The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort

Formerly the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel, the Westin Hapuna Beach Resort is a family-friendly property along the Big Island’s Kohala Coast. Renovations have brought a fresh, contemporary style to common areas and rooms – think somewhat generic dark-wood furniture and pops of ocean-inspired blue and white decor. However, ongoing construction of residences between the beach and resort have resulted in complaints of noise, obstructed views, and unsightly machinery. Aside from this the property is beautiful, from the huge open-air lobby with ocean views and swings to the sloping grounds with two pools and lily ponds. An adults-only pool provides a less lively option to the family-friendly pool with an adjacent bar and eatery.

Guests can also spread out along the wide sandy beach, or at one of the other restaurants – all facing the ocean. The property draws a good mix of couples and families, in addition to corporate and wedding groups due to the large amount of event space surrounding a courtyard on-site. The affordable rates make this property a good value for the area, though it’s worth securing a room away from the construction.

The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort has a fantastic location on Hapuna Beach, which is on the Island of Hawaii’s Kohala Coast. There’s little in the immediate area, save the adjacent 18-hole Hapuna Golf Course, Hapuna Beach State Park, and a couple other hotels. Travelers wanting to eat off-site will have few nearby restaurant choices. The popular area of Kailua-Kona, where supermarkets, chain stores, and several restaurants are located, is a 45-minute drive south. Kona International Airport is 30 minutes south by car. Mauna Kea, a dormant volcano that’s a popular tourist spot for its stunning summit and hikes, is about a 90-minute drive from the hotel. Parking on-site requires a daily fee.

There are 232 rooms and 17 suites here, which were renovated in 2018 with a fresh, modern style that’s a bit generic but attractive. Westin Hapuna Beach Resort rooms have dark-wood furniture, blue accent walls and carpeting, and white bedding. Circle hanging mirrors, large paintings, and chic chairs add stylish accents. A huge perk is that all rooms have furnished outdoor spaces, though it’s worth ensuring a full ocean view, as some with partial ocean views overlook construction or have obstructed views due to the residences.

Excellent marble bathrooms have bathtubs and separate rainfall showers, plus bathrobes, slippers, hairdryers, magnifying mirrors, and free toiletries. Standard amenities consist of flat-screen TVs with HBO, air-conditioning, desks, sitting areas – both inside and on the balconies – electronic safes, ironing equipment, and free Wi-Fi. Mini-fridges, coffee- and tea-making facilities, and free bottled water are also provided. Suites add separate living spaces and wet bars.

There are multiple tasty dining options available at Westin Hapuna Beach Resort. For breakfast, a la carte and buffet fare are available at the pool- and ocean-view Ikena Landing. It’s set below the lobby in a big, open-air space. Open all day is Piko, a market-like spot with a bar for Kona coffee, tea, and cocktails, and grab-and-go cold and hot items. Sushi and other fare are available here at night. Next to the pool is the casual Naupaka Beach Grill, a covered outdoor spot with a bar and menu of salads and sandwiches. Live music is sometimes available here. The most upscale restaurant is the dinner-only Meridia, which serves Mediterranean-inspired cuisine alongside views of the option. Room service is available 24/7.

The highlight of Westin Hapuna Beach Resort is its namesake, Hapuna Beach. The beautiful stretch of sand is long and wide, and the resort is on the northern edge, allowing for a secluded feel. Free loungers and umbrellas are set up for guests, and a stand offers water sports such as kayaking for a fee. Behind the beach is the well-sized Family Pool, which has a hot tub, cabanas for rent, and several loungers. Poolside drink and food service is provided, plus the Naupaka Beach Grill is adjacent. Up a level is the small adult pool, which has its own hot tub and loungers. Both pools have lovely ocean views and are surrounded by greenery.

Further relaxation can be found at the Hapuna Spa by Mandara, which offers a full-service menu of treatments such as massages and body scrubs. The adjacent fitness center is a spacious, bright space with cardio and strength-training equipment, including two Peloton bikes. Fitness classes are available for a fee. The lovely 18-hole Hapuna Golf Course is adjacent to the resort and it has a driving range and putting green.

The Westin Hapuna is a great spot for meeting and events, as there’s a total of 16,339 square feet of event space, including a ballroom and grassy courtyard. Wedding planning services are available.