Mauna Kea Beach Hotel

First time at Mauna Kea Resort, second time to the Big Island. Previously we stayed at Mauna Lani Resort, so it was inevitable we would compare the two. First impressions of Mauna Kea Resort and the room was it still looked 60 years old despite the reported $200+ million in recent renovations. I guess the furniture and trimmings in the room were new with a lick of paint, but much of the wallpaper and floor tiles still looked in need of updating. That aside, we loved our room and the view overlooking the beach and ocean it afforded us. Brilliant views of the sunsets every evening. We were very comfortable in the room and really felt like home away from home. The resort has a very quiet, relaxed feel to it, and is not pretentious or overwhelming. The beach and water access is way better than Mauna Lani. Minor gripe would be how close they have the beach loungers crammed together… you really get to know your neighbors! One thing not available that they provided at Mauna Lani was pitchers of water on the beach tables, and no one walking up and down taking drink orders. I believe they cannot do this as it is a public beach and no alcohol is allowed on the sand, although they seemed to turn a blind eye to this if you got your own drinks from the Tiki Bar. We did go to dinner at both The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort (took the free shuttle) and Fairmont Orchid, and found both these hotels over the top and too large. It felt like we were on a modern day humongous cruise ship. Made us even more happy with our choice to stay at MKBR. Staff were all very friendly, helpful and professional. Buffet breakfast was standard fayre, with custom made omelets and other egg dishes plus waffles or pancakes made to order available. It was easy to go back for second or even third helpings! One highlight and a must see, is out at Manta Point every evening after dark when they turn the spot light on the water is to see manta rays close up attracted by the light which evidently attracts the plankton they feed on. A once in a lifetime experience. Also say hello the resident macaw/parrot Mango when going to breakfast. He doesn’t appear to talk, but seems a friendly sort. All in all I think we ended up preferring Mauna Kea to our previous stay at Mauna Lani, both had pros and cons, but in our opinion Mauna Kea just edges it for the beach and dining experiences.

This was our second family trip to Mauna Kea and first since the completion of their renovation! The employee culture at this hotel is truly one of a kind. We are so thankful to Heleani and Emmy at the Front Desk, Charlie with valet, Justyce at Copper Bar, Kevin at Hau Tree, and all of the Manta breakfast ladies including Alma and Xena for making our stay so perfect! We also had the opportunity to work with Cynthia and Mahea from Pacific Dream Photography and they not have done more to be flexible and make the experience special for our family! We can't wait to return.

We could not have enjoyed our stay more! The Deluxe King Oceanfront is the way to go! We loved leaving the slider open at night and hearing the waves crash. Really a lovely stay with especially great housekeeping! Healani and Emmy at the front desk were exceptionally accommodating and kind. Mahalo, MK!

What an amazing trip we had here at the Mauna Kea! Our first time but had known about it for many years through family and it certainly lived up to all those raving reviews! Rockefeller certainly knew what he was doing back in 1965, choosing to develop this resort at this location - but it’s the ongoing amazing people running the MK that lifts it way above and beyond your average resort. In a class by itself! Thank you for our amazing stay, the beach swimming is beyond amazing, the tennis/pickle facility and pros were wonderful! The food, service and last but not least, the on site photography studio! We sort of did this at the last minute and wow! Don’t hesitate - Cynthia did an amazing job - photos/video completely exceeded any expectations I had - thank you for these precious memories at a one of a kind resort!

The Mauna Kea is a beautiful resort that has the true Hawaiian feel on a beautiful beach. We typically stay at the Westin and take the trail over to Mauna Kea for dinner at Hau Tree or Manta and then take the shuttle back to the Westin. Love that you have great options at both resorts. The Mauna Kea has Pacific Dream Photography that we have used twice now to take fantastic couples photos at sunset, Cynthia is the best photographer!