Top Things To Do at Hilton Waikoloa

Top Things to Do When Staying at the Hilton Waikoloa — Don’t Miss Gecko Girlz Shave Ice & Ice Cream in Queen’s Marketplace

When you’re staying at the Hilton Waikoloa Village on the Big Island of Hawaii, you’re already surrounded by sunshine, beaches, and unforgettable island adventures. From snorkeling with sea turtles in the lagoon to relaxing by the pool or catching a Hawaiian sunset at A-Bay, there’s no shortage of amazing things to do. But one stop you absolutely can’t miss — and that thousands of visitors call one of the top things to do in Waikoloa and Hawaii — is grabbing a refreshing Hawaiian shave ice or creamy ice cream at Gecko Girlz Shave Ice & Ice Cream, conveniently located right in Queen’s Marketplace, just minutes from the Hilton Waikoloa Village.

Whether you’re visiting for the day or spending your whole vacation on the Kohala Coast, here’s your complete guide to the best things to do near Hilton Waikoloa Village — and why Gecko Girlz should be at the top of your list.

Explore Paradise at the Hilton Waikoloa Village

The Hilton Waikoloa Village isn’t just a resort — it’s a tropical playground set on 62 oceanfront acres. You can snorkel in the saltwater lagoon, feed tropical fish, take a boat ride through the property’s water canals, or simply float under the palm trees at the Kona Pool’s waterslide.

Here are a few of the top highlights:

  • The Lagoon: Swim or paddleboard in calm, ocean-fed waters filled with fish and sea turtles.

  • The Pools: Relax in multiple pools featuring waterfalls, slides, and kid-friendly shallows.

  • Cultural Experiences: Learn lei-making, enjoy Hawaiian music, or join the nightly torch-lighting ceremony.

  • The Legends of Hawai‘i Luau: Experience one of the top luaus in Hawaii with authentic food, hula, and fire performances.

After a fun-filled day at the resort, most guests love to venture out for dinner or dessert at Queen’s Marketplace, just a 2-minute drive or 10-minute walk away.

Visit Queen’s Marketplace — Waikoloa’s Shopping & Dining Hub

Right across from the Hilton Waikoloa Village is Queen’s Marketplace, the heart of Waikoloa Beach Resort. This open-air shopping center offers local boutiques, family-friendly restaurants, live music, and a relaxing Hawaiian vibe.

But one spot stands out above the rest — Gecko Girlz Shave Ice & Ice Cream, a family-owned local favorite that’s been serving up the best Hawaiian shave ice and gourmet ice cream in Waikoloa for years.

Why Gecko Girlz Shave Ice & Ice Cream is a Must-Do in Hawaii

If you’re searching Google Maps for “shave ice near Hilton Waikoloa Village”, “best ice cream in Waikoloa”, or “top things to do in Hawaii with kids,” Gecko Girlz should appear at the top — and for good reason.

Located at Queen’s Marketplace, 69-201 Waikōloa Beach Drive, Suite F1/F2, Waikoloa, HI 96738, Gecko Girlz is known for serving authentic Hawaiian shave ice, made the traditional way — fine, fluffy, and drenched in tropical syrups made right here in Hawaii.

What Makes Gecko Girlz Special

  • Local Ingredients, Real Flavors: No corn syrup or artificial syrups here — just pure cane sugar and island-made flavors like lilikoi (passionfruit), coconut, mango, and guava.

  • Homemade Ice Cream: Try their famous Kona Mud Pie, Haupia (Coconut) Dream, or classic vanilla bean under your shave ice for the perfect combo.

  • Eco-Friendly Commitment: All cups, spoons, and straws are compostable — so your treat helps keep Hawaii beautiful.

  • Family-Run Aloha: Gecko Girlz is a local, family-owned business, known for its friendly service, big smiles, and generous portions that make every visit feel like ohana.

Visitors consistently rank Gecko Girlz as one of the top dessert spots in Hawaii and a must-try treat near Hilton Waikoloa Village on Google Maps and TripAdvisor.

Top Things to Do Near Hilton Waikoloa Village

To make the most of your stay, here are some of the best things to do in Waikoloa Beach Resort — and how to pair them with a visit to Gecko Girlz Shave Ice & Ice Cream:

1. Snorkel or Paddle in the Hilton Lagoon

Start your morning with turtles and tropical fish in the resort’s peaceful lagoon, then cool off afterward with a Mango Sunset Shave Ice from Gecko Girlz.

2. Relax at A-Bay Beach (Anaehoʻomalu Bay)

Just down the road from the Hilton, A-Bay offers calm waters, kayak rentals, and sunset views. It’s the perfect pre- or post-treat stop before heading for a Lilikoi Dream shave ice.

3. Attend the Legends of Hawai‘i Luau

After enjoying authentic Hawaiian food and hula performances, finish your night with a sweet Haupia Ice Cream or Rainbow Shave Ice at Gecko Girlz before walking back to your hotel.

4. Shop and Stroll Through Queen’s Marketplace

Browse local art, pick up souvenirs, and enjoy dinner — then walk to Gecko Girlz Shave Ice for dessert. Their shop is centrally located in the marketplace courtyard near Island Gourmet Markets.

5. Visit Waikoloa King’s Shops

Only a few minutes away, this nearby center offers more shopping and dining. Stop by Gecko Girlz first to cool off with a refreshing shave ice before exploring.

6. Explore the Kohala Coast

Take a scenic drive north to Puako Petroglyph Park or Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area. When you return, reward yourself with a Kona Coffee Ice Cream at Gecko Girlz.

7. Family Fun at Hilton Pools

Spend the afternoon sliding and splashing at the resort pools, then treat the whole family to keiki-sized shave ices — a favorite for kids of all ages — from Gecko Girlz in the evening.

The Perfect Waikoloa Day

Here’s how to plan one perfect vacation day from the Hilton Waikoloa Village:

  • Morning: Snorkel the lagoon and enjoy coffee with ocean views.

  • Midday: Walk or shuttle to Queen’s Marketplace for lunch and shopping.

  • Afternoon: Cool off with Hawaiian shave ice at Gecko Girlz, choosing from tropical flavors like pineapple, guava, and coconut over creamy island ice cream.

  • Evening: Watch the sunset at A-Bay or attend the luau — and maybe come back for one last scoop before calling it a night.

Experience the Sweet Side of Hawaii

Your stay at Hilton Waikoloa Village puts you steps away from some of the top things to do on the Big Island — beaches, luaus, culture, and world-class shave ice. But no visit is complete without stopping by Gecko Girlz Shave Ice & Ice Cream in Queen’s Marketplace.

Whether you’re searching “best shave ice in Hawaii,” “ice cream near me,” “dessert in Waikoloa,” or “family-friendly things to do on the Big Island,” Gecko Girlz should be your first stop.

Come taste the flavors of Hawaii — and see why Gecko Girlz Shave Ice & Ice Cream is truly one of the top things to do in Waikoloa and Hawaii.