Mauna Kea Beach Hotel

It's taken a while for me to write a review on this hotel but better late than never. I went to the Mauna Kea in June for 6 days and went along to the Andez in Maui for 6 more. The Mauna Kea is labeled as a 4 star hotel and the Andez a 5 but by far Mauna Kea was superior in every way but one. When we arrived we were promptly greeted and taken to our gorgeous room. We asked for a full ocean view and that's what we got. The room over looked the manta ray feeding area and beach with easy access to the restaurant and main facilities. We had a buffet breakfast every morning at the restaurant and it was the best buffet breakfast I've ever had on vacation. Usually the food is all pre-made and bland but their buffet was always being replenished and freshly prepared. The hotel sits above the horseshoe shaped beach which I thought would be a long walk to get to but ended up being very easily accessible. The sand is super soft, white and the water clear as crystal. We snorkeled right off the beach near the manta area and was surprised at the abundance of fish so close to the hotel. Every night they turned the lights on the ocean which attracted manta rays that could be seen from our patio. The hotel has a couple stores with souvenirs, a very helpful concierge area and a coffee shop that sells mochas etc. There were only two things that I thought could improve this Resort which were 1) a full service spa. We love to get spa services when we go on vacation and enjoy the steam and sauna areas but this hotel didn't have those services. And lastly a full service cabana service would have been nice. They had a "cabana" which was really just two patio chairs with a half cover over it. The sun still poured in and they were positioned off the beach behind this hill of brush. We paid for it before we knew what it was but I didn't think it was worth it. A true cabana with services on the beach would have made the beach area even better for us. Overall all the Resort was wonderful. I would definitely go back for the location, the great staff and room even without the spa and cabana. Beautiful and worth every penny.

Did a staycation with my family and it was so delightful. The resort is luxurious yet not pretentious. It was so nice being able to relax and enjoy the beautiful beach. The restaurants were updated and offered a wonderful array of options for children. This property is a most!

We stayed at the Mauna Kea four years ago, before it became a member of the Marriott family. I'm afraid the association has not helped. I gave the hotel a 5 last time and it is in view of expectations from this visit that I dropped the rating a notch. The good. The staff remains extremely friendly and helpful. No problems with service. The hotel's location is certainly one of (if not the) main attraction: on a long, beautiful sandy beach with great swimming and snorkeling without needing boat. This is a large hotel and they have continued to provide numerous sitting areas in public places, many benefiting from gorgeous views and cool cross breezes. The gift shops are well-equipped. Guided night snorkeling up close and personal with Manta Rays is an experience not to be missed for those so inclined -- although -- like the Friday night Luau and other special activities, it'll take a bite out of your wallet. The not-so-good. Management does not seem to be investing to maintain the outstanding condition of the hotel that enabled a 5 rating last time. Towels (while extremely plentiful) and balcony chair covers are beginning to fray. Furniture legs are badly scarred. An unpleasant odor emanated from the bathroom at times. Public bathrooms weren't maintained as scrupulously as before. Early in the morning when outdoor benches are covered with dew, they are not wiped down to enable use -- had to wait for the sun to dry them off. I don't recall whether this policy has changed, but on the beach you now have to rent snorkel gear, water boards, etc. At the rates the hotel charges for rooms, this nickel and dining is inappropriate. Ditto charging $15/night for self-parking. The hotel's principal restaurant, Manta, offers fabulous views but it is VERY expensive in relation to the forgettable quality of the food, and the staff is seriously undermanned. Although the breakfast buffet is very nicely done. Don't have dinner here if you're in a hurry or if you have fidgety youngsters. The Copper Bar is very attractive, serving lunch and tapa-like small plates for dinner. The Hau Tree restaurant food is edible, it is the most casual, located directly on the beach.

Nice Hotel You are FAR AWAY from everything - you need a rental car if you stay here. Good Beach Good Tennis Gold looks good food is resort food --- we all know what that means.... this is the MAIN reason to get a car - get food OFF CAMPUS

Just returned from a week at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel and can't say enough about how much we loved everything about it, especially the beautiful beach. This hotel had such a relaxing island vibe. We loved the Copper bar for a casual dinner and Manta restaurant for romantic evening and a great Sunday brunch. The beach was far-and-away one of the nicest I have ever experienced. Crystal clear waters, just beautiful! Service, accommodation, food-everything was lovely. I stayed at the Four Seasons on my last trip to the Big Island and while the rooms there are nicer, I still preferred the Mauna Kea based on overall experience. The only suggestions that I have to improve the hotel would be a separate "family" i.e. kid pool, and drink service on the beach. Other than that it was perfection! Highly recommend!