Mauna Kea Beach Hotel

We had to go to bar to get a waitress to take our drink order at the beach bar. After going through that we got two daiquiris that were are sure consisted of Kool Aid and some cheap alcohol. All this for 16.33 per drink.

I have traveled quite a bit, been to many resorts and for my wife and I this may have been the best we have experienced! Hands down one of the most beautiful, phenomenal beach, beautiful surroundings, quiet, spacious, all levels of dining available. Did I mention the beach? Our room was incredible! Ocean front, great up to dare decor, really cool shower/tub combo with ocean view! Outstanding service and the pleasant fragrance of plumeria at almost every turn! I can't wait to go back!

The Mauna Kea is so full service, there is really no need to leave the resort. Yes, there are incredible volcanoes to visit and even some rain forests, but if you really need to relax, just grab a chaise on the sand and enjoy the best beach at any resort we've visited. The accommodations (we had an ocean view suite) were amazing; spotlessly clean with a huge terrace overlooking the water. Even our bathroom had a terrace. The extra money for these ocean front rooms are absolutely worth the price. We had several room service dinners on the terrace and with the ocean breezes and sunsets, it would be hard to picture a better place to have dinner. But there is actually a better place at the resort -- the Manta restaurant has a gigantic terrace that not only serves world-class food but has the best view of a sunset we've ever seen at a resort. It is also the ultimate place to have breakfast in the shade. Even on a very hot day it is cool and shaded on the terrace. Don't miss the actual manta rays that come out at night. There is a viewing spot where you can watch divers with underwater lights swimming with 12-foot-wide mantas; it was like water ballet. The service at the hotel is why we will be returning again and again. Each and every person who worked in the restaurant, the bar, or cleaned the rooms were friendly, helpful and kind. I thought I lost my eyeglasses one afternoon and a woman who worked near the pool chased me down and found me; she could not have been more helpful. The concierges were also great.

This is Paradise. The natural beauty and manmade beauty compliment each other. The hotel has a simple archetecture that blends so well with the environment. Rooms are spacious and use the colors of the beach. The rooms with the ocean view are worth the splurge. You can hear the waves at night and the songbirds in the morning. There is magnificent Native Hawaiian Art throughout the hotel and a tour of the art on Saturday. It is the best beach I have been too. The water is a perfect temperature and the waves gentle. The people that work here are friendly and proud of their island. There are activities each day. The food is also quite good with a nice selection.

Our visit was worth every penny! Although expensive the beachfront rooms have the best view and our 3rd story lanai was very private. Loved the room decor-pictures don't show the relaxed and calm feeling you get walking in. Hotel staff were all friendly and attentive without being stuffy. Food at restaurants was very good. When we ordered the chocolate souffle for dessert they wrote Happy Anniversary which made the evening at the Manta Ray special, although not sure you can beat a table right above the beach. Beach was wonderful. Great yoga class and excellent snorkeling! Paradise on Earth!