My wife and I are headed to the Big Island in Nov for our 4yr anniversary. We are planning to stay our first 2 nights at the Hapuna and the last 2 at Mauna Kea (volcano/eastcoast in between). I originally booked this way because we were wanting to try both hotels since there are so many great reviews of each out there. However, MK is costing us about $50 more a night and I was wondering if it's worth it. The one thing that does appeal to me about MK is that it's closer to the less crowded MK Beach (would have to take shuttle from Hapuna.

I was curious how the two hotels compare as far as atmosphere, room quality/size, etc. From what I've read it sounds like Hapuna is more modern and minimalistic while MK is a bit more charming. However, some online reviews have stated that MK has more children and is noisier (we are looking for quiet adult time). Any input from those who have visited both would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
Mitch

Mitch: We've stayed at both properties lots of times, and prefer the MK. I'm not sure where you got the info about MK being noisier and having more kids -- we've found the opposite to be true.

The HBP is newer, more modern, has a better selection of restaurants and a nicer pool, but its rooms (and grounds) in our opinion lack the old-world Hawaiian charm of the MK's. And at least during the times we've been there (ranging from October to January each year) the grounds and beach at the MK have been very quiet, while the HBP was always much, much busier. We usually feel like we have the hotel all to ourselves, which is a feeling we've never had at the HBP.

The number of people at MK's beach depends on whether the point between there and Hapuna has washed out or not. Some years it does and some years it doesn't. But we've never seen MK's beach crowded; the vast majority of people on the Hapuna side stay there, or just on the other side of the point.

With that said, I'd still recommend you stay at both properties and see which you prefer. I know as many people who prefer the HBP because of its more modern/upscale atmosphere as I do people like me who prefer the MK.

Sorry, I was referring to the HBP's beach in the third paragraph above, not MK's.

fdecarlo,

Thanks for the reply. Yeah, staying at both seems to make the most sense which is why we booked that way. The only reason I was considering doing Hapuna for both stops is because it's about $60 cheaper per night. Not a big deal really.

>>Message: Sorry, I was referring to the HBP's beach in the third paragraph above, not MK's.<<

I'm not quite clear what you meant after re-reading the paragraph. You mention both beaches more than once. Could you clarify? Is MK beach normally more secluded?

Thanks again,
Mitch

One other question...

How do the "terrace view" rooms at Hapuna compare to the "partial ocean view" ones? Are they worth the extra $$? Somebody on another forum mentioned that ALL the rooms at Hapuna have some view (although limited) of the ocean. True?

Thanks,
Mitch

All rooms at Hapuna face the ocean. The higher floors have better views as the lower floors views will be partial obstructed by the building in front of them.

If you're going off season, I'd book the cheapest room and just make a request to be put on the hightest floor possible. They've always accomodated us in the past (unless they're really booked).

Thanks for this thread. We plan to stay at the Hapuna for the 1st time (staying for 3 nights) after 2 nights at Kileaua Lodge Spet 2005. The best rate we could find was $219 a night at the Hapuna with buffet breakfast for 2 in a Terrace room. I hope we get upgraded to a decent view higher floor room as it'll be our anniversary.

This is the "reasonable" priced island for us as we're doing the FS for 4 nights at $425 a night (including car and breakfast buffet) in Maui and ending with 2 nights at the Hana Hotel Ranch at $345 a night for their "cheapest" suite. Your plan to do 2 hotels there sounds interesting! You'll have the best of both worlds.

Steve
Maryland

Mitch: Hapuna Beach is separated into two areas: the major portion to the south, and a smaller portion to the north that fronts the HBP Hotel. These two areas are separated by a small outcropping of rock that sometimes washes out during the fall and winter months. When it does wash out, it usually results in fewer people on the northern end of the beach (and in front of the HBP).

North of these two areas is a large point (which is very much permanent), and immediately north of that is the MK beach and hotel.

Hope this isn't too confusing. Here's an aerial shot which will probably help:

http://www.planeviewsofhawaii.com/bc...R164-1-edt.jpg

This photo is a bit deceptive, as the MK beach and hotel are bigger than they appear here. From south to north is Hapuna Beach and the HBP Hotel (you can just make out the small outcropping between the two areas), then the large point, MK beach, and finally MK hotel.

Travelandgolfin, what would you qualify as the off season? We will be on the BI Nov 6-13.

We are paying $180 p/n for the terrace room with no breakfast under Hapuna's 10th Anniversary special pricing. Had originally booked terrace with breakfast for $241 until I found out about the better price under "special packages". It also lists several other discounts including 10% off when dining at any of their resaurants. Not sure if these discounts only apply if you book the special room rate. Will call today and find out.

Stever, $219 including breakfast is a really good deal. I think the buffet alone is $22 pp, so you are in essence getting the room for $175. Where did you get this deal and on what dates are you going?

Considering we are paying $265 p/n for Mauna Kea I am seriously considering switching those 2 nights to the Hapuna as well. $180 is just too good a deal. That is unless someone can convince me that MK is better/different enough to justify the extra $70 p/n (subtracted $15 since that is how much extra the breakfast package at MK cost vs. room only). Also, our room at MK is a "mountain view" which I assume faces inland. Sounds like the terrace view rooms at Hapuna may actually offer a better view?

One other thing I was wondering...If we do stay at Hapuna, will it be fairly easy to take the shuttle to MK beach? I know it's supposed to run every 20min and take 5min to get there. Is it pretty smooth and painless?

Thanks,
Mitch

The $219 price I believe was with AAA, and that DOES include breakfast... at least for September when we are going in 2005.

Good luck! I ALWAYS tell them it's our anniversary so any upgrades would be appreciated. We're ALWAYS celebrating an anniversary when we travel, if you catch my drift.

Steve
Maryland