roscoeG

My fiance and I are traveling to Hawaii in September and will be spending 3 nites on the Kona side of the island and 2 nites at the volcano before flying to Maui.

Can anyone help me decide between the Mauna Kea and Mauna Lani..?
I've done a lot of research on these boards and it seems the general consensus is that the beach is far better at the Mauna Kea. But everything else is better at the Mauna Lani.

I can get a rate that includes a full breakfast at both (which is important) but there is a pretty decent price difference..
For the Mauna Kea it's 265/nite and at the Mauna Lani it's 327. Is it worth the price difference? I don't see anywhere that says the Mauni Lani has free snorkel gear either; does anyone know if that's extra? At the Mauna Kea it is free.

We are looking to be pampered at a very nice resort w/o too many kids.. if this helps.. some kids are OK, just not a ton of families.. it's the first place we'll be staying on our honeymoon. Later on we'll be staying at some more secluded (and $$$!)places so it's not necessary to be totally alone in the beginning.

Anyone have some advice for me?
I appreciate it!

Miranda

I love the Mauna Lani, but have not stayed at the Mauna Kea. When we were last there, the Mauna Lani had free snorkel gear at one beach and snorkel gear and other equipment for rent at the other beach. I don't know if that's still the case. We were very pleased with the Mauna Lani and are going back this year. As for families with kids, by September most kids are back in school so you are probably fine at almost any resort if you don't want to be inundated. The Mauna Lani does draw plenty of families in the high season, but is not one of those frenetic kid-oriented resorts likely to be absolutely mobbed with kids. For example, it does NOT have a destination-type pool with a slide.

fdecarlo

You can't go wrong either way -- both hotels are wonderful. I've stayed at both and personally prefer the Mauna Kea. It's quieter than the Mauna Lani, more intimate and romantic, has a better beach, and (if you can live without a minibar in your room) is a lot less expensive.

But the Mauna Lani is also beautiful, newer, more upscale, and service and amenities there are absolutely stellar.

Bottom line in my opinion: if amenities are more important to you then stay at the Mauna Lani. If a romantic environment and lack of crowds/noise are more important, stay at Mauna Kea.

roscoeG

thanks for the quick response.. sounds like Mauna Kea it is! i'm sure we'll wander over and check out the mauna lani while we're there.. maybe we'll do that one next visit.
thanks for your help.

Pumpy

I've only stayed at the Hapuna Prince (sister property of MK) but have been to both hotels. As stated above, you can't go wrong with either one. The MK definately has the better beach but the ML is probably a little nicer in that it's newer. However, I chirped in to say if play golf do not miss out on playing the MK course. Trent Jones Sr. rated it as one of his top 5 golf course designs of all time. PS: Not trying to muddy the waters but I would also consider the Hapuna Prince. Enjoy!

Steph_SEA

I haven't stayed at the Mauna Kea, but just return from 5 nights at the Mauna Lani. It was such a wonderful hotel. The grounds are absolutely breath taking. They have orchids everywhere. There's a shark pond, turtle pond, and tropical fish pond that curves through the open air lobby. We didn't notice very many kids at all.
They have two beaches. One is right in front of the resort with drink service, cabanas, and hammocks. It's surrounded by black lava rock. Not as big as the Mauna Kea, but there is another sandy beach just south of the resort (a 3 minute walk) with excellent snorkeling. There are several very good restaurants onsite. The Canoe House cannot be missed.
We were also very impressed by the level of service. Anything you needed - concierge would take care of it. Every person at the hotel was extremely friendly. Also, the rooms are very nice, with very soft comfortable beds.
On our first evening, we walked out to the beach to relax in a hammock and saw two whales about 50 yds. off the shore. One breached! It was such a memorable stay. I can't say enough wonderful things about the Mauna Lani and can't think of one negative thing.

mscarls

I just wanted to add my two cents worth about how great the Mauna Lani is, and how wonderful the snorkeling was at the nearby beach. And the equipment was free.
I didn't see any whales, but plenty of sea turtles came right up to the beach.