Mauna Lani or Princeville
 

Anyone stayed at the Mauna Lani on the Big Island or the new Princeville hotel? Looking for recommendations.

Although it's been a few years, we spent a week at Mauna Lani and thought it was excellent. Very spacious and well appointed rooms. Beautiful, historic grounds. Very accommodating for families if that's a factor for you, though you certainly didn't feel overwhelmed by kids by any means. Excellent restaurants and services. Lots of activity options. Had no complaints at all. [FWIW - we had spent the previous weeks at the 4 Seasons on Maui, so expectations were fairly high; they didn't disappoint]

Sorry I wouldn't pick an island by the resort I wanted to stay at. I would pick the island and then the resort.

I prefer the grounds of the Mauna Lani and the structure of Princeville's St. Regis. From a design stand point ST. Regis is great. Both properties and surrounding are over built. St. Regis is on the wet side, ML on the Dry. SR beach is better and probably easier to access. Better snorkeling at the SR. SR is closer to some really great trails and beaches.

SR. is a little stuffier than ML. Both will give excellent service. I haven't been to SR under the new management so I give food for now to ML.

Princeville St. Regis is lovely -- and views....ahhhhh! But the food is outrageously pricey, so you might want to plan your meals elsewhere.

Thank you all for the replies. Exactly the information I had hoped for. We need a retreat. Have lived in Hawaii and know all the islands, not hotels and it has been a number of years.
All islands are beautiful, but I think the hotels can make or break this trip anyway!
Appreciate all the insights!