The check-in process was a little clunky due to a recent change in procedures, and we had a slight mechanical issue but both were solved with minor effort. The property location is perfect. You feel like you are in your own house but essentially connected to the Westin for the ease of morning coffee, sundry store and restaurants. With the purchase of the resort pass at the Westin ($75/day) you get access to all their pools and workout facilities plus discounts (>15%) on golf at both Hapuna (Westin side) and Mauna Kea. You also get use of beach chairs and umbrellas, paddle boards and no-charge valet parking at both Westin and Mauna Kea resorts. You also get the ability to charge to your room at both resorts. The Westin beach is smaller and more private, the Mauna Kea beach is larger but more people. Both offer stunning sand and water. The resorts offer a courtesy shuttle for dinner between the resorts but I highly recommend getting a rental car. There are over 100 shops and several restaurants and multiple grocery stores all within about 15 minute drive.
The room was very nice for the size but too small for more than a couple or a couple and a single child. The bathroom was very nice and the kitchen is well appointed with luxury appliances and lots of pots and pans, silverware...etc if you wanted to cook every meal. They have grocery delivery service and you can also get room service with the purchase of the resort pass. The washer and dryer are small but large enough to wash three days worth of clothes for two people. There was a large TV with multiple entertainment options (Netflix, Hulu, internet TV). The bed was very comfortable and the internet service was great. The lanai opened wide for a 180* view of the beach and the mountains.
For food and entertainment options we recommend Browns Beach House at the Fairmount (15 minute drive), Manta at Mauna Kea, Meridian at the Westin, Provisions at the Hilton Waikoloa (15 Minute drive), Lava Lava Beach Club and the Lu'au at Mauna Kea (on Tuesdays and Fridays suggest booking early and skipping the dinner option and the premium seating option). Ikena landing and Piko are great. Avoid both beach restaurants.
Blue Hawaii Helicopters (Big Island Spectacular) will get you once in a life time experience of the island if you don't want to spend a day driving and exploring the island. Golf-Mauna Kea. Volcano National Park. Akaka and Rainbow Falls. South Pointe at Sunset and the Black Sand Beach.