Itinerary of the Month: Polynesian Cultural Center

Welcome to Waikoloa—resort ease, lava-land beauty, and bright aloha.

Waikoloa Village works best as a “resort + coast” trip: stay inland in Waikoloa Village for easy access and cooler evenings, then spend most days down at Waikoloa Beach Resort (A-Bay area) for beaches, shopping, and sunset dining. Use the 3-day plan below as a ready-to-follow schedule, with optional swaps based on ocean conditions and energy level.

3-day itinerary (visitor-friendly)

Day 1 — Settle in + A-Bay sunset

Morning: Arrive, stock up at Waikoloa Plaza (groceries/quick bites), then check in and do a short “orientation drive” (Village → Queen Kaʻahumanu Hwy → Waikoloa Beach Resort).
Afternoon: Beach time at ʻAnaehoʻomalu Bay (A‑Bay): easy swimming on calm days, stroll the shoreline, and start early if you want a prime sunset spot.
Evening: Sunset dinner at Waikoloa Beach Resort, then walk through Queens’ Marketplace for casual entertainment and dessert.

Day 2 — Signature beaches + shopping loop

Morning: Go early to Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area (clearer water earlier, more parking), and stay within lifeguarded areas; heed posted surf/rip-current warnings.
Afternoon: Head back toward Waikoloa Beach Resort for lunch, then do a shopping loop: Kings’ Shops first (boutiques/brands), then Queens’ Marketplace (more variety + food court).
Evening: Resort-style night: luau/show night at Hilton Waikoloa Village (book ahead in peak seasons), or a relaxed poolside evening.

Day 3 — Culture day (Kohala) + last swim

Morning: Drive north to Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site for a cultural/history visit; arrive earlier for cooler temperatures and easier parking.
Afternoon: Return south for a final A‑Bay swim or a resort lagoon/pool afternoon at Hilton Waikoloa Village if staying there (good “easy day” option).
Evening: Farewell sunset: quick beach walk, then a final dinner near the coast (A‑Bay area is convenient for a last-night sunset table).

Top 10 activities (doable from Waikoloa)

Beach day at ʻAnaehoʻomalu Bay (A‑Bay): swimming, sunset walk, beginner-friendly vibe on calm days.
Hāpuna Beach day: classic Big Island white-sand beach with lifeguards and clear-water days.
Hilton Waikoloa Village resort day: lagoon rentals (kayaks/SUP) + pools and slides.
Luau night at Hilton Waikoloa Village (Legends of Hawai‘i Luau).
Shopping + dining crawl at Kings’ Shops (often has markets/events).
Queens’ Marketplace browse + food court + entertainment options.
Puʻukoholā Heiau cultural visit (Kohala Coast history).
Resort events calendar check at Waikoloa Beach Resort (free activities/entertainment vary).
Waikoloa Village Farmers Market-style browsing (confirm day/time locally; schedules can change).
Scenic drives: Kohala Coast viewpoints and quick beach hops (best as early starts).

Top 10 attractions (places)

Attraction

Why go

Official link

ʻAnaehoʻomalu Bay (A‑Bay)

Signature Waikoloa Beach Resort shoreline + sunsets.

https://www.waikoloabeachresort.com

Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area

Iconic white-sand beach park; read safety updates before swimming.

https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/hawaii/hapuna-beach-state-recreation-area/

Puʻukoholā Heiau NHS

Major cultural site managed by NPS.

https://www.nps.gov/puhe/

Kings’ Shops

Premier shopping/dining center at Waikoloa Beach Resort.
https://kingsshops.com

Queens’ Marketplace

35+ shops/restaurants and a major food court.
https://www.queensmarketplace.com

Hilton Waikoloa Village lagoon & pools

Lagoon rentals and large pool complex.
https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/koahwhh-hilton-waikoloa-village/

Waikoloa Plaza (Village)

Practical hub for food/services while staying inland.

https://waikoloaplaza.com

Waikoloa Village Association area

Community hub + local orientation.

https://www.waikoloa.org/home/

Waikoloa Beach Resort events

Free/low-cost entertainment varies by month.

https://www.waikoloabeachresort.com

Waikoloa Beach Marriott area

Central A‑Bay-side resort base for dining and beach access.
https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/koamc-waikoloa-beach-marriott-resort-and-spa/overview/

Top 10 restaurants (best-known in the area)

These are “area anchors” visitors commonly use for Waikoloa (Village + Beach Resort). Restaurant quality and hours can change seasonally, so confirm on the venue’s site before going.

Lava Lava Beach Club (A‑Bay): classic toes-in-the-sand sunset dining.
Roy’s Waikoloa Bar & Grill (at Kings’ Shops): flagship upscale option at the center.
Foster’s Kitchen (at Kings’ Shops): popular American/comfort menu.
A‑Bay’s Island Grill (at Kings’ Shops): convenient beach-resort casual dining.
Island Gourmet Markets (quick meals + groceries; good for picnic supplies).
Pueo’s Osteria (Waikoloa area): well-known local favorite; check current hours.
Dining at Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa (on-property options).
Hilton Waikoloa Village dining (on-property convenience during resort days).
Queens’ Marketplace food court (fast, flexible, kid-friendly).
Waikoloa Beach Resort dining directory (to browse 30+ options by vibe).

Top 10 shopping (where to spend time)

Kings’ Shops (brands + galleries + dining).
Queens’ Marketplace (shops + entertainment + biggest local food court on the Kohala Coast).
Waikoloa Plaza (Village essentials, services, quick food).
Kings’ Shops store directory (plan specific stops by store list).
Waikoloa Beach Resort dining/shopping directory (useful for planning by location).
Waikoloa Beach Resort events calendar (night markets/activities vary).
Local Tuesday Market at Kings’ Shops (verify current schedule).
Resort boutiques at Hilton Waikoloa Village (easy add-on during resort days).
Food/grocery stops for beach picnics (Island Gourmet Markets listings via resort directory).
Local services/shops at Waikoloa Village Association area (community resources).

Split-stay suggestions (2 ways)

Option A (easy): 2 nights Waikoloa (Village or Beach Resort) + 1 night Kona side, to add manta rays/Kealakekua-style activities without long drives. Use Go Hawaiʻi to plan Kona-region add-ons.
Option B (scenery + culture): 2 nights Waikoloa + 1 night North Kohala/Kawaihae area to slow down and pair Puʻukoholā with more Kohala exploration (less backtracking). Puʻukoholā planning details and directions are on NPS.

Travel tips (Waikoloa-specific)

Ocean safety matters: Hāpuna’s park guidance highlights dangerous rip currents and high-surf shorebreak periods—follow lifeguards and posted warnings.
Book state park camping/permits and check updates through DLNR’s official park page (they note reservation systems and updates directly).
For current resort events, dining options, and seasonal closures, rely on Waikoloa Beach Resort, Kings’ Shops, Queens’ Marketplace, and your hotel pages rather than third-party lists.