What a great spring break trip to the Big Island! Looking back, we realized it’s been a while. Our last time being on the Big Island as a family was in 2014 (before this blog was born).

Therefore, we weren’t able to really share the things we did because of the lack of photos. Although, we did visit the Big Island for 12 hours with Island Air (no longer in service, we miss this airline!). We were able to visit with content in mind! There’s so much to share about the beautiful island the goddess Pele calls home.

For the first few days, we stayed at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Autograph Collection which is located on Kailua, Kona, the west side of Hawaii and is considered a sister hotel to our next stay, The Westin Hapuna. It’s an oceanfront property residing along the beautiful Kohala Coast with Mauna Kea beach at its doorstep. It’s 26.8 miles from the airport which is approximately a 35-minute drive. Adding to the elusive and exclusiveness, there is a security entrance to the hotel and surrounded by Mauna Kea Golf Course.

Nearest Airport: Kona International Airport (KOA)
Airport shuttle service: No
Complimentary breakfast: No
Hotel Laundry Room: Yes
Parking Rate: Self-parking $20usd // Valet $25usd

Free Shuttle service is available from Mauna Kea Beach Hotel to The Westin Hapuna; This was not disclosed to us during our check-in but know that you can hotel-hop between the two sister hotels!

MAUNA KEA AMENITIES

Checking-in: We were lei’d, with a fresh flower lei greeting and kukui nut lei (for the males), cold towel and fresh passion orange drink refreshments.

Keiki Club Adventures: Children ages 5-12: Full day and half-day programs available. Call (808) 882-5707 for reservations and information or click to learn more.

Spa and Fitness Center: There is a spa, salon, and fitness center on property. The fitness center is accessible by a key card and it’s open 24/7.

Laundry: Free washer and dryer to use at the hotel for guests. It’s complete with detergent, fabric softener, and dryer sheets.

Shopping: There’s no need to venture far to seek sensational gifts and tropical treasures to enjoy during your stay or to take home. Discover delightful surprises in designer resort fashions, swimwear and fine jewelry or shop for local marketplace groceries and gifts.

Pool and Beach: There is a jacuzzi, pool, and beach at the property. Like all beaches, there can be strong currents so be careful but if a fun aspect to the beach is two floating mattresses out in the middle of the bay. It was a great exercise to swim to and from both and taking a breather to jump off and explore the sounding waters. The wind, waves, and current made it exhilarating and challenging but do be careful if you’re thinking about it. During our visit, in mid-march, the waves were fun at about 1-2 feet.

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MAUNA KEA ACTIVITIES

First things we noticed at Mauna Kea Beach hotel are the activities! Golf, ping pong, pool table, tennis on 11 seaside courts, ocean sports and activities, Hawaiian cultural experiences, weekly art tour, nighttime glow-canoe and manta snorkel adventures, and bocce ball courts.

MAUNA KEA DINING

There are delicious dining options on the property such as Manta, Copper Bar, Hau Tree, and Number 3. They also have in-room dining, Mauna Kea luau, and clambake. Our favorite restaurant would have to be Manta!

Manta: Contemporary restaurant with open-air viewing and seating of Kauna’oa Bay. Delicious breakfast buffet and relaxing dining at night. Famous for their Sunday brunch.

HOURS OF OPERATION
Breakfast:
6:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Sunday Brunch:
11:30 AM – 2:00 PM
Dinner:
5:30 PM – 9:00 PM
(Last seating at 8:30 PM)
Cocktails:
5:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Live Music:
5:30 PM – 8:30 PM (Wed & Sat)

Copper Bar: This is where most of the action takes place as Hula shows from 530-830pm are exhibited as well as live music occurs during the evening. We weren’t able to get a table here but be sure to reserve a seat!

HOURS OF OPERATION
Coffee:
6:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Cocktails Daily:
11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Lunch:
11:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Dinner:
5:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Hula & Music:
5:30 PM – 8:30 PM

Hau Tree: A gazebo-style bar that sits right near the beach providing an up-close view of the sunset as you dip into the ocean after a quick eat. Fast, Fresh – Sandwiches, Salads, Light Entrees, Comfort Food.

HOURS OF OPERATION
LUNCH:
Daily: 11:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Cocktails served until Sunset
DINNER:
Daily: 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM

Clambake: Located at Hau Tree, there is a seafood buffet offering all-you-can-eat Keahole Maine lobster, sashimi, shrimp, crab claws, oysters, mussels and clams. There’s also prime rib, salads, grilled fish, and a decadent dessert spread that includes an ice cream sundae bar with all the toppings. *Reservations Required*

HOURS OF OPERATION
Saturday: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Offered Seasonally, Please Call for Available Dates
*Hours and days of operations are subject to change without notice.

Number 3: For those golf enthusiasts that one something yummy but also wants to finish their match. Number 3 Restaurant offers casual island cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere adjacent to the first tee and recently added bocce ball just outside of the restaurant.

HOURS OF OPERATION
LUNCH:
Daily: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM

Mauna Kea Luau: Be sure to wear your best Aloha attire if you’re planning on experiencing this Luau! You’ll be looking forward to grinding on an imu-roasted kālua pig, island fish, laulau, Lomi salmon, sashimi and piles of pineapple, papaya, and more.

HOURS OF OPERATION
EVENINGS:
Every Tuesday & Friday: 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM

In-room dining: You can always order in-room dining! After missing out on reserving a table, we resorted to ordering food and enjoyed it very much. Mac & cheese, a vegan burger with fries fulfilled our hungry needs.

MAUNA KEA’S OCEAN FRONT DELUXE

During our stay, we had the Ocean Front Deluxe room which offers two large, furnished lanai (balconies) and a walk-in closet. We were in awe of the two balconies! A private balcony for the room and a private balcony for the bathroom. It felt like we had our own spa in our room! Also, the walk-in closet was the largest closet we’ve ever had while staying in a hotel room.

Also, it came with these amazing room-amenities/features:
– Nightly turn-down service
– Built-in entertainment center with large, flat screen TV, media hub for internet access, iPod, movies on demand and more
– Complimentary internet
– Mini refrigerators stocked with bottled water which is replenished daily
– Coffee maker and Kona Blend coffee service
– Locked safe for valuables
– Robes and slippers
– Iron and ironing board
– Hair dryer
– We can’t forget the best bath amenities: L’Occitane shampoo, conditioner, soaps, and body lotion.

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Overall, our stay was incredible! This room, Ocean Front Deluxe at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, in particular, starts around $900 but this one specifically runs at $1000 a night, more info here. The views, amenities, food, and beach are once in a lifetime things to see and do.