littlehouse

As I've earlier posted, I'm starting to research a BI trip for my parents and my husband and I. This will be the only trip my parents will take to the island so I want a nice hotel but not out of this world in price, since it'll be my parents 60th anniv.
I'm looking at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. Is it really far out? We don't want to be stuck only eating at the hotel.
My husband and I are goers and doers but my mom has lupus and tires easily so I'd like a nice place for them.
Thanks!!

k2rider

I'm personally no expert but I read these boards alot. While i don't think you could go wrong with the Mauna Kea, it seems that the Hapuna Prince next door has an even better reputation. At least that's the take I get from reading other posts.

littlehouse

Thanks, I'll look into that one.

littlehouse

Okay, I've looked at Hapuna and Mauna Kea. They both outstanding. Any comments on either one?

tracys2cents

Since cost is a consideration, have you called them both for their best offers/package deals?

What time of year are you going? I know Hapuna Prince has special prices via 1 800 50 Hotels, but these discount outfits often have more strict cancellation penalties than when you deal directly with the hotel. Sometimes hotel will match their offer however.

littlehouse

Sorry, thought I posted when we were going. We're looking at early June. I'm looking at a package deal from american air. Since we live in an area where there's not much of a air choice.

connecticut_lady

In terms of hotels north of the airport in Kona you have -- from South to North -- the Four Seasons, Marriott, Hilton, Mauna Lani Bay, Fairmont, Hapuna Prince and Mauna Kea Beach. The Kona Village, adjacent to Four Seasons, might be a good choice for your mom depending on how much she will be able to go out.

You can't go wrong with any of these....but they do differ in more than just how much they charge for a room. Each has its own personality and its own loyal guests who return year after year. The MKB and HP are paired...very close to each other and therefore very easy to eat at either one. The MLB and Fairmont are also close together and between them have some excellent restaurant choices.

Your question regarding the MKB was specific...is it too far out? No, you can drive to some very good restaurants from there. I think it's a very good choice for your parents.

For you though....depends where you want to drive during day trips. The volcano is quite a distance and Kona itself is probably 30 minutes minimum.

No matter where you stay on the island you will be far from any number of wondrous sights. Pick the hotel that's best for your parents and you'll be happy you did. We took my mom to Kauai and Maui when she was in her 80s....stayed at Hyatt on both islands and even though we did do some sightseeing -- she also tired easily -- the hotels themselves were highlights for her.

I haven't been to the MKB for years, but we did go to the Hapuna Prince last year for breakfast. Very quiet, restful, pleasant.

fdecarlo

littlehouse: I'm a regular at both the Mauna Kea and Hapuna Beach Prince. Each hotel has its advantages:

The Mauna Kea has a quieter atmosphere, a better beach (but not by much), better spa facilities, a much better breakfast buffet (especially Sunday brunch -- don't miss it, even if you decide to stay elsewhere).

The HBP has newer rooms, a much better pool area, better (in my opinion) dinner options (including the Coast Grille -- another place not to miss, even if you're staying elsewhere). And best of all, the HBP sometimes has a $199/night special that is nothing short of a steal.

Service is excellent at both hotels (they're under the same ownership).

littlehouse

HELP!!!! I have 3 days to decide because American is holding a reservation at what I consider a good deal. $5000 for 6nts on BI and 5 nts on Kauai. That includes air, hotel (ocv rooms) and insc.

Which of these would you chose for BI: Mauna Kea, Hapuna Beach, or Mauna Lani Bay Hotel? They're holding the Hapuna.

What about Kauai? We've got the Radisson booked but would be open to other suggestions.

Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

fdecarlo

Personally I'd choose either the HBP or Mauna Kea, but the Mauna Lani is also fantastic. Which is "best" depends on what's important to you. Room decor? Pool? Beach? Restaurant options? Etc etc. Everyone is going to have their own favorite based on their own preferences.

One thing about the Mauna Lani: If you're going anytime between September and February you should call and ask if any major golf tournaments are going on during the time you'll be there. The property can get crowded during these tournaments.

kauai_aka

5k sounds like a pretty good deal to me. the radisson beach resort is nice, did you check out their website? other than what’s offered at the radisson, the resort is isolated from shopping and restaurants. the beach behind the resort isn’t swimmable (poor choice of words). the nearest is lydgate or kalapaki, both crowded. or you can go to running waters which hardly has anyone including lifeguards. rw may not be doable for your parents though - scratch that. for shops and restaurants, you’ll be within driving distance, 10min north to kapaa and 10min south lihue depending on traffic.

speaking of which, my one advice if you do decide to stay at the beach resort, please please please be careful pulling out unto kuhio hwy if you are going southbound. kauai co. puts up zip lanes to allow southbound traffic to use 2 lanes from 6am to 10am m-f. i’ve seen too many visitors pulling out because they’re confused by the cones, they slow down, thinking it’s a merging lane, it is not. it’s the fast lane. if you're going to the airport, you'll need to stay in that fast lane. if you accidently turn right towards hanamaulu don't make that dangerous u-turn, keep driving and turn left at hilo hattie in lihue, then you'll be homeward bound. i’m sorry; as i’m sure you’re a careful driver. please consider this a friendly tip...

hope you have a great trip.

connecticut_lady

If you can afford it stay at the Hyatt on Kauai. My husband and I think this is the best hotel we have ever stayed at.

connecticut_lady

Hit "post" too soon. You can get "stay certificates" at the Hyatt....rates as low as $249, a real bargain for this hotel.

I took my mom here when she was in her 80s and she loved it.

curiousgeo

My general impression is that older folks favor the Mauna Kea Beach hotel. I think there is more of a classic resort feel to the property over the newer Hapuna Beach hotel. Don't worry as I think your parents will be pleased with either place, as will you and your husband.

kerikeri

stairs to beach...if movement is a consideration, of the three b.i. choices, the mauna lani is the only one with easy access to the beach and pool areas without a ton of up and down. also, imho the canoe house restaurant is the best. lastly, if you go there, you have all the dining choices of the fairmont just a short easy stroll away.