I love this property. The resort is not as high end as The Four Seasons but it has one of the most beautiful white sand beaches on the Big Island and there is a magical feel to the property that can not be described until you have experienced it. The Mauna Kea was built by the Rockefellers in the 60’s and has a mid-20th Century minimalist feel with Asian influences. The property has an amazing collection of priceless art from Asia, Oceania, and the Pacific Rim. It was renovated in 2024/25 and has one of our favorite “go-to” restaurants (Copper Bar) on the Island. There is also a very festive beach bar/restaurant (Hau Tree) which is right on the beach and has good food and excellent drinks. The lilikoi margaritas are my favorite. They also offer an excellent lunch at the restaurant on the golf course (Number 3). The rooms are nice, especially if you upgrade to the deluxe suites. While I have never played golf at the Mauna Kea, I have been told that the golf course is very good. There are nine tennis courts and a new fitness center an adult pool are currently under construction.
The Westin Hapuna Beach Hotel has a bigger beach than the Mauna Kea but this beach is connected to the Hapuna Beach public parking lot and restrooms so it tends to be more crowded, although most of the public stays close to the parking and restrooms. The hotel was renovated in 2018/19. The rooms and bathrooms at the Hapuna are larger than the standard rooms at the Mauna Kea and all of the bathrooms have double sinks, a soaking tub and glass enclosed shower as well as a separate water closet. Each room also has a balcony and most have a view of the beach and ocean. The pool at the Hapuna is also larger than the Mauna Kea and they have an adult pool, which is very nice. The Hapuna has its own golf course, which I am told is not as good of a course as the Mauna Kea. There is a large fitness center. I have dined at both the pool-side restaurant and Meridia, which has fine dining. Both are very good, although Meridia is one of my favorite restaurants on the Island.
This is a beautiful property designed with bungalow style hotel rooms that were upgraded in 2020. There are multiple pools and the food is really wonderful in picturesque settings. This property is lovely as most Four Seasons properties are; however, the beach is a man-made white sand beach so you can never be guaranteed how big the beach will be as the sand erodes every once in a while. The property has a beautiful spa with individual treatment rooms that are small huts with curtains for walls and the showers are outside and are made of lava rock. It also has some very nice restaurants, one of which is overlooking the pool and the beach. While you are staying here, make sure you check out the Residents’ Beach House.
This property reopened as an Auberge property in early 2020. We stayed at this property in March 2021 and it was really wonderful. The rooms were spacious and nicely appointed. Most rooms have views of the ocean and really comfortable outdoor furniture for lounging. The common spaces in the hotel are beautifully designed with multiple areas for relaxation and conversation with friends. We have dined at both HaLani and the Canoe House and both are wonderful. The property has a great indoor / outdoor gym, two pools as well as a kids’ sand pool. There are beautiful gardens; however, the beach is man-made with coarse sand.
The historic Kona Village property was recently rebuilt and converted to a Rosewood Hotel. The rooms were completely rebuilt with modern features and high-end finishes, yet maintain a rustic feel. There is a nice beach and it is located directly next to the Four Seasons Hotel.
This is a beautiful property and the rooms are nicely appointed. There are also several sitting areas scattered throughout the property that provide for great conversation and relaxation. Browns, which is the fine-dining restaurant at the Fairmont Orchid, has a very picturesque setting but the food is not as good as other options. They have a very nice spa, although the interior finishes are a bit dated.
This is a massive property, where you travel from building to building by a train. I have never stayed there but it is very popular due to its location in Waikoloa, price, and amenities. Some of the rooms have been upgraded.
The rooms in this property have been renovated and are very nice. The hotel is convenient to the Kings and Queens shops.
