to easily get around, with the pool complex located close to both wings of the hotel. Casual relaxation is the theme. Adults can play golf and tennis on the resort's two courts.
Amenity highlights: From the pool complex that contains a water slide, children's sand-bottom wading-pool, and two spas, it's a short, fascinating walk to the beach on Anaehoomalu Bay (A-Bay). Anaehoomalu means "protected mullet," a reference to the ancient fish ponds in which prized fish such as mullet would enter the ponds through screens, grow too large to return to the ocean, and be preserved for Hawaiian nobility. Paths wind through rough lava rock, which contains petroglyphs, and bridges span the ponds for beach access.

The expansive beach is located on a calm bay, shaded by coconut trees. A beach-activities center rents out snorkel sets, kayaks, boogie boards, and pedal boats and arranges glass-bottom-boat, scuba-diving, and snorkeling excursions.

Insider tip: Across the street is an upscale shopping/dining center, Kings' Shops. Next to this shopping center is a gazebo with a telescope offering views of Mauna Kea's summit, where the world's largest telescope can be seen.

This beachfront resort offers 545 rooms in two six-story wings. The air-conditioned rooms include patios or balconies with garden, volcano, or ocean views. Decor is island-inspired, with rattan and light-wood furnishings. Amenities include cable TV with pay movies, refrigerators, and bathrobes. Unlimited high-speed Internet access is included in the resort fee.

Smoking is not permitted inside hotel rooms.