Denny

Can't decide between he Mauni Lani Bay or the Orchid for our honeymoon.

Thanks for any serious input.

Martin

I don't know how the prices or packages compare, but have you considered the Four Seasons? We're returning for the third time in December--just about our favorite place in the world. There seems to be more going on in the area you are considering, but that's one of the reasons we like Hualalai. Good luck! Peace.

susan

I second the Four Seasons nomination!!!! We stayed there in May of 01 and it was just fabulous. We had reservations at the Orchid but my friend was there two weeks before we left and she said it was completely packed with screaming kids, and they have no kiddie pool. The Four Seasons does have a lovely kiddie pool, and several others, so it is just a blissfully quiet and elegant place. We were so happy we changed our reservations and went to the Four Seasons.

benjy

Really don't recommend the Mauni Lani Bay Hotel. Stayed there in September and had an unpleasant experience. Rude staff, spotty housekeeping, less than desirable beach, unresponsive management. Last straw was they lost our deposit...finally admitted that they had it, but couldn't find it....So many other great places on Hawaii...my favorite island. Try somewhere else.

Denny

Thanks for all the input.
Is there a beach at the Four Seasons?

Ruth

Yes, manmade, not spectacular.
But the rest of the property makes up for it.

Denny

The Four Seasons looks great.
It is pricey.
We are planning on staying on the Big Island for about five days and then
going to Kaui for about five days and staying at the Princeville.

I don't know if my budget can support the Four Seasons and the Princeville.

Any other suggestions for lodging on the Big Island.

kt

The Mauna Kea is a lovely hotel with a fantastic beach. As a hotel, I would rank it second to the Four Seasons, but its beach is number one.

amy

We stayed at the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel in September...very nice staff, amazing beach, and virtually no kids (although, we were there right after school started).

XXX

do a text search of these two hotel names, you'll find lots of info =)

km317

Surprised to hear of those kind of complaints about Mauna Lani. We stayed there for 3 nights in early October for our honeymoon and had a great time. They upgraded us from Mountain View to Ocean View without asking. Gave us a bottle of champagne. The woman who escorted us to our room, noticed some spots on the floor and sent someone right away to clean the floor. The breakfast buffet there was very good. We visited the Orchid and we thought the Mauna Lani was prettier and not as cumbersome getting around. We thought the Orchid inside was very maze-like. We saw nothing wrong with the beach at Mauna Lani. The water was swimmable and a few people were snorkling. Our room was spacious and very well-kept.

benjy

After our experience at the Manua Lani, we moved to the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel...wonderful beach, friendly, accomodating staff...class act. I wrote a letter to the managing director of the Mauna Lani, asking why a hotel with a reputation as the Mauna Lani would have such lapses in service etc. No reply, not a peep. I think they cater for package tours..not independent travelers. Everyone has different experiences but we have vacationed on the Big Island for years. Just so disappointed in our Mauna Lani stay.