Ocean Tower by Hilton Grand Vacations Club

We stayed at Ocean Tower in the Hilton Waikoloa Village resort complex in February 2019. The unit was an upper floor, 3 bedroom lock off unit with partial ocean and golf course views. The units are completely new, as HGVC has been gutting the old hotel building to its frame and then rebuilding with an entirely new floorplan for 1, 2, and 3 bedroom timeshare suites. The rooms are modern and comfortable. Space is well utilized with sliding doors in useful areas. The master and second bedrooms have sliding glass doors to the balcony, as does the central living area/kitchen, in a split ranch, single floor, style arrangement. The third bedroom is off of the living area entry way and is equipped with two queen beds. There are 3 full baths in total. The master bath is a bit over-the-top with soaking tub, extensive tile work, mirrors and accent lighting, and even a warmed toilet seat with bidet. Design aesthetic is modern and consistent with Hawai'ian and Asian theming. Use of dark wood (engineered) flooring, bamboo accent, solid surface countertops, and large 55-65" flat panels prevail throughout the unit.

The resort property is absolutely stunning as well as expansive. There are four hotel buildings in this complex alone. It was originally a Hyatt property developed over 6-7 years in the late 80s. The multi-million dollar art collection of paintings and sculptures highlights the Polynesian culture. Walking between buildings takes time, but there are both boat and tram shuttles running. There is a sand bottom tidal pool coming in from the Pacific Ocean. It has a full sand beach complex, snorkeling, scuba diving lessons, lifeguard, and many scheduled activities. Landscaping is lush with grass, stone, and lava rock. The pools appear a bit older, but there are many of them. The main pool complex is a bit warmer than the Ocean Tower pools for some reason. That said, this resort is never cramped. One can always find space for lounging or sun bathing, and there are quieter areas where kids generally are not present.

Anyone looking for an upscale, immersive resort experience will thoroughly enjoy this property. Those desiring to get off property or golf daily may prefer another Waikoloa resort where parking is located adjacent to the villa. The trek from room to vehicle here is around 15-20 minutes. We ventured out most days and found the mix of staying here amid the beauty of the resort, the sound of crashing waves, and still having easy access for exploring the Big Island to be our favorite visit to the Hawai'ian Islands thus far.

Love this resort- dolphin quest on site (additional charge) and swimming with sea turtles in the 4 acre ocean-fed lagoon. This is my happy Place!

We have traveled all over the world, and I am still going to stand by this being the rest resort I have been to so far.

The resort is right on the ocean, it is on the desert side of the Island so the weather is always nice. Plus the kids really liked the boat taxi going around the grounds.

Excellent trip and I would highly recommend it to anyone.

Dan

Awesome resort for families! Resort is very large! Takes a while to get to parking, need to use a tram or boat to get to the main lobby!!

Great place to wake up and go for a walk! Great place for families, kids will not be bored for a moment. Beautiful island, so much to do. Spacious 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, including 1 bedroom lock-out. We stayed in the 2-bedroom suite, while my brother and his wife stayed in the 1 bedroom. Highly recommended.

Wonderful resort located in beautiful Waikoloa Village on the Kohala Coast. Great times!!

Excellent resort, location, amenities, staff. What a great family trip we had! Can't wait to go back.

Ocean Tower isn’t just a place I recommend—it’s a place I genuinely love spending time in. Every time I walk the grounds, I’m reminded why this spot on the Kohala Coast feels so special. There’s an immediate sense of space, calm, and connection to the ocean that you don’t get everywhere in Hawaii.

What stands out to me most is how close you feel to the water. Many of the rooms and lanais are positioned so you’re constantly aware of the ocean—whether it’s morning coffee with the horizon stretched out in front of you or sunset light pouring into the room at the end of the day. It never feels boxed in or crowded. It feels open, intentional, and relaxed.

The layout of the resort is one of my favorite parts. You can spend the morning by the pool, wander over to the lagoon, take a long walk along the coastal paths, and still feel like everything is right where it should be. It’s the kind of place where you don’t feel rushed to “do” Hawaii—you get to live in it for a bit.

Inside the accommodations, Ocean Tower delivers what I value most when traveling: comfort, functionality, and space. The rooms are designed so you can actually settle in—whether that’s cooking a meal, spreading out with family, or just enjoying quiet downtime without feeling like you’re in a hotel box. It feels more like a well-designed island residence than a temporary stay.

Another thing I really appreciate is the energy of the resort. It’s lively without being chaotic, peaceful without feeling sleepy. Families, couples, and experienced travelers all seem to find their rhythm here. You can be social or completely unplugged—Ocean Tower supports both moods effortlessly.

If I had to sum it up, Ocean Tower is about quality of experience. It’s the kind of place where memories form naturally: sunsets you don’t rush through, mornings you don’t want to leave, and days that flow without friction. That’s why I’m confident recommending it—and why I keep coming back.

This is Hawaii the way it should feel: easy, beautiful, and unforgettable. 🌴