Where to stay on Hawaii's Kohala Coast?
 

This August I am traveling to the Big Island with a party of six including myself. As of this moment, we have a reservation at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott but we've noticed that recent reviews of the resort have been poor and they seem to be getting progressively worse. Due to this, we are trying to determine whether or not we should stay at a different hotel. What hotel would you recommend to stay at in the Kohala Coast (located around the north western tip of the Big Island)? Or, would you recommend sticking to our reservation at the Marriott? I'd greatly appreciate any feedback.

We loved the Hapuna Beach Prince - it's a nice hotel, and the beach is gorgeous.

I second the Hapuna. The hotel has a wonderful pool, and a spectacular beach. Everyone associated with the hotel bends over backwards to make your visit memorable. Every restaurant is tasty. Each evening the bar has local talent to entertain you. It's worth every penny.

I've read that the resort is very formal and business oriented. Did you find this to be true?

We loved the Hilton, but it is busy. There are several restaurants, pools and the grounds are huge. It is right next to the Marriott.
I would return in a heartbeat.

We loved the Hapuna Beach [Oct. 2006]. It was serene, tranquil, relaxing and lovely. It isn't for those seeking party atmosphere, or night time action packed bars.

There were few children [a plus for us] and honestly, I wouldn't label it Business oriented or formal. Casual elegance is more like it.

Deb

I agree with Deb - we deemed it understated elegance; we felt very comfortable there, nice pool, gorgeous beach - one of the best on the island, and really pretty views from the rooms. I read somewhere that they are renovating the lobby so you may want to check to make sure construction won't bother you, but we wouldn't hesitate to go back.

The Hapuna Beach Prince is fantastic, but the hotel's rate increases for '08 may give you sticker shock. We've been going there (and to its sister hotel, the Mauna Kea which is currently closed for repairs) for many years, always opt for the room/breakfast buffet package, and have usually paid in the neighborhood of $180-$220 night. For 2008 the rates went up to $280 (or even higher, depending on dates). At those prices, other options in Kohala/Waikoloa start to look a lot more attractive.

You didn't mention how your party of six will be divided, or how many rooms you'll need, but excellent condo choices abound on this part of the island. Assuming three hotel rooms, a 3-bedroom condo will cost you 1/4 to 1/3 as much.

So where are the bad reviews? TA seems like people like it there. We really liked our stay there. Loved the bay and the grounds. On bad reviews people give away a little of who they are and on one bad review of the Marriott the reviewer said there is not much to do on the Big Island. Well right there I think I might just dismiss his entire review since that alone is a crazy statement.

I am traveling to Hawaii with 4 adults and 2 children (unless the hotels do not consider teenagers under age 18 children, then it'd be 6 adults) We definitely want a hotel; we're not interested in renting a condo. After some extensive research, we've narrowed down our options between the Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa, the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows, and the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel. Does anyone have any opinions on any of these four hotels?

Agreeing with Suzie here. Our three stays at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott have been great, and it's located on a beautiful beach. The other Kohala hotels are more luxurious, but that doesn't mean enough to me to pay the difference in rates.

The Mauna Kea is closed for repairs until late 2008 (December, last I heard). The Sheraton Keauhou doesn't compare quality-wise to your other three choices, but is fine if you don't mind driving 45 minutes (one way) to get to Kohala's white sand beaches. The HBP has the best beach on the island and its standard rooms are larger than the Mauna Lani's. Service at both is excellent. The ML has a new, upscale (i.e. overpriced) shopping center adjacent, if that matters to you.

Hapuna Beach is such wonderful place for relaxing and best thing is that it isn't very crowded like Hilton

The Hapuna is where we always stay on the BI. We have been three times and are planning the fourth. I agree with all the previous posters' comments and highly recommend it.

I would suggest an oceanview or premium oceanview room. I don't think it is necessary to pay the extra for oceanfront and the rooms are exactly the same, the only difference is in the location. If you join their Prince Preferred program they usually offer an extra 10% off to members.

We've stayed at them all and our favorite is the Mauna Lani. Not too big or spread out.....rooms are large and you have great views from almost any room. Also very short walk to the beach (though the beach there is not so great for swimming....more to just relax and soak up the sun). Also a bit closer to Waikoloa, where there's restaurants, shops, etc., though Mauna Lani also has a new shopping area as well (not nearly as populated as the Waikoloa's though).

As far as Hapuna, another wonderful place. Yes, if you want to be picky, you could say it's due for a facelift, but really, nothing you'll notice. Almost every room has a view of the ocean. I have also read some things insinuating that it's very formal, but I found it to be quite the opposite. Casual with most everyone walking around in shorts and tee shirts. It is a bit more out of the way, and depending on where your room is, you may have quite a walk to the parking structure, but another wonderful place.

The Keauhou resort is NOT on the Kohala coast. For us, we avoid Kona town (where this hotel is located) as much as possible and try to stay out on the Kohala coast area.

travelinandgolfin,
Thank you so much for the detailed reviews on each of our hotel possibilities. Your reviews were very helpful.

Also thank you to everyone for all of your feedback. After a looooong day of very extensive research
I think we have decided to cancel our reservation at the Waikoloa Marriott and instead try to get a reservation at the Mauna Lani resort. Thanks again everyone for all of your help along the way!!!

My family loved the Marriott, we were there when our son was younger and he loved their sandy beach pool.A bay out in front is absolutely beautiful. It is right across the street from great restaurants such as Roys and the Big Island Steak House, with a big shopping center. That was a few years ago as now we stay in condos or townhouses. Have a great trip

traveler.....just a bit more FYI.

Try to get a room facing the ocean, there are some that face the parking lot. The majority face the ocean though, so you shouldn't have any trouble getting one.

If you get one on the SOUTH side of the hotel (I'm sure you've been on their website and know how it's shaped), you'll be overlooking the pool area. It is a bit noisier because of that, but you'll also have great views of the fishponds, Parker cottage and the ocean. We like this side because it's a bit more lively.

If you get one on the NORTH side, it will be overlooking the Canoe House restaurant and shark and turtle ponds. It's MUCH quieter on this side. You'll also get an ocean view and will have the Kohala mountains in view as well.

You can't go wrong with either side.

Also, see if they have the PICK YOUR PASSION special and see if that would end up saving you some cash. We used to always go for that special until they discontinued it for Hawaii locals. I guess with the local rate we already get, they felt it was TOO GOOD a deal! Dog-gone it!!! :(

We are searching for a spot in early August as well. Had decided on HBP just for the beach, but then saw on a web site, maybe Expedia, that the lobby, one restaurant and a bar are now closed for renovation until approx July 31. Not sure if that matters but fyi.

I would call HBP directly and ask about renovations. Be specific.
Deb