Hi all,
Last fall, we headed to the Big Island (first time to Hawaii in over 10 years and 2nd trip ever). We were there for 8 nights: 3 nights in Hilo and 5 at the Hilton Waikoloa Village. We were concerned about staying at the Hilton. But there was a really good deal at the time.
In any case, we loved the Big Island, but not the Hilton. It was too big, we didn't like the breakfasts and we weren't fans of the facilities.
But , as I said, we loved the Big Island and are thinking of going back this fall. The prices at the Hapuna Beach Prince are not so bad when we're looking to go, but we're concerned about recent reviews. Does anyone have any comments on:
1) Recent experiences at the hotel;
2) What the breakfast is like (good assortment of fresh fruit is important to us);
3) How easy it is to get over to the Mauna Kea Beach?
We'd like to stay at the Hapuna because we loved their beach and want easy access to Mauna Kea's beach. We cannot afford to stay at the Mauna Kea.
Alternatively, we're considering a different island this time. But we liked the fact that the Big Island was relatively quiet and uncrowded. I'll put up another post about that topic though.
Thanks,
David
Big Island: Hapuna Beach Prince or...?
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I really like the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel. I find the breakfasts to be very good. Seemed like there was abundant fresh fruit to me, but then I'm always a bit focused on the sweets (my bad). And then, that gorgeous beach.
There is a non-official trail to Mauna Kea beach, but it wasn't very easy (over sharp lava, wasps nests, sticky thorns). I think you can walk on the road, which would be altogther much better. Mauna Kea beach is a lovely place to while away the afternoon. So quiet and peaceful.
We stayed at Hapuna Beach in October 2006, 2 days before the BIG earthquake. We loved it, it was very serene and peaceful. There were no children and it was quiet and relaxing. I would stay there in a heartbeat. The breakfast was excellent too.
I was also considering the Hapuna Beach but got some very negative reports from Fodors fans. Booked the Mauna Kea instead. Prices seem tooo reasonable at the Hapuna Beach Hotel. Something has to be wrong and some of the people who have stayed there indicated there was. you might also try Trip Advisor for recent reviews. Post what you think when you return if you stay there. The Hapuna Beach is wonderful however.....
I meant the actual beach is wonderful!
I stayed at the Marriott a few years ago and really liked it.
Thanks for all of the responses.
But I heard the beach was impacted by the tsunami.
Andrews: We visited the Marriott last year and it was very night. Were kind of disappointed we didn't stay there
Shar: We did look at the tripadvisor reviews and recently they've been mixed, at best. That's our concern.
We stayed at Hapuna Beach in 2009 and at the time we got 2 for the price of one rooms for our 2 families, seemed too good to be true right? Well, it was one of the most wonderful places we've ever stayed. We loved the sprawling grounds, pool, good sized beach, small separate snorkeling beach, feeling of not being crowded with people. We hiked over to Mauna Kea (probably 25 min. hike - I don't recall wasps nests!) and while it was nice there, the beach is smaller, and though the grounds are lovely, they are less open and more steep. I was glad we stayed at Hapuna over Mauna Kea. It depends on what you like though, we are not needy of services and pampering by staff, so I don't pay attention to that. We bought groceries and kept them in our fridge for breakfasts and lunches, didn't eat on the property so can't comment. I'd go back in a heartbeat if it didn't cost so much to fly our family there! Keep in mind that we had just come from Hilton Hawaiian Village on Waikiki Beach in Honolulu, very busy and crowded with people around every corner - the stark contrast between the 2 places was nice.
Did the Prince 2years ago or os last fall
Go a fair amount out there in the fall to do the IronMan
Been there three times Hyatt Regenency Waikiloa nice for upscale hotel
Beach not as good as the Prince which for price is the pick of the litter
It is north of Kona on the Kohala coast so you do need a car
If u party a lot some of the hotels in town would be better.
Stayhawaii.com for BB nice
KonaVillage.com used to be awesome but the tidal wave recently closed it
So might consider other hotels closer to Kona if u plan to do more in town
We loved the Hapuna Beach Prince, great breakfast selections too. The beach is absolutely stunning. To be fair though, it's been a couple of years since we've been there.
If you have a car, best bet is to drive to the beach access public parking at Mauna Kea (but get there early; there are only ~35 spots).
p.s. I think that some people expect a sumptuous resort room at Hapuna; but if you can get a deal, it's really a standard nice hotel room with excellent amenities in a fabulous place.
Thanks all.
Do people know if there is still a shuttle between the Mauna Kea and Hapuna? And, if so, how often it runs?
Hi. We stayed at the Mauna Kea last December, and took their van over to Hapuna Prince to their beach. I think the vans run fairly often.
I think sylvia3 really hit it right. The Hapuna isn't a luxury resort like the Fairmont or Four Seasons, and that may be where people feel disappointed. But it's a very nice property with a great infinity pool area and a fantastic beachfront. If you get a good rate there I think you will be quite pleased. We enjoyed a garden unit overlooking the beach where we could sit under the trees, relax, stroll the grounds and run down to the ocean.
Totally agree; it's understated but nice and not over the top.
We loved Hapuna Prince. Only down side is it's a bit isolated
We found it to be VERY comfortable and serene. It was not in your face luxury but understated luxury. The luxury was like "old world money" not "dot com money", if that makes sense.