We're going to the Big Island for our honeymoon.. and we're down to two choices: Mauna Lani or Hapuna Prince. Hapuna Prince is much cheaper and it does have a great beach, but I've heard the hotel is a little "bare" in decor and can often feel cold. Mauna Lani is more expensive, but is it worth it? Any help would be appreciated!

I stayed at the Mauna Lani a few years ago. What a nice hotel and the service was great. If you are looking for a resort to "get away from it all" that is the place

Its your honeymoon. Go Mauna Lani!

I would say the Hapuna. I was also a little scared by the talk of it being
stark. But the hotel is lovely and
architecturaly stunning. Terrific,
romantic rest. called The Grill. The
very best beach on the island. Have
a great time and save the $$. You will
love it. Also on the Big Island we like
the Fairmont Orchid. You cannot go wrong with either one.

The Mauna Lani is fabulous! We stayed there two years ago and are going back this summer. It is truly paradise.

I have not stayed at the Hapuna Prince so can't help out with that one.

I have also stayed at the Mauna Lani and loved the grounds, pool area, etc...
Restaurants are top notch and plentiful.

It really depends on what kind of experience you're looking for. If you don't mind crowds then either the Mauna Lani or Hapuna Beach Prince will fit the bill. Service is better/more consistent at the Mauna Lani and crowds aren't as large as at the HBP.

But personally, for a honeymoon I'd skip both of those hotels and go directly to the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel instead. *Much* quieter and *much* more romantic -- you'll feel as though you two have the hotel all to yourselves, which is a feeling you definitely will NOT get at the other two resorts. The rooms at the Mauna Kea are a bit older, but they're also larger and a lot warmer, and for sheer Zen-like tranquility and ambience there's nothing else like it in Waikoloa.