We have booked a trip to Hawaii, have got all our flights, and are set for five days at the Four Seasons in Maui. For the Big Island, however,the FS is full, so we are considering the Fairmont Orchid, Mauna Kea and Prince Hapuna Beach.

Has anyone been to any of these properties recently? Any recommendations for choices?

I'd choose the Fairmont, it is the most opulent of the 3. Have never stayed at the Mauna Kea but it does have a beautiful beach. Alot of people love the Hapuna, but to me the Fairmont is a classier resort and has turtles along the beaches. Also the view is better, and I like the covered canopy beach chairs.

We didn't get a chance to see the other 2 (although I would love to try the Fairmont) but we did stay at Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel last summer. For the price ($199/night) we thought it was a steal. We got upgraded when we got there, and the lobby and grounds are gorgeous. There are not a lot of white sand beaches on the Big Island, and Hapuna Beach is absolutely lovely. We snorkeled there, and saw lots of fish and sea turtles. The rooms were also very nice, and the bathrooms were especially nice. We enjoyed the infinity pool, and the way you could see the ocean from it. It is VERY quiet, though, and sometimes it can feel as if you are the only one there!

We stayed at the Orchid this past March and had a lovely retreat. Never have we all felt so relaxed. Enjoyed snorkeling right from the beach and the turtles. Beautiful place.

staying at the Fairmont for a week in August..sounds like the snorkeling is great right off the small beach on the property...travelinwifey and ceg: any other hotel highlights? the spa sounds wonderful......

Stellaluna, The spa was awesome. We had an oceanside massage and there were also turtles swimming in the water right next to us. Possibly the best massage I ever had