Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Autograph Collection

This was our second stay at this resort, this one post renovations. Beautiful views, and rooms were fantastic. I love the conservation efforts, we were given metal water bottles to use during our stay (and to take home) and there are filtered water taps in the rooms! Beach equipment is FREE to use for guests (snorkle gear, stand up paddleboards, surfboards, etc.). Beach is amazing - places to snorkle right there by the rocks, and you can go snorkeling with manta rays right off the beach (resort will help you book). Staff is lovely, so friendly and helpful. Breakfast was amazing - Bonvoy Elite members...this will spoil you for all other free breakfasts! There were tons of activities to do at the resort for free (Ukelele lessons, learning to speak Hawaiian, yoga, etc.). We took our 2 teenagers with us and they had an amazing time. I will say that while I'm sure you could bring younger kids and do fine, this is best for older kids & adults.

Although the hotel itself was nice, it was really the location that made it exceptional. The beach is fantastic, and kids can use all the boards and snorkels for free. The rooms are great—the AC works well, the large sliding doors let in plenty of fresh air, and the beds are very comfortable. Don’t miss the manta rays; the viewing area is conveniently located right below the Manta restaurant. Even though the hotel is adding new structures, there was no noticeable construction noise. KNBR doing their early morning show directly under the rooms was a definite “what the heck?” moment—why not set them up near the tennis courts instead? Clear guidance on designated smoking areas would also be very helpful. I asked the valet staff where smoking was allowed, and they told me I could smoke under the big tree to the left of the valet area. But when I went there, an employee rushed over with a serious expression and told us we had to move near the construction area. Then I asked the front desk, and they told me I could smoke anywhere as long as I was 30 feet away from the building. Confusing? Absolutely. :) Overall, the staff are wonderful, the beds are comfortable, and the beach is truly one of a kind. I would definitely stay here again. The breakfast buffet had several issues: the bacon shouldn’t be covered in a way that traps moisture, and the sweet melons need to be properly covered. Don't forget to try local Papaya.

The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel is a stunning beachfront property that manages to feel both timeless and newly refreshed. The recent renovation is beautifully done—elegant, calm, and thoughtful—enhancing the hotel’s classic design without losing its soul. The beach is exceptional, with soft sand, clear water, and a dedicated area for snorkeling where you can experience manta rays up close in the evening, which is truly unforgettable. Dining on property at Manta is a highlight. Overlooking the ocean, the setting alone is worth the visit, but the food and service are equally impressive—refined, fresh, and perfectly suited to sunset views and breakfast buffet to remember. The resort offers full amenities including golf, tennis, pools and activities from how to tie a sarong to blowing to canoe experiences. In room products are by L'Occitane Spa. The rooms offer a filtered water dispenser and two stainless steel water bottles. A beach tote and his and her sandals are also provided by the resort. Wonderful for use on site and as a take home souvenir. Mauna Kea is luxurious without being flashy, peaceful without feeling remote, and an ideal choice for anyone looking for a refined, relaxing stay on the Big Island. Excellent for families and equally welcoming to adults seeking a quieter escape.

This resort truly is one of the rare 5-star experiences in Hawaii. There is an amazing sense of peace that comes over you as soon as you cross the threshold. The rooms are outstanding! But it's the people, it's always the people that make it very special!

Hotel is SUPER nice! Love the layout and accommodations. Not sure it is worth $1k per night as I’ve seen listed on some sites, but if you can find a decent rate I’d definitely recommend. A good 35+ minutes from the KOA airport and on the NW side of the big island so prepare for some decent drives if you want to see anything else.

The hotel is fantastic. It has one of the best tennis clubs in the United States. I cannot wait to go back. It has several restaurants on site and gave the best welcome socials that I have attended. You can also play golf here and the golf club has great food. You don't need to leave the resort to shop and the hotel has plenty daily activities to do. Would highly recommend. However, you do need to take a tour of the island's rain forests, botanical gardens, volcano, and many waterfalls.

Our stay so far at Mauna kea hotel has been amazing! We had a pretty late check in, and Lauae was so helpful and accommodating!! Her great personality truly took away the tiredness from traveling and made us feel instantly welcomed. I also want to mention Healani who helped us modify our checkout time, she was very helpful as well! Overall our stay has been wonderful, and we’re already looking forward to coming back again!

Great renovation. Rooms are beautiful again. Adult Pool and gym is the best. Views are still amazing looking over the beach. The actual new spa is being built now.