Mauna Kea Beach Hotel

It’s hard to imagine a more beautiful setting. The hotel itself is an architectural wonder, a mid century modern masterpiece. The views from various points in and around the hotel are amazing, and cool breezes of the trade winds sweep through the majestic halls and public areas. The koi ponds are always a hit with the kids, and beautiful gardens abound in and around the hotel. The beach is rightfully considered to be among the best in the world. Clear water, sandy bottom, and yet amazing snorkeling reefs on either side of the bay. The huge manta rays at night along with the bioluminescent plankton add to the wonder of it all. Food is good and service is friendly. We enjoyed Manta, Copper Bar, and Hau Tree throughout our stay. We especially like the evening Hawaiian live music and hula dancer in Copper Bar. This was our third stay and we intend to return. We did stay during construction being performed on the Beach Wing, Pool area, and new spa (where the Buddha garden used to be on the north end of the tower). The latter two aspects of construction did create audible noise down at the beach during the day, but it wasn’t so loud as to prevent us from enjoying the beach. We knew construction was going on before we booked, so no surprise there. But if you demand absolute serenity, best to monitor when the work concludes. Over three visits, one area for improvement is the courtesy of parking security. They’re always nice face to face, but anytime (seems I do about once per trip) I have an issue via remote communication (e.g. the speaker at an automated parking gate), there’s a brusque/short tonality as if I’m being a terrible inconvenience to them. I doubt it’s reserved for just me and it seems some basic training is in order here. Due to a combination of law season and the construction, it was a light contingent of guests on hand, and manager Blanca was kind enough to offer us a complimentary upgrade from our golf courses facing room to an ocean view room. It was amazing and was greatly appreciated. We’d only stayed in the beach tower on prior visits, so this was a special treat. The views were amazing, the balcony was huge, and the room and beds were clean and comfortable. We were worried that the renovation would result in the typo corporate/soulless decor which seems to happen to everything that marketing consultants touch, but we’re pleased that the renovated rooms retain the essence of mauna kea. We attended the luau which I’ll review separately. All in all, it was another great stay in one of the most beautiful places on earth.

The date on this review is inaccurate but TA doesn’t seem to allow adjusting dates past a certain time (and I didn’t realize I had “drafts” sitting in my account). Here is what is accurate: we have stayed at the Mauna Kea in 4/2017, 1/2018, 7/2019, and 7/2022. If we’re going to the Big Island - and it’s always to visit Keck Observatory (if you’re a “space head” you have to go too!) - we’re staying at the Mauna Kea. IMO, it is one of the most relaxing and beautiful places on earth.

I’ve stayed at the Mauna Kea 3 times now and it ranks as the top hotel I’ve been to in Hawaii (well above multiple Ritz Carlton properties) & is such a special place with character & charm. Marked by the orange (which everyone religiously sports on merch), it’s so special and charming. The beach is spectacular (there are always sea turtles swimming in the bay) & sunset views are unmatched. It took me a few visits — but I now very much understand the lure and can’t wait to come back! If you’re worried about going while it’s under construction don’t be — we were hardly if at all bothered. It’s well contained and not noisy / the waves cover any noise. They’re generously upgrading all elites to a full breakfast buffet during the renovation. And there’s fewer people around so prime beach chairs are plentiful :)

We've had the good fortune to call the Mauna Kea our home away from home a number of times over the years. Each time we visit there is one aspect of the experience that is special. That is Yogi. Yogi is one of the most authentic and caring and empathetic humans that I have met. Yogi is the heart of the Mauna Kea. Thank you, Yogi, for making our visits so special.

My two daughters and I spent five nights at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. I booked a 1 king golf vista room but applied nightly upgrade awards and was upgraded to a 1 king oceanfront deluxe with a walk in closet. The room was so awesome and the view was amazing. We loved using our screen door and listening to the ocean. The hotel and the grounds were incredible. Just beautiful and peaceful. I felt like I was living in a postcard. The beach was also amazing. There were plenty of chairs and umbrellas. Things like boogie boards, paddle boards, and snorkel gear were included. The water was crystal clear and there is even a small coral reef with some good snorkeling. At night, we could see Manta Rays from a viewing platform. The hotel also offered some cultural activities everyday. We only participated in one, but it was a good experience where we learned how to make a palm leaf lei. The service was the best I have ever had experienced at a hotel. We stayed during the renovation, and, as a platinum member, our breakfasts were upgraded to the full buffet because of the renovation. The renovation did not bother us at all. And our room was almost right next to it. We ate at Copper Bar twice and had room service twice. The food was good, although we wished the resort had more options. I’m assuming this is because of the renovations and some of the restaurants being closed. The prices were typical high resort prices. We did not have dinner at Manta. We also went to the luau. It was our first one, so we have nothing to compare it to, but we very much enjoyed being able to try different types of food, and the performances were great. Overall, this resort is a dream. We definitely want to come back!