Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel

62-100 Kaunaoa Dr., , Hawaii, 96743, USA, Hawaii, USA

Why We Like It

Wonderful ocean views are just about everywhere at this terraced property that is expansive, yet compact in its layout (you won’t get lost, but you also won’t feel on top of other people). The pools are great, the white sand beach is just a few more steps away, and the dining is superb.

Fodor's Expert Review

More reasonably priced than its neighbor resorts and with direct access to the Big Island's largest sand beach, this massive hotel has enormous columns and a terraced, open-air lobby with rotunda ceiling, curved staircases, and skylights. All of the rooms face the ocean, creating an expansive property with long walking distances. At night, lighting transforms the hotel into an architectural showplace. Rooms are large, with marble bathrooms and plenty of in-room amenities like coffeemakers and robes, and the staff is exceedingly helpful. The Hapuna Prince serves up excellent cuisine—with multiple dining options including a breakfast buffet each morning. For the budget conscious, the on-site deli-café provides affordable options for light meals on the go for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The golf course, designed by Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay, has topped many a "best courses" list.

You Should Know The resort has been undergoing major renovations that are really making it even more luxurious, but can come as a bit of a surprise. There is rarely any warning given (like waking up to go get coffee one morning and finding the coffee bar that was open the day before completely under construction), so be sure to call and ask directly about construction before booking and to check again upon arrival. The inconveniences are minor, but it’s much better to know going in.

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Room

Spacious rooms with large lanais for ocean view lounging are chic and comfortable. After a recent renovation, rooms are full of modern décor and look clean and sleek. All rooms in the hotel have at least some ocean view.

Tip Your daily resort fee includes a few freebies that you won’t want to miss out on, including tote bag, snorkel rental, one bucket of range balls daily per room, and cultural activities. The back of the resort charge info sheet includes coupons for coffee and cocktails, so be sure to use them!

Bathroom

Extremely spacious bathrooms are highlighted by medium sized tubs, a shower with a fixed rainfall and a handheld shower head, and surprise! some of the bathrooms have bidets. The toilets are also separated from the rest of the bathroom in a water closet, adding both luxury and convenience.

Lobby

The first thing that guests see when walking into the lobby is a wide expanse of Pacific Ocean. The entire area is an open air terrace, with lobby and concierge desks that are simple and understated.

Pool

There are two beautiful pools overlooking the ocean – one adult’s only infinity pool and hot tub and a family-friendly pool and hot tub that are very ADA friendly.

Spa

New renovations will see a brand new spa in late spring 2018.

Gym

New renovations will see a brand new gym in late spring 2018. The gym will include a few Peloton bikes, as well as a children’s center with activities and child care. In addition, the hotel has an 18 hole golf course and The Beachery where guests can find beach activities and lessons for additional fees.

Dining

On-site dining includes Piko, a coffee bar that turns into a bar for happy hour and includes small bites, ‘Ikena Landing with an expansive and diverse breakfast buffet and nice views, Naupaka Beach Grill for poolside drinking and dining, and Meridia Mediterranean dining for dinner, as well as in-room dining.

In addition, the hotel provides a shuttle between Hapuna Beach and Mauna Kea Beach Hotel for increased dinner options.

Tip Sticking to in-room dining after a tiring day? If you’re not too hungry, the keiki menu has small but extremely delicious dining options that will also save you a little vacation money (the fish was really great).

Drinking

Try Piko for a quick cocktail and Naupaka Beach Grill to grab a cocktail with the sand almost in your toes.

What's Nearby

Getting Around

You will need a car to get to your hotel and around the island.

Restaurants

Pueo’s Osteria (21-minute drive) offers farm to table Italian-inspired fare that, while it isn’t what you’d think of as Hawaiian food, includes some local favorites like Hamakua mushrooms and lilikoi cheesecake. A lovely wine menu and a late night happy hour with limited food menu for night owls from 9:30 p.m. to midnight make this a great spot to wine and dine. At Lava Lava Beach Club (17-minute drive) you’ll find a menu that includes happy hour specials, daily fish preparations, and island twists on classic foods like hamburgers and ribs all right on the beach. The bar is also a huge draw, with delicious and strong cocktails (the “Big Bamboocha” will definitely get your vacation started well) and a nice wine menu.

Bars

Sample a variety of beers by the flight or pint at Big Island Brewhaus (24-minute drive) or find a quality wine menu and limited but unique cocktail menu using fresh island ingredients at Merriman’s (20-minute drive).

Quick Facts

HOTEL INFO

Phones: 866-774–6236;808-880–1111