Mauna Kea Beach Hotel

Been coming to MK since the 1980s (before the renovation). Have many fond memories with friends and family, know every inch of the property. However, I must say that it has failed to keep up with the competition a bit and at this point, my business has been acquired by some other, more complete hotels. Dont get me wrong, MK still does a lot right. Service, mainly, is fantastic. Food is definitely top tier at every turn. The beach is super private and absolutely gorgeous. And the grounds are truly stunning. The floral scents alone are remarkable. MK set the standard for many world class hotels back in the 80s and still achieves high marks in these important areas. But there could be (and should be) some improvements. The pool option is pretty poor. Not that you come to Hawaii to swim in a man-made pool, but it would seem a given these days to have that option if a guest so chose. There are better pools at mid tier establishments. Also, the "excitement" level is almost at a mute level. Maybe that is the targeted sensation for some guests (which is fine) but dont book this hotel expecting to find anything related to a pulse on the grounds or nearby. Its a very, very sleepy environment. Upside is that you'll never have to worry about being disturbed late at night. Just dont go there looking for excitement. Lastly, the price is exponentially high for a hotel that does MOST things really well but which needs some upgrading. For the same budget you can easily find a quiet, beautiful hotel with multiple pool options, restaurants and bars for all tastes and excitement levels, and 5 star service. If MK were the only choice of such quality, it would be a home-run (as it once was). But since there are other, more dynamic options at the same price point, my family and I have (sadly) said good bye to our venerable vacation spot.

My wife and kids, two girls ages 6 and 9 stayed here from Apr 20-27. It was our first visit to the big island but I have stayed numerous time in Maui and Oahu. Having stayed in Four Seasons an RItz Carlton properties in the past, I would put this hotel in the same class. We absolutely loved our time at this hotel and got a room on the 4th floor of the ocean front wing overlooking the pool and the ocean. It was an ideal location convenient to the ocean, pool, restaurants and shops. We live on the east coast of the US and it is much easier to visit the Caribbean but we always choose Hawaii for its people and culture. I was very impressed with the staff at this hotel as well. The pool is not great, kind of small for a hotel this size but I think its mainly because the beach is so incredible. The water is calm and clear with very convenient snorkeling off the right side of the beach where there is a good amount of coral and sea life along with sea turtles. The ground of the hotel were impeccable with lush landscaping and unique Asian artifacts throughout the building. We did not do the luau there so I can't comment on that but the breakfast buffet and dinner at Manta's was very good with great views. Each night we would take the steps down to see the big manta rays swimming. The Copper bar is great as a lounge but the food was just fair so I don't recommend it for dinner. We had lunch several times at the beach restaurant which was more convenient than anything else but the food and drinks are still good. There are so many details that I appreciated including my morning walk to Manta's for coffee where I was greeted by a couple of parrots each morning in a nearby tree. Overall, our family loved our experience there and we can't wait to go back.

Stayed for three nights before hitting the four seasons. This is nowhere near the level of luxury and service, but all around a fantastic resort. Great room (beachfront wing highly recommended!) on second floor with walk out access to pool and beach. The beach is simply perfect, with plenty of chairs and umbrellas. The pool is just okay -- nothing special and the lack of an attendant was weird. The grounds of the hotel are wonderful and the koi ponds inside the main wing are a great touch. This place has a vintage feel that's been modernized to today's standards. Great Asian themed art throughout is also cool. Beachfront room was great -- awesome walk in shower / tub combo area and nice modern feel (other than lack of plugs by the bed -- it's 2017! C'mon!). If you're looking for the best luxury hotel beach location on the big island this is it. Food --Buffet at Manta is excellent. Hau Tree for lunch is unremarkable -- probably the biggest flaw of the place. Copper bar dinner and happy hour were both great.

Wanted to get a quick coffee before hitting the beach so stopped at Mauna Kea Resort. Had 2 16 oz Vanilla Iced Lattes & 2 cookies. Coffee was great until the barista told me the charge was $36.00!! It's 100% Kona Coffee she said with a smile.

Clean and beatiful hotel and beach. Very friendly staff. Good gym. I would have loved the experience if I'd not had the constant feeling that I was being taken for a ride. Everything is extra, the resort knows it has a captive audience and makes its guests pay. Food in all restaurants was poor and very overpriced. Non-US travellers beware, the prices quoted are excluding tax, something the resort could account for up front to avoid a final insult for their guests at checkout.