Hawaii - Big Island - Marriott or Hapuna Prince?

Going to be there for three nights in early December, and cannot decide between the two. Prices are identical for an oceanview room. Seems that Hapuna Prince is a bit more remote than the Marriott...but since I've never been to either, it's hard to decide. Any help will be appreciated!

I haven't stayed at the Marriot, but I have had a 5 night stay at the Hapuna prince. I love the Hapuna Prince hotel for it's spectacular location on one of the world's best beaches, however, it doesn't please everyone. The service is a bit spotty, the dining choices are limited and I have heard a lot of complaints about the non ocean front rooms.

When we were there the hotel had a surprisingly quiet/empty feel despite being at 90% occupancy (according to front desk). I liked that. We never had a problem getting a beach lounge/umbrella or had to wait for seating at breakfast or dinner. I am not fond of the Waikoloa are that the Marriot/Hilton area in, but many do like the nearness to shops/restaurants. The beach at the Marriot isn't on the same level at Hapuna. We generally left the Hapuna for several hours each day to explore Pauko, various valleys and less populated regions.

We stayed in an ocean front room through an Expedia package that combined airfare from Oahu. I have never been able to come close to matching that rate again, but am still planning another Hapuna stay next January.

Hapuna looked really nice, great beach, friendly people.

Thanks guys. I am concerned that it might be a bit too remote, that driving will be required to everything and everywhere. Not really a fan of the idea of being limited to just the hotel offerings in terms of food and drink.

I didnt like the idea of the Hilton - too many kids and Disney-landish kind of feel, from what I've read. But worried that being a drive from everywhere would make it difficult to get a tour to go to the Volcano Nation Park, etc.

Many tours will pick you up from your hotel. As far as going about on your own, if you have a car, of course, you can visit other nearby resorts (for overpriced meals), or go wherever you want (anywhere a tour will take you, except the mountain-top star gazing). Hapuna has an incomparable location. But it's not really "remote" in distance compared to other resorts, just restricted in amenities.
Waikoloa does have two small shopping centers, a fast-food court, several restaurants, and a small grocery (and an awesomely overpriced gas station).
But without a car, you'll be stuck there, too. So, if your main focus is a fabulous beach, Hapuna has it; Waikoloa (A-Bay) is nice though, and also has nice snorkeling.

I love the Big Island; it is possibly my favorite vacation spot. But, I would not vacation there without a rental car. Things are far apart and relying on tours to show you the sites isn't ideal on this islan. Outside of Kona and Hilo, where there is traffic, the driving is, in and of itself, a wonderful site seeing opportunity. If you are looking for a drive free vacation, I would choose Maui or Oahu rather than the Big Island.

Oh this won't be a drive-free vacation, there will of course be a rental car. Sylvia, what do you mean by restricted in amenities?

DeirdreTours, what was wrong with non ocean-front rooms? Do you know what the ocean-view rooms are like?

Thanks!

Since the OP will have a car, I'd say that the Hapuna Prince is a no-brainer. I've stayed in the non-ocean-view rooms on the ground floor, and I'd say their fine, but for the fact that they look out onto the back of another bank of rooms.

But I got that room for a ridiculous Priceline rate of under $100 a night a couple of years ago - and at that price, it was an absolute steal.

The Shops at Waikoloa are merely a 10 minute drive from Hapuna, and the town of Waimea is a 15 minute drive the other way. Frankly, staying in Waikoloa, you'll be MORE restricted to just the shops and dining options of Waikoloa than you will at Hapuna, IMHO.

I've stayed at both and hands down prefer the Hapuna Prince. Marriotts beach is junk as far as I'm concerned. The Prince has fantastic views from every public area, in case you get a garden view. Their food options are limited, but you'd end up driving into another resort or Kona anyway, so I think the extra 10 minute drive well worth it.

I too have stayed at both hotels. If the hotels were cars, the Marriott would be a "tinkertoy" Yugo, and the Hapuna Prince would be a a "loaded" Farrari. Have a rent car and really enjoy the Hapuna Prince.

By amenities, I meant nearby non-hotel shops, restaurants, fast-food chains, Starbucks, etc.
If I had a choice of location, Hapuna would be it, car or no car.
If you have a car, there's absolutely no question; it's even better for excursions because you don't have to go through Kona to get to places you'll want to visit.

DeirdreTours, what was wrong with non ocean-front rooms? Do you know what the ocean-view rooms are like?

Thanks!

I adore the ocean front rooms at the Hapuna and have never stayed in anything else there. But, I have read poor reviews of some non ocean front rooms with issues like poor maintainance, mildewy smell mention. BUT, I have never experienced those issues myself. I only mentioned those reviews because I didn't want to imply that all the rooms were fabulous, when I had only experienced one type.

On food, we usually stock up on wine, fruit and cheese for nibbling on the balcony at Costco and try to get a rate that includes breakfast. That leave us eating one quality meal per day at a restaurant (usually off resort, although the restaurant at Hapuna is ok and no more overpriced that the typical resort).

Since the OP will have a car, I'd say that the Hapuna Prince is a no-brainer. I've stayed in the non-ocean-view rooms on the ground floor, and I'd say their fine, but for the fact that they look out onto the back of another bank of rooms.

But I got that room for a ridiculous Priceline rate of under $100 a night a couple of years ago - and at that price, it was an absolute steal.

Identical experience here with Priceline. Not sure if they still do it but the Haupana and Mauna Kea are owned by the same company thus you get signing privileges at both resorts as well as complimentary transportation between the two. We went up to the MK for the day and enjoyed the beach and surroundings up there. As I recall we did not have to pay for parking either.

I've stayed at the Marriott 3 times and not had a bad stay. It is a nice property but I think the HP is a bit more 'Hawaiian.' I used to like to be close to the King's Shops but with a car they are a quick drive for supplies or a different choice of dining venues. There is nothing wrong with the beach at A-Bay but it certainly does not compare to Haupana.

Overall, if you want a bit more of an aloha experience go with the Haupana and just go into it knowing you may have to drive a bit to have some variety.

Just FYI, the Hapuna Prince charges for valet and self parking (and internet); but what resort there doesn't?

Is there any way to get out of/get the parking fee reduced? The parking fees are pretty silly, but I guess they are taking advantage of the captive audience.

I enrolled into the Prince Preferred and got the reduced room+breakfast buffet rate - better than the Marriott rate, so now that's definitely out. Had to call the hotel to make the reservation though as the website was not cooperating. What do you think would be a realistic Priceline rate for early December?

Also, for an extra 30 a night they can add a car (I would have to pay all the additional fees directly to Hertz though). Is it worth it, or would I do better by booking the car separately?

Thanks!!!

You can book a car for that amount right now on carrentals.com, no obligation, then keep checking for a better rate as you get closer.

I LOVE the Hapuna Prince -- amazing beach. Relaxing and quiet. But it is isolated and there are few dining options.

I also really like the Marriott -- have stayed there twice (not in an renovated room yet tho). While you can't compare the beach to the one at HP, it is GREAT that it does have a nice beach. The great thing is you can walk to shops & restaurants.

If it were strictly R&R, go relax @ the HP.

If you're doing other things and want multiple (more affordable) dining choices, then try the Marriott.