For the price, I would recommend renting a condo. Unfortunately, this is the only hotel resort in this area. We booked the room based on an internet special offered in December. We added a 3rd night, and were offered a price lower than the internet special. The room booked was for an ocean view. When we arrived to the room, it was a partial ocean view, and we overlooked a park that was under construction. The hotel check in associate was extremely accomodating, and offered us a second option, which was also a partial ocean view. We also wanted a couch in the room consistent with what my husband and I had when we stayed at the hotel in May 2025. We were sent to two more rooms, none of which had a couch although it appeared that way in the computer system (no fault of front desk). Only one of the rooms had a true ocean view. So be aware, that what they consider to be an ocean view, in most cases is a partial ocean view at other hotels. Parts of the hotel is under construction, and a lot of the grounds are blocked off. There is no discount being offered, and no warning was given that this was the case. Both the quiet and family pools were very cloudy. Either the filters were not working properly, or need to be upgraded. We had access to the free breakfast and cocktails and appetizers. This would be a good option if you have a family to feed and are trying to economize for breakfast. But the breakfast is consistent with what you get at a homewood suites or double tree. The appetizers were also nothing special. Before the air conditioner turns on, there is a high pitched (almost sounds like an alarm) sound that occurs for 10 minutes prior to the air conditioner turning on.
We chose this location because it is close to great snorkeling that you can do from the shore. And you can walk to get to the boat for whale watching, snorkel tours, kayaking and the night time manta ray snorkeling. We knew that restaurants outside of the hotel are limited on that part of the island. If you are looking for a better resort experience at a comparable price I would recommend Waikoloa Village. However, it is far from where you catch boats to go snorkeling, or whale watching, so that is a tradeoff.
We did rent a condo close to the Outrigger, and most have a pool and some have an ocean view, with the added benefit of having rooms, kitchens and living areas. They are often the same price or less than you pay at the Outrigger. You could also take advantage of ResortPass to get the best of both worlds and hang out at various resorts for the day.