My family has been going to the Mauna Lani since the dawn of time. We were super excited to go back after the big renovation and we hoped that the hotel had become a little more luxurious. The prices were nearly twice as high as pre-renovation.
Unfortunately, post renovation, little has changes. It is still a nice, relaxing hotel, but not one that's worth such a huge price increase. The rooms were tiny, with only minor changes to increase the style. The pool and beach area were also different, but only moderately, to again make them more stylish. The food was no better than pre-renovation, arguably even worse (our soft boil eggs were all hard boiled). I'm willing to have some empathy because we are in the midst of Covid, but if I'm paying what I paid, I expect better. The price didn't match the experience.
The big renovation seems like an excuse to bump up prices when the product is the same, albeit more instagramable than before. However, I wasn't there to post on instagram, I was there to have a luxurious beach vacation.
Despite my grievances, it was a relaxing vacation. The staff was lovely and they are not to blame in any way for my disappointment. I just don't feel like I got what I paid for. With a smaller price tag I'd have been pleased, but with this big price I'd rather go to a different hotel. So I'm sorry to say that my love affair with the Mauna Lani has ended. I won't be going back.
Some specific things (besides the prices) I disliked: small rooms, no desk in room, eggs cooked incorrectly, food only good (when for what I paid I'd want outstanding), they messed up our taxi to the airport bringing us close to missing our flight home, no option to reuse towels or do other environmentally friendly things, no bar snacks with our million dollar drinks, no snacks in the room, unless you got the expensive fruit plate the fruit was mediocre, etc. These are all prissy little things but when you pay such a price you expect some of this.
So, Mauna Lani, I recommend either lowering your prices or upping your standards. I'd pick a four seasons over you any day. But again, the staff was lovely. I'm sorry I won't be seeing them again.