Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Autograph Collection

My wife and I just returned from Hawaii and the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel was a great delight and added to our excellent vacation. The food is awesome!, the service is great, and the beach was excellent. Nothing bad to say about this hotel. We stayed here for 5 nights before flying to Kauai here we stayed at the Marriott Beach Resort. I wish we had stayed in Kauai (Marriott Beach Resort) first before going to the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel as we would have been pleasantly surprised and not have had as high expectations. Although the Marriott Beach Resort was fine (except for the coffee– don’t by the mug!) the Mauna Kea was OUTSTANDING!!! The restaurant at Mauna Kea is great also. Excellent vacation.

We have been visiting The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel since 1976. While the new ownership lacks in classiness they have not taken away from the hotel’s overall charm and position along the north coast. Highly recommend it for its beach, service and accommodations. Rockefeller’s understated elegance still shines.

What a wonderful experience! I disagree with the previous review about the hotel being outdated. I think it’s color scheme happens to have a bright orange so one thinks of the 70s but the hotel is fantastic! We had an ocean view room and ate breakfast every morning on the porch looking out to sea. Upon check in they greet you with leis papaya and banana bread. The wonderful maids turn down your room every night and do a great job cleaning every morning. Super high end bath products by the way! Robes and slippers in the closets which is always so important. All three eateries in the resort were exceptional especially Manta. We vowed on the very first night to come back every year. Oh and we bought about $ 500 in Mauna Kea beachwear. The one thing I would skip would be the Tuesday night luau dinner. Super overpriced and crowded. We will try the clam bake next year.

We originally made reservations at the Fairmont Orchid but they oversold, so we were asked to stay at the Mauna Kea. After reviewing photos online, I was originally disappointed because the hotel looked outdated. From the moment we checked in, the service was stellar. Valet, check-​in and the restaurant staff were excellent. The beach is probably the best we’ve ever stayed at (ok, the overwater bungalow in Bora Bora may have been nicer) but for kids, this beach was great. We thought the food in the hotel was better than most of the restaurants nearby. Although they’ve modernized the rooms, the hotel is quite outdated.
Pros:
Beach is amazing
Service was good
Food was good
Cons:
Hotel is outdated and a bit of a maze
Beds are not comfortable. Both beds had a pretty big dip in the center
Pool and jacuzzi are outdated
No storage whatsoever in the rooms

The location of this hotel is gorgeous. The beach is beautiful, and the service is great too. We were welcomed warmly, and when we had an issue with the electricity in our room, it was promptly tended to. The only drawbacks were that the hotel needs a slight facelift in the common areas and our room AC was a little funky! But overall the view and the location more than made up for it.

We didn’t stay here. We didn’t even attempt to book a room. But I can definitely attest to the service of this hotel — let me tell you a story…
My wife and I had hiked a few miles along the coastline, and eventually ended up near this hotel as the sun was going down. Clueless tourists that we were, we thought (…okay, I thought) that we could just walk the roads back to our car.
Nope! For the uninitiated, this part of Hawaii has no streetlights, so it is pitch black!
Stranded, we walked up to the valet at this hotel and asked him how we could get back to our car. At first he offered to call a taxi, which we were appreciative of, but then he told us if we could wait for 10 minutes then the hotel shuttle could take us back to our car for free. Great!
But then, 5 minutes later, he told us not to worry about it — and then he brought one of the hotel’s SUVs over and drove us personally to our car!
Now, at least in my opinion, for a hotel employee on the clock to drive home some random lost tourists, whom were not customers of the hotel in any capacity at all… that is some real, genuine hospitality!
To whoever drove us home that night, and the manager who let him (I am so sorry for forgetting your names)… thank you so much for bailing us out. I’ll be sure to remember this next time we’re looking to relax in Hawaii!

Mid-​century fabulous. If the trees could talk, the history it could speak of as it shares stories of a beautiful secluded beach with an older age demographics and relics of charm it would tell. Fabulous ambience and nothing short of total serenity. The extra touches such as beachside umbrellas are part of the package. Travelers relax with a good book, and relish in the crashing of the waves as the clear blue waters embellish the sand. Rockefeller picked the epitome of luxury for this resort. Old world feel that never disappoints. We chose this spot for our honeymoon. The hotel breathes romance

Stayed here for 10 year anniversary! Beautiful view. Be sure to spend at least half a day on this beach. It is by far one of the best beaches on the island! Fresh papaya and banana bread everyday, compliments of the hotel.

Nicely done. Smooth, perfection without the faux hospitality. We enjoyed the Sunday Brunch, and the luau, along with the burgers on the beach. The Valet service is unrivaled.

My wife and I came here on vacation for five days. We had a rodent problem and when I told the front desk staff they moved us to another room. My co-​worker also had the same problem and they compensated her with a new bag and when I explained the situation to the front desk during checkout that the rodent had gone through our luggage she simply said that the manager was looking into it and that was all. No compensation just that the manager is looking into it. I never received a letter or call from the so called manager that was looking into the matter. This is our 3^rd time and was very very disappointed with the lack of compassion and especially the very poor follow up. I also wish they had a more consistent way of compensating there customers.

Bar none, the best swimming beach in Hawaii, including the usual favorites Lanikai, Kailua, Makapuu, Kaanapali, etc. Better yet IF you stay at either MK Beach or Hapuna and you have access. Without it, better arrive to the front gate by 8 for the few public parking spots. The hotel itself is understated elegance, if you’re imagining Halekulani or Four Seasons lobbies with all the trimmings, MKB is not for you. In fact several posts here suggest it’s overdue for renovation however Hawaii is so heavily regulated that any structural revision would likely be rejected by the authorities. The weekly clam bake is excellent but you will shell out $ 100++ each, but if you can chow down 10 fresh local lobsters this is the place for you, Ahi sashimi, etc. Rooms are fine, make sure they DO NOT put you in the ones facing Mauka directly above the front entrance — certainly grounds for divorce! Pay extra to face the ocean and ask to view the room first. May/​June & September are value seasons and less of a crowd, and no big waves to worry about.

I’m not sure if I no how to review paradise!!!
Everything about this resort is five star. The staff and service is excellent. The scenery is picture perfect. The weather is awesome.

Midcentury mod + aloha vibes = perfection. You can just picture Don and Megan Draper seated next to you at the Manta, or cozying up under umbrellas at the beach watching the sun set.
We loved everything about this place. It’s all the little details that make it special and sophisticated. Everything is just right, from the hooded beach towels, the lanai chairs, great selections at the stores, to watermelon slices served on the beach. And the people. We had great interactions with the staff everywhere. Really, everyone went above and beyond to welcome us and make us comfortable.
I loved the beach area and seeing the mantas at night. But it was awesome to jump into the deep end of the pool and float around without thinking (or in my case, …worrying) about the sea life beneath me. Rarely do you see such a deep pool at a resort! That was my favorite amenity.
We enjoyed the clambake and luau too. Yes, everything is a bit pricey. But for the quality and service, the rest and relaxation… it was all worth it.

The Mauna Kea is a beautiful beach resort, north of Kona. You will need a car or taxi, if you want to go to stores, other than those on property. There is a wonderful variety of restaurants and services. We liked the restaurant at the edge of the beach. The tennis courts even have a view of the ocean! It would be hard to beat the Mauna Kea’s beach, there are chairs, towels and umbrellas all waiting for you.

We had to make a last minute 3 night reservation here due to issues at a vacation rental house. I can not say enough good things about this hotel. We booked the same day and was lucky to get a room, albeit not the best room in the hotel, but still a gorgeous and very comfortable room. We were facing the parking driveway and golf course, on the 6^th floor. The valets are awesome and friendly people, the front desk check –in was refreshing, juice and cold cloth towels. We arrived late and were starving, Francis our very competent and intuitive check in person immediately offered us a room service menu. She stated restaurants were closed, and soon in room dining would be as well. We ordered the delicious sandwich wraps, and fruit sorbet plate. They were delivered within a few minutes after getting settled in our room. The next night we had dinner at the hotel restaurant, I recommend ordering the pizza, it was yummy and large enough to share. We ordered two, one was salmon and the other was a tropical version and I asked for pineapple, no problem! The staff will go out of their way to make your stay as comfortable as possible. I am hoping to come back again, and just «resort it» not leave, take advantage of the beautiful beach, the pool, etc. The property has a peaceful quiet, not rushed vibe to it. We stayed at the Marriott Waikoloa resort earlier in the week, and that was a busy place, kids, hustle and bustle. I prefer the Mauna Kea Beach hotel hands down.
The only downsides: no late night dining, charge for refills of soft drinks (shirley temples) and the iced tea, if you have teens it can get expensive. Strongly suggest making advanced meal reservations, we were turned away at 730pm by both the outside beach restaurant and hotel restaurant, however invited to come back at 830 when they had open tables. The pool is plain, on the smaller simple side. not gonna raise any eyebrows with the kids.

5 stars for a grand-​yet-​understated (think classic Hawaii) hotel on the best beach ever. The incredible beach (you’ll never get over the magical bay, the softest sand, the warm waters, the pristine waters and sweet sea life that make appearances) — plus wonderful service and the «little» touches that make things extra special — made our family vacation an amazing vacation of a lifetime.
Some additional highlights – (but still, there are so many more!): Breakfast Buffet at Manta Ray (the food offerings & the staff), the luau (incredible singer & dance troupe) (make sure to make reservations!) (and get there early 5:45 pm to see the roast pig coming out of the ground), the welcome at check in, the various cultural craft activities for kids/​families (George!), location (close to beautiful to Waimea), beach access, the complimentary photo with professional photographer Carol (what a terrific lady!) (and what a perfect souvenir!!)…
Two minor qualifications… 1) There were the occasional bug and gecko, but what to expect? That is life in Hawaii, and being on the ground floor (which meant superb view & access to grass/​beach) with the indoor/​outdoor lifestyle, we didn’t complain and just went with it. 2) This is not Disneyland! If you like the classic and the sophisticated, you would love it here!
We could see why SO MANY people keep returning here as part of their family tradition. We hope to be as lucky!

Comfortable and relaxing. Right next to the best beach in the world Hapuna Beach. The hotel’s beach here is nice, but if you want to take in some bodysurfing you need to head over to Hapuna. If you are into golf, you really can’t ask for anything better.

The hotel is beautiful. Our room was modern /​clean yet still had a Hawaiian feel.
The property is top notch and every single staff member that we have come in contact with is warm and polite. This is truly a Marriott Autograph 5 star property.
This is beach front understated elegance at it’s best.
The Hotel team made sure that our 25^th Wedding Anniversary was Amazing
Scott Garfinkel

Not only is this the nicest hotel on the island but it has the most exceptional staff too! The resort its self was above and beyond my expectations and overall an amazing experience. Our room had an ocean front view and was very clean! The concierge had booked us for the Sunday brunch at the Manta and I was blown away by how great the food and view was. I would love to stay here again and highly recommend it.

We last stayed here just before the last earthquake, no kids just me and wife. Return trip with 2 toddlers. The beauty, location and beach are stellar.
Front checkin outstanding except not upgraded even though occupancy is low
Service after the high of checkin is just average. We were denied table at Manta Ray last eve in an empty restaurant ! Uncaring hostess.
And why is the FOOD so mediocre? They can do better. I miss bay area food whenever I travel I have to learn and deal with it. I am just hoping tonight’s clambake hits the spot like last year.
This is our tenth trip to north kohala. Wanted the mauna kea to lure me back! Dont know if its going to happen.
Off to Waimanaloa beach in August. Doubt if I will return to Mauna kea for a while!
Please improve service and food. Nature has done its job !

We love this hotel so much we intend to make it our annual retreat.
Highlights:
— Beautiful, modern décor in rooms
— Extremely kind staff (everyone we encountered)
— Delicious breakfast buffet
— Great beach for swimming and snorkeling
— Awesome open-​air throughout the grounds
— Ample beach chairs and umbrellas
Lowlights:
— High priced restaurants
— Additional fees: parking, wifi, beach rentals
Regarding restaurants, we mostly avoided them because we were aware of the price tag, and instead went off premises. We did, however, eat the breakfast buffet only because it was included in our deal. We also ate at the beach front restaurant for lunch a few times, as it was convenient to not have to leave the beach, despite the price.
The additional fees were a nonissue. We didn’t use wifi, as we vacationed unplugged. Valet parking was included in our deal negotiated by our travel agent. Lastly, we had no interest in using the beach rentals.
Bottom line: This is an above average resort that I have every intention of returning to. It’s all about priorities, and this one provided most of ours. I highly recommend!

I probably wouldn’t stay here again. It’s not my crowd. But staying here for 6 days is nice.
First impressions
While its nice it also looks a little bit dated. That’s just a matter of architectural preference. I can’t quite put my finger on it but I think this place is just a bit stodgy. At least a little to stodgy for me. That brings me back to my first point, I wouldn’t seek this place out and stay here again.
I will say that the staff is extremely kind. They are very observant and well-​trained. I’m sure they have to deal with fairly high expectations, people who stay here are paying quite a bit of money.
The room we were in had a mini fridge, coffee maker and large flat screen TV. Also a nice bathroom. I did feel like it was lacking a large enough table in doors that one could do any work of any type, laying out a map for instance. There was however a table on the balcony overlooking the ocean which made a great place to lay out my map once the daylight came back.
Having a week off I brought some creative materials with me and was hoping I would have a table to lay them out and work on them. The pure lack of tablespace is really bothering me!
One thing that I felt was not to snuff. Our room was above the beach not far from the beach resturant. Until well after 10 you could hear the staff from the resturant. The had some vehicles and they were moving tons of stuff around. That was way uncool.
Another note, I like to go exploring and this place is fairly distant. It’s a long drive to anyplace.
I have stayed at way better places for way less. It’s not to bad if you like hanging out with older crowds.

This is officially the top hotel I’ve ever stayed at in my life. When arriving to the hotel you are ushered to a desk to check in. They provide you Lei’s, cold towels and even cold juice to sip while they process your check in.
We started out in a room in the main tower facing the golf course. The room was very nice with a large balcony off of the main bedroom and another balcony right outside of the oversized bathroom.
After a couple of days we were able to move into one of the beachfront wings rooms facing the ocean and feeling like steps away from the beach. Here the room wasn’t quite as nice in terms of space and amenities, but the fabulous view was impossible to beat.
The hotel was very accommodating when we chose to bring our own food and eat on the balcony, bringing us silverware, plates, wine opener, etc. It seems like they’ll do most anything that the guests desire.
The beach that this hotel is located on is one of my favorite beaches on the big island. The hotel keeps lounge chairs and umbrellas on it just for hotel guests, and provides towels and soft chair covers free of charge. Additionally, you are able to rent snorkel/​mask and boogie boards right on the beach for a nominal hourly charge.
Long story short — VERY expensive hotel, but a bargain if you use Marriott points to pay.

This hotel is sensational! Their private beach is beautiful!!! They also have a fabulous bar on the beach with great cocktails to cool you off in the Hawaiian sun.

This is a beautiful resort on Big Island. It has lovely Japanese themed art and design.
I came here for the Christmas brunch buffet. It was $ 70/​person including ice tea, coffee and hot tea. Valet parking also included.
The buffet had everything I could have dreamed of! My first plate was seafood and a couple of their prepared salads (oysters on the half shell, snow crab, shrimp cocktail, lobster). My second plate was meat (venison tenderloin, ham, prime rib), potatoes from the potato bar and roasted veggies.
Next plate was dessert, fresh fruit, and coffee.
The food was fresh and plentiful. The service was on point. The views of the ocean while eating were divine.
My boyfriend had basically same things as me, but he also had an omelet and Belgium waffle.
We were pretty stuffed at the end of our meal, so we took a walk around the resort and did some gentle yoga on the huge trees by the ocean.
We then took the trek to Mauna Kea summit.
Merry Christmas to me!!!

It’s true that you get what you pay for. And if you can afford to stay here, you will have the stay of your life. The resort is understated opulence. Every experience, from when you pull up in your car, check-​in at the front desk, and arrive in your room, makes you feel like the entire staff has been waiting all day for you to be there.
The rooms are simply stunning. The shower and bath, the beachfront views, the amenities… it’s heaven.
The beach is lovely. We had fun boogie boarding in the surf one day, and we tried to snorkel the next day, but didn’t have much success. We also didn’t have much success with the mantas. Next time for sure.
We attended the luau and loved it. It was Hawaiian hospitality at its best.
This is the hotel that makes you want to leave your life back home and live forever in Hawai’i. Maybe someday…