which is better for a honeymoon? our priorities (in order) are: nice beach (gentle tide, soft sand - i realize this is somewhat rare on the big island), comfortable clean room, good resort with activities on site, and good restaurants at or near the hotel (doesn't have to be fancy). Any thoughts? Is one generally less expensive then the other? We are having trouble deciding.

thanks for all your help on the rest of our trip!

For your honeymoon, Mauna Lani would be a special place for a special trip. It is truly a luxury resort. The beach is beautiful and has plenty of recreation on property. It is a large resort and I do believe much more expensive than Mauna Kea. Mauna Kea has more of a secluded 'old hawaiian ' feel.
You will love either one.

The Big Island is my favorite Hawaiian Island. I have stayed at both The Orchid and Four Seasons numerous times.

The CanoeHouse at MAUNA LANI is a romantic place to have dinner.

A few favorite restaurants:
Merriman's restaurant (Wailea)
Pauhia at Four Seasons Resort

Congratulations and Good Luck.

Thanks for the input! Both hotels look great so it is hard to tell. I can get both hotels for the same price. Does that change anyone's thoughts?

About 3 years ago I stayed at the Mauna Lani for a week, and I agree with dee, it's an excellent property. The beach is great and the service was very good. There's a golf course as well. You can't go wrong with the Mauna Lani.

Any difference in snorkeling at the two? I love to snorkel and it's important to have an interesting snorkeling spot near by. I'm considering the Mauna Kea or Mauna Lani and wonder whether one offers better marine life than the other.

Mauna Lani has good snorkeling and equipment rental is free if staying there. The hotel is luxurious and rooms top notch. Canoe House was only OK when dining recently; preferred Merriman's but Merriman's lacks a scenic view. Mauna Kea is an older appearing property, less polished in appearance compared to Mauna Lani. Snorkeling at adjacent Hapuna beach not as good as at Mauna Lani. Do consider a dinner at Mauna Kea and view the Manta Rays below the restaurant attracted a large light at night--quite a show!

We stayed at the Mauna Lani a year ago and loved it. Our ocean view room was large and well furnished, the property is beautiful (check our the fish pools, even if you don't stay there), the breakfast buffet, which was included in our package, was immense (we skipped lunch), and the staff was efficient.
There is a nice beach with soft sand, but I think the beach at Mauna Kea is longer and more golden.
A short walk from the Mauna Lani, at the Beach Club, is absolutely fantastic snorkeling.
I believe the Mauna Lani is a little closer to the King's Shop, the main shopping center in the area. It has Roy's for very good Hawaiian food and a few other restaurants. We liked the ribs at the Big Island Steakhouse.
It is also a few miles closer to the airport and to Kailua-Kona, the main town. We really liked Huggo's for dinner there.
Also, although it is a drive, Merriman's is a must for dinner.

We also stayed at the Mauna Lani a fews back. What an excellent hotel. If you like golf, the Mauna Lani is the place to be.

We're thinking of heading to the BI in February. I've seen posts that say the surf by the Mauna Kea and Hapuna are rough this time of year. What about the beach at Mauna Lani? Is snorkeling still OK in Jan/Feb at the Mauna Lani?
Thanks!

ttt