HawaiiAlex

A private engineering firm contracted by the hotel found significant damage in the roof of the Mauna Kea. A total bummer -- this is one of Hawaii's few really cool, old-style hotels. Will take a while to fix. This blog post

http://hawaiirama.com/2006/12/earthq...e-mauna-kea-be

raises an interesting question -- did county inspectors miss this damage when they did their earthquake checks after the temblor and, if so, do other properties have critical damage that hasn't come to light yet?

DebitNM

As reported earlier today, guests will be given accomodations at the Prince next door. The Prince is a lovely property on a beautiful beach and while the guest may miss the old world feel of the Mauna Kea, they will be in good hands.
Debi

HawaiiAlex

The Prince is nice but it definitely feels more modern. The other problem is, it's on Hapuna Beach, which is probably nicer than Kaunaoa but its also the most popular state park on the Big Island with a massive public parking lot so its always quite a bit more crowded. It's not quite the same.

fdecarlo

It could be the initial inspections were looking for something drastic, e.g. imminent building collapse, and weren't intended to be comprehensive. This is probably true for other properties as well. The coming weeks and months should give an answer to your question.

As for the MK vs. HBP comparison, we've always preferred the MK's beachfront building to anything at the HBP. But when traveling on a limited budget the HBP offers more bang for the buck. Newer buildings, larger guest rooms etc. Lower classes of rooms at the HBP are *much* nicer than the same classes at the MK, and Kaunaoa Beach is still a 5-minute shuttle ride (or 15 minute walk) away.

DebitNM

"But when traveling on a limited budget the HBP offers more bang for the buck" -- wow, you must have some travel budget! Our stay was for only 3 nights, but it was hardly a limited budget. We had a nice package with car and breakfast, but it was the most expensive place we stayed on all 3 of the islands we visited.

And yes the beach near the public parking was crowded [it was Columbus Day], most of the non-guests stayed at that end of the beach, not venturing to the beach in front of the hotel. And if you like a dip in the pool, HP's is way nicer thatn MK's.

Debi

Ag3046

I agree, the low end rooms at MK were not very nice at all, and HBP were much better value. Hapuna Beach is big enough that I have never felt it was crowded, as a hotel guest. I love that long sweep of beach. With MK closed, that just means the MK beach will be really nice and quiet.

iamq

The debate between HPB and MK is almost as old and tired as the debate between the Princeville Hotel and the Hyatt on Kaua'i. Different strokes for different folks...thank God!

-pila

wtm003

I feel awful for the 400+ employees of the Mauna Kea that are losing their jobs.

Ag3046

Indefinitely seems be estimated at 18 months. If the other resorts can absorb they employees, they can hang on. The Mauna Kea will certainly be back.

hpl

So what is the access to Kaunaoa like? Can you still drive in past the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel or do you walk in from Hapuna?

fdecarlo

Last info I had (about a week old) is that the visitor parking lot (for beach access) was open, the shuttle was still operating, and the MK's tennis courts and golf courses were open.

Ag3046

The above poster is correct. You can access the beach from the customary beach parking lot. The beach is much quieter these days.