Mauna Lani Bay Hotel on Hawaii?
 

Has anyone stayed at the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel on the Big Island of Hawaii? How is the pool area and beach? Is it close to any off property eating locations? <BR> <BR>Thanks!

Aloha Bill, <BR> <BR>I stayed next door to the Mauna Lani a couple of years ago at the Orchid. Both beautiful properties...I preferred the Orchid, but am probably biased. As for dining options, both these resorts have 5 star restaurants. For other options you will have to drive north to Kawaihai (sp?) or Waimea (10-20 miles) or south to Kona (30-40 miles). Waikoloa is another area very close to Mauna Lani with a few dining options. <BR> <BR>For some reason, the Big Island posts/replies have really dried up here. You will get some great first hand advice at www.konaweb.com forums. Even though it says Kona it is really pretty comprehensive for the Big Island. <BR> <BR>Good Luck!

Message: We stayed at the Mauna Lani Bay resort last September. <BR> They did everything possible to make our stay wonderful. They have <BR> a swimable beach lined with cabana's and hammocks tied between <BR> the palm trees. The location on the Kohala coast is much more <BR> secluded then Kona. Besides the hotels on site restaurants "Canoe <BR> House" and "Bay Terrace" you are just a few miles (5 minute drive) <BR> to Waikola Resort area which has "Roy's" and "The Big Island Steak <BR> House" in the Waikola Village shops. They have a live web cam at <BR> www.maunalani.com

I agree with Sandra. Actually, I will elaborate. The steak we had at The Big Island Steak House was delicious. This is a busy restaurant, go early if you can. I also agree with Roy's, food there is great - also service.

I was at Mauna Lani Bay about 12 weeks ago...I liked it very much...it is a beautiful resort. It was one of the few with a real beach. It does however have a very 1980's feel about it and while very pretty, is not over the top...the location near the ancient Hawaiian fish ponds is great and very interesting...Oveall I did not find my deluxe ocean view room to be a good value...it was nice, but I never had the sense of excitement or "I can't believe I am here!" that I have had at some other resorts. I agree with the other posters that Canoe was great...the service and the food were top notch. <BR> <BR>For the price I think I would stay at either of the Westins or at the 4 Seasons if I were to return to the big island. The Orchid also seemed very nice.