While many of my friends and relatives are suffering under severe winter weather, I’m living here in sunshine and warm weather. I have had my share of cold, snowy and icy winters, so I’m not sorry to be living here now.
This past summer I attended a conference that was held at the Hilton Waikoloa here on the Big Island. I drove up from my home to attend. It was great fun to act like a tourist on my own island.
I spent several afternoons walking around the grounds and taking pictures. There were too many to put here individually, and the collages I’ve made don’t do it justice, so please look at this slide show before you read another word. http://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf
For a full-sized slideshow, click here
I first visited this hotel in 1995, fifteen years ago, and I’m still never tired of finding something new around a corner. I enjoy the dolphin area most of all. They are so playful. Check out the Dolphin Quest to find out more.
Most visitors are captured by the romance of riding to your room on a boat through the lagoons, even though they are man-made.
Along the edges of the boat ways you’ll find statues and birds of all sorts.
I have traveled extensively throughout Japan on many different occasions, so I loved finding the strong Japanese influence on the décor throughout the hotel and grounds.
Around the swimming pool you’ll find statues that represent the animals of the Chinese zodiac. I don’t think I got them all. Some were hidden from my line of sight.
Down the walkways of the hotel you’ll find works of art and more statues of Kwan Yin and other Bodhisattvas. I’ve done another post on Kwan Yin, but I didn’t show you all of the ones I photographed there.
A hui hou!
The photos are fantastic – you did a wonderful job capturing the highlights of the hotel. The Hilton Waikoloa is definitely a favorite of mine as well. It’s always a treat to spend a couple of days with the grandchildren – they can’t get enough of the dolphins and swimming at all the different pools. I love taking the boat ride from one end to the other. Thanks for reminding me of where I want to relax (when I find the time). Aloha
The fun part is that you don’t have to be on a vacation or attending a conference to up and take in the ambience! Take a day off once in a while and go up there. You know you’ll feel like you’ve been on a mini-vacation then!
Aloha,
Lucy
A few years ago, for my birthday, my son and a friend got together to give me a weekend at the Hilton Waikoloa and a day at the spa…..I was in heaven!
If we’re on that side of the island, I like to time it so that we get to the hotel no later than 3 pm or so…the Kirin Chinese Restaurant in the hotel compound serves dim sum until 4 pm. Afterwards we take boat rides and go spend sometime with the dolphins.
I never tire of the place and as you say, you see something new each visit.