Mauna Kea Beach Hotel
, Kohala CoastRooms: 258
Reviews - Mauna Kea Beach Hotel
Read 310 additional reviews of Mauna Kea Beach Hotel at TripAdvisor.
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Historical Traveller Reviews of Mauna Kea Beach Hotel
Heaven on earth
from goodeats4uMy first experience in Hawaii- I thought I had landed in heaven.
I've stayed at some very nice upscale hotels in the past, but one thing stands out about the Mauna Kea and that is it's very nice and very clean, but not sterile. I felt as if I was in "old Hawaii" as the hotel obviously didn't have the Disneyland apmosphere of something exciting for everyone. What it did have was quiet, peaceful, beautiful grounds. The rooms had interesting carved Tiki lamps and the art work throughout the hotel we found, was part of Rockafeller's collection. Take the time to review the history of this hotel.
The staff was friendly and unobtrusive. I didn't see any of the dirty rooms that others have mentioned and our family had 5 different rooms.
The view to the ocean was great and there are not enough adjectives to describe the beach.
Would I come back? In a heartbeat, I can't wait.
Other friends who have stayed there had the same opinion as we did.
After 4 nights at the Mauna Kea, we went to Oahu. I thought that was great too, but certainly not like the Mauna Kea. I call Oahu, Vegas on the beach. Though I did enjoy seeing the sights in Oahu, i.e., Arizona and Missouri, etc...The Mauna Kea did it for me. I guess it's all in what you like, but I would without a doubt, highly reccomend the Mauna Kea to any visitor of the Big Island.
very disapointed and shocked at quality of hotel room
from mauna_kea_ladywe really loved the Mauna Kea
from dwdebWe did 3 islands this past August, and enjoyed our stay at the Mauna Kea the most. It is beautiful, and serene. The rooms are large and comfortable, the decor is understated.
The views and beach are magnificent! Cannot speak to any of the other resorts in the area, however, the Mauna Kea appealed to us for its low key, tropical atmosphere. The staff was always friendly and helpful, and we enjoyed the restaurants.
Okay
from usa352Positives:
--best beach on the islands, wasn’t crowed at all (be warned though: In Dec and Jan we heard high water makes beach smaller and there are a lot more people at that time. We came during the slowest time of the year)
--Great snorkeling on either reef
--Free valet parking is nice.
--Pool is bigger than I thought and deep. Not at all crowded. Get a chair anytime.
--As honeymooners, we weren’t looking to run into a lot of screaming kids. This was not a problem. While kids were around, there is enough room and privacy for everyone.
Negatives:
--Asked for an upgrade at check-in b/c it was our honeymoon (We got upgraded every other place and Champaign in the room). The lady at the front desk literally looked at me like I was an idiot. She said, “we DO NOT upgrade on Hot Deals.” I booked this through THEIR website, not a discount wholesaler! It left a bad taste in my mouth b/c the hotel was ½ empty. Plus, we met some travel agents that were upgraded and they paid less than we did.
--Restaurant selection is poor and expensive. I realize this is the Big Island and you will pay more, but the quality isn’t there. You are better off taking a dinner trip to the Hilton or Orchid.
--Tub is small.
--FYI, this resort is far from everywhere. If you are looking for a nice beach, complete seclusion, limited variety, early last calls (bar) - this is the place. If you are looking for a variety of dining options, later bar hours, close grocery store, good souvenir shopping – may not be the place.
Summary:
While the beach is absolutely second to none, my wife and I were looking for some more excitement and variety. We are both 27 and seemed to be the youngest couple there. We may come back again in 10 years or so with kid (s).
A place to return to time and time again
from Jim90068The Mauna Kea is the place we want to return to evey year in the future. Yes, its is not deluxely furnished like a Four Seasons or Ritz Carlton. The infrastructure was refurbished in the mid 90's, and so you have nice tile floors and marble bathrooms. The furniture is simple and comfortable. The TV's are last generation (not a big deal). However the hotel is staffed with people with heart and caring, and is set on the most beautiful beach and location in the Islands, This wonderful place is staffed by long-time employees (many 20 yrs plus), who are typically native Hawaiian, and who are fantastic people. When my wife and I were leaving after our most recent week there, our breakfast waitress gave us a hug when we told her we were leaving. Try that at a Four Seasons or Ritz Carlton.
The Mauna Kea is one Hawaii hotel that focuses on its beach, not the pools. ( I know its sounds crazy, but most Hawaii hotels focus on their pools because they have terrible or no beaches). The beach at the Mauna Kea is the best we've ever experienced in the Islands. Wonderful soft white sand beach, moderate surf, and great snorkeling. Additionally, the beach staff provide FREE beach lounges and as many beach umbrellas as you want. We called the beach guys "Shade Engineers". They provide as many umbrellas as you need for free ( other than a tip). Try that at a Ritz, Four Seasons or Hyatt where an umbrella can cost $20-25 a day, and a shaded spot can cost up to $75 a day.
Valet parking at the hotel is FREE ( $15 a day at Ritz Carlton and similar at other places).
THIS IS THE PLACE YOU WANT TO GO TO UNWIND AND TOTALLY RELAX. Sure, there are things they can do, such as provide in room internet access...or a bigger health club.
But we missed the warmth, the comfort, the beach and the the lower food prices at the Mauna Kea, when we went to the Ritz Carlton Maui ( Kapalua) the week after.
GO TO THE MAUNA KEA NOW BEFORE THEIR OWNERS SELL OUT TO A GREEDY AMERICAN HOTEL COMPANY THAT WILL NICKEL AND DIME YOU TO DEATH. YOU WILL THINK YOU'RE IN HEAVEN!!
A peace of Heaven
from mjoeBeach lovers dream!
from KJBud1The resort itself is quiet and understated. It feels open and uncrowded. The food was OK and as at other high end resorts outrageously priced. The one night we planned on eating dinner at the resort the main restaurant Pavillions was closed. I did hear a few guests grumbling about the lack of dining choices. We went to the Thurs. Luau and sat by some friendly people and had a great time. I thought the Luau food was good but beer from the bar cost $7.00 a piece, yikes! We did a bunch of room service and had great meals on our large and private lanai. Some great sunrise breakfasts and a couple of romantic sunset dinners. We did a few sunsets in the Copper bar and had the place all to ourselves everytime. I think price may keep away some customers.
The room was an ocean view deluxe, with a great view and large privare lanai. The room is not Four Seasons opulant. Really basic furniture and flooring. Our carpet could have use a good cleaning but I tracked in more sand anyway. The bed was comfortable, the air conditioner worked and plenty of drawers and space for your stuff. There is an empty mini fridge in the room that we kept supplied with our own drinks and snacks. Once again the best thing about the room was the great view and large and private lanai.
My wife and I have stayed at high end resorts on all of the islands.This is the first one I would probably do again. The quiet uncrowded feel and the great beach really grew on me.
For I place I think is so great I was surprised at the amount of complaining I heard from other guests at the resort. Most started with cost..."For these prices you would expect":.........
"Better or more comfotable beach chairs".
"Bigger or better TV's".
"A nicer beach restaurant and beach bar".
"Better and or more dining options".
"Updated batrooms room furnishings".
Now, I haven't looked at my bill yet. When I was charging things off to my room I pretended it was all Monopoly money. So after I check out the final damage I may add my complaint to the above list. Something like... for these prices Carmen Electra should be spritzing down hot guests with cold Evain spring water.
But I also met folks that just love this place and have been coming, sometimes twice per year, for 10, 20 and even 30 years. If my sticker shock isn't to bad I'll be back too.
We were disappointed!
from A TripAdvisor MemberThe restaurants were fair. The food wasn't great. We left the property many times for better dinners. We did not think the Luau was great. The food was disgusting. We did love the crab feed. Seating was under the palm trees. We gave that a thumbs up by far. The seafood was wonderful. Fresh sushi and the salads were delicious. Children loved the dessert bar.
The hotel staff was sparce and make sure to bring back the towels you check out. Watch them cross off you name. They will charge you $35.00 per towel. The gym was weak.
We ended up staying and became surprised at the low key atmosphere. The pool was and oval shape and the children were bored. We loved the lawn area for gathering the family for appetizers and drinks. We even brough pizza in and ate out under the palm trees one night which was wonderful. The beach is by far the best on the island. The children loved it. Golf was incredible.
The Manta Rays at night and all the geckos entertained the children. If I didn't know where the children were you could fine them in the bushes looking for geckos.
Overall it turned out nice. Too pricey for the money spent. The accomodations made us feel like we stayed at a cheap hotel in Santa Cruz. This resort needs to improve their food, build a better pool and refurbish the rooms.
We will not stay there again!
I thought I was in heaven!!!
from A TripAdvisor MemberYou got to do their Clambake on Saturday with all you can eat seafood buffet w/lobsters! Within the resort, you are somewhat limited for dining options, but other than that, it is a wonderful resort.
We really liked the atmosphere at this resort. Felt like we had the whole beach to ourselves and few other families, also life guard was on duty everyday. Great snorkling at both ends of the beach! We are already planning for our trip for next summer and thinking about inviting our parents to join us. If you are looking for relaxing, quite vacation, I would recommend this resort anytime.
Great honeymoon
from xconeTop Local Tips for Kohala Coast
Must See Sights Go horse back riding in Waimea!!! Go diving with Jacks Diving Locker in Kona....Night dive with the manta rays was absolutely out of this world! Volcanoes National State Park is a must see. Kids, teens and adults enjoy walking on an active volcano!!! Kilauea!!!
meals and real estate Great market at Queen's Marketplace just south of Mauna Kea, good takeout. Disappointing dinner at Tommy Bahama's, massively overcooked fish at $38 for miniscule portion, and were served margarine when we asked for butter, are they kidding? Great dinner at Merriman's, but resent being repeatedly called "you guys" by a waitress when paying $200 for dinner for two, service otherwise was impeccable. Sushi place in Queen's Marketplace has early bird with 25% off, good food, but basically a salt bomb! Tourism is hurting, friends who live there have told us places are closing down left and right. Heard RE agents at bar trying to put best spin on it, but when they tell you developers are selling closeout units at 40% off, that's not good. Good time to buy, seems like.
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Other names for Mauna Kea Beach Hotel
- mauna kea beach kamuela
- mauna kea beach hotel
- mauna kea beach
- hotel mauna kea beach
- Address: 62 Mauna Kea Beach Drive - Kohala Coast - Hawaii - 96743 - United States
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