Magical Mauna Kea Beach Hotel: an Autograph Collection Resort | Big Island, Hawai‘i
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, an Autograph Collection Hotel (Marriott)
Where: Kohala Coast, Big Island, Hawai'i
Highlights: art and mid-century architecture, a koi pond, a saltwater pool, and a white-sand beach on gorgeous Kauna'oa bay.
First impressions are so important, and I was happy and ready for vacation mode from the moment we stepped out of our rental car. We were greeted at the hotel with lei, fresh juice, and a cold oshibori (Japanese washcloth), which my daughter loved.
There was no line at the seated check-in desk, and our Marriott status gave us an upgrade to an oceanview room.
The Mauna Kea is situated on Kauna'oa Bay, a pristine white-sand beach.
The hotel has a midcentury modern feel reflective of its history (it opened in 1965).
We got an amazing kama'aina (Hawai'i resident) rate on a golf course view room and were lucky to be upgraded to an ocean view room due to Marriott status. Upgrades by no means ever a given even when you have status (despite what they say…), so it’s always nice when it actually happens.
We inquired about the cost of upgrading to a suite (because the baby sleeps so well in her own room!), but were told that they were sold out for the weekend.
The hotel's 252 rooms and suites are spread out over two wings and eight stories. We were on the third floor of a wing that had four floors. Because it was so spread out, It felt very private walking through the open-air halls and especially while sitting on your balcony.
Basic desk area & flatscreen tv (inside). My in-laws noted that for awhile, the Mauna Kea was known for its lack of televisions: a place to escape from the goings on in the rest of the world.
The bathroom was nicely sized, with dual sinks, a separate water closet (my favorite thing in a hotel bathroom), and a large shower with separate tub. The shower/tub was separated from the bedroom area by a clear glass enclosure with an automatic shade for privacy. I loved the fresh and clean-smelling Citrus Verbena L'Occitane amenities.
Cutest little retro coffee and tea. Coffee is individually brewed in those one-cup / one-filter bag setups.
View from the balcony, where I spent several hours during the baby's naps reading Meg Wolitzer's new book, The Female Persuasion.
The saltwater pool was always the perfect temperature and was never overcrowded.
My daughter loved “swimming" in the pool. (At 15 months, she clings rather than swims).
We checked in on the parrots before picking up breakfast (iced coffee and an egg sandwich) from the to-go selection at the Copper Bar.
The hotel has art around every corner... loved it.
We loved our meal at Manta, the resort's signature restaurant. I didn't take photos of everything, but this open-faced crab wonton appetizer was to die for.
My husband and I both had the prix fixe menu and every course was delicious.
Another thing I really appreciated about the Mauna Kea was their use of paper straws. Sure, they suck (literally and figuratively), but they are so much better for the environment than plastic straws that I am willing to accept the tradeoff.
Overall, it was a wonderful stay, and I am already planning my next trip back. Let me know if you want to check it out, it's a Virtuoso property so you'll get added amenities if you book through TRAVELHAPPY
Virtuoso Amenities for 2018:
Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Buffet breakfast daily for up to two in-room guests
$100 USD Resort or Hotel credit ($200 for suites) to be utilized during stay (terms apply)
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability