Special shout out to all the wonderful people here who go about and beyond every day to make vacations extra special. Thank you Marguerite for superbly managing the front desk team - it was always nice to see your smile behind the mask! Thanks to Melanie and Misty at the concierge desk for ably connecting our group to fun activities and necessary transportation - even at the last minute! Appropriate COVID precautions observed everywhere at the property. Don’t want to leave!
Overall, we had a nice stay at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, especially considering we're still in the middle of the Covid pandemic. We got upgraded to the Deluxe Oceanview room, which was nice - but below what I expected. It's suppose to be the largest 1 bed rooms on the property, but it didn't feel large (although the walk-in closet took a lot of the space)... perhaps it's the old layout of the building, but it just felt like space was not utilized very well. It also seemed a bit dated (furniture, balcony, lack of charging plugs near the bed, etc). The views from the room were fantastic though. During the next remodel, it would be nice for them to replace he bulky railings with glass railings - would really enhance the view. Also, the elevators are in a big need for an upgrade. They just seemed very small, old, clunky, and slow (and there were a few times when they were not working). Breakfast at Matra was always great with a fantastic area overlooking the entire bay where you're able to see whales splashing and playing. All the staff were very friendly and accommodating - whether at the driveway, front desk, housekeeping, beach, or restaurant... everyone is working so hard in these tough Covid times. Overall, we're happy with our stay, given we used Marriott points. Looking at the pricing, I'd probably be a little disappointed if I was paying the cash rate considering how old and dated the property felt.…
Our family visited the Mauna Kea and the Hualalai during Dec. 2020. We have been many times to both resorts and were excited but apprehensive about what the post Covid experience would be. We are happy to report that it was really great. The Mauna Kea has done an excellent job at changing things around enough to keep guests and staff safe while keeping the experience top notch. All of the restaurants were already outdoors so that was simple, the bars no longer have stools, you have to sit at a table but the sunset is still spectacular. Chairs are spaced out nicely. Everyone wears their mask around the resort, elevator, lobby, etc. plus the double testing 72 hours then again on landing is a nice way to ensure the vast majority of guest are safe and apparently the policy is working for Hawaii as cases stay low. This trip we ended up adding a few days to the MK portion and reducing our days at the Hualalai as the MK was so nice though they still just don't have great food. We have learned to make the best of that as we like so many other things about the hotel and hold out hope they'll find a great cook for the Hau Tree someday. Also, I missed the popovers at 3. They are gone and they were so good! Bottom line, if you need a vacay, Hawaii and the Mauna Kea are really a great option. Crowds are down in a way you won't normally find, it's really a treat.…
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay. The staff was amazing. Allan from the front desk was extremely attentive and allowed us to check into our ocean front suite before the typical check in time. Amazing view and a well trained staff at Manta restaurant. I had a New York steak cooked medium rare plus on point and they serve an amazing chimichurri sauce with it. I'm a world traveler and I must say they got it going on. And the beach! The best beach on the island. Tons of Aloha. Well be back for sure next time were adding an extra week just for the Mauna Kea!
This was not my first visit to the Mauna Kea. The property and the setting is gorgeous. I love it there, but left never wanting to return. The customer service was terrible. Awful. We had issues arriving in Hawaii due to the very strict Covid testing policies (not the resort's fault clearly) and the manager was very accommodating with Amex Travel prior to our arrival. Once we arrived it was like those conversations never happened. They would not prorate the first night as discussed (our most expensive night by almost double) even though we arrived at almost midnight. The manager's response, with plenty of attitude, on my day of checkout regarding an adjustment (not a refund - just an adjustment so the rate was the same for all nights - still over $800/night) for the first night was "Why would I do anything for you?" Really? A resort that is between $800-1500/night has someone managing the front office with that attitude? I was floored. I followed up after I got home hoping that maybe she was just having a bad day. Same response. If you're looking for customer service, this is not the five star service you're paying for.…
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