Mauna Lani vs. Mauna Kea
May 24, 2022, 10:33 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Bainbridge Island, WA
Posts: 8,965
Mauna Lani vs. Mauna Kea
I need advice.
3 couples, elderly, heading to Hawaii in November for 10 days. Flying private, money is not a consideration here.
A Big Island resident who we know has suggested either of these two hotels. She likes the Kea, her husband likes the Lani. We like quiet, good food, and beauty. The time is for good friends to catch up who haven't seen each other in a few years. Probably not much exploration due to minor mobility issues.
Which one. I am leaning towards the Kea.......
Thanks.
3 couples, elderly, heading to Hawaii in November for 10 days. Flying private, money is not a consideration here.
A Big Island resident who we know has suggested either of these two hotels. She likes the Kea, her husband likes the Lani. We like quiet, good food, and beauty. The time is for good friends to catch up who haven't seen each other in a few years. Probably not much exploration due to minor mobility issues.
Which one. I am leaning towards the Kea.......
Thanks.
May 24, 2022, 1:18 pm
#2
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Kamuela, HI
Programs: AA-Plat
Posts: 462
If it is between the two, personally, we prefer the grounds at the Mauna Lani. The extensive remodel is beautiful and we also prefer CanoeHouse to Manta for dining. The beach at Mauna Kea is better than Mauna Lani since it does not have a coral entry. It all depends what you want to do during your stay.
If money is not a consideration, I would recommend the Four Seasons Hualalai. Beautiful property, redesigned rooms and great restaurants.
If money is not a consideration, I would recommend the Four Seasons Hualalai. Beautiful property, redesigned rooms and great restaurants.
May 25, 2022, 7:01 pm
#3
Join Date: Nov 1999
Location: SoCal; DO-RAGS: Old Gold tagged, PIP, LatPass 1/2, AA 4MM, HH LT Diamond, Marriott Titanium/LT Plat, Omni
Posts: 9,180
A first world problem to be sure. Having stayed at the Lani when youngish and the Kea when oldish, I’d lean towards the Kea for anyone elderly. First, it’s an older crowd that is staying and there will likely be less children. Also, the mid-century architectural grandeur could be a welcome nostalgic throw back and (if I project 20 years ahead) trumps the admittedly better Lani pool, right off the beach snorkeling and grounds. The Kea’s art collection (and they should take the docent led tour) is another plus. If the Kea, I’d try to park the oldsters on the same level as check in and not too far out on the wings.
Last edited by Jailer; May 25, 2022 at 8:47 pm
May 26, 2022, 12:18 am
#4
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Kamuela, HI
Programs: AA-Plat
Posts: 462
A first world problem to be sure. Having stayed at the Lani when youngish and the Kea when oldish, I’d lean towards the Kea for anyone elderly. First, it’s an older crowd that is staying and there will likely be less children. Also, the mid-century architectural grandeur could be a welcome nostalgic throw back and (if I project 20 years ahead) trumps the admittedly better Lani pool, right off the beach snorkeling and grounds. The Kea’s art collection (and they should take the docent led tour) is another plus. If the Kea, I’d try to park the oldsters on the same level as check in and not too far out on the wings.
And you are correct, first world problem. Any choice would land you at a beautiful resort with great service.
May 26, 2022, 5:38 am
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Bainbridge Island, WA
Posts: 8,965
FWIW....We opted for the Mauna Lani. We needed 4 rooms and they made us a nice offer for 4 top floor ocean front rooms, breakfast and a generous resort credit per room. We looked into the 4 Seasons but it would have been twice as expensive with no perks...so I guess in the end...money WAS a consideration for us. We are going for a bit longer than I would like (10 days) but you can't beat the method of transportation and I have no say in that as I am not the host.
May 26, 2022, 5:10 pm
#6
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: SF Bay Area
Programs: None - previously UA
Posts: 4,867
Sorry to disagree with your assessment. If you have not been to the Mauna Lani since they refurbished the entire resort when Auberge took over, I would not rule it out since they now have an adult pool, a family pool and and keiki pool in addition to the beautiful fitness center and lap pool. The residences that were built on the Westin Hapuna site next to resort, have been a detriment to the feel that the properties once enjoyed. I understand the mid-century nostalgia but it just feels worn next to the refurbished Mauna Lani and Hualalai.
And you are correct, first world problem. Any choice would land you at a beautiful resort with great service.
And you are correct, first world problem. Any choice would land you at a beautiful resort with great service.
May 26, 2022, 8:01 pm
#7
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Kamuela, HI
Programs: AA-Plat
Posts: 462
May 30, 2022, 11:18 am
#8
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: New York / Hawaii
Programs: UA Global Services, HH Diamond
Posts: 5,178
I think you made the right choice if you have mobility concerns since it's much easier to get around the resort and the beach with limited/no steps at the Mauna Lani over the Mauna Kea. Same is true of the eateries. Plus you will fall in love with CanoeHouse
May 30, 2022, 8:17 pm
#9
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Kamuela, HI
Programs: AA-Plat
Posts: 462
CanoeHouse inspired me to try my hand at making Shokupan, our favorite bread to sop up the sauce from their fish entrees. The corn ribs are our mainstay appetizer, and of course, the incredible fried rice.
May 31, 2022, 11:45 am
#10
Join Date: Nov 1999
Location: SoCal; DO-RAGS: Old Gold tagged, PIP, LatPass 1/2, AA 4MM, HH LT Diamond, Marriott Titanium/LT Plat, Omni
Posts: 9,180
Gosh, I’m fully convinced by y’all and have marked the second week of February 2043 as “return to Mauna Lani” on my calendar.
May 31, 2022, 12:41 pm
#11
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Bainbridge Island, WA
Posts: 8,965
May 31, 2022, 2:03 pm
#12
Join Date: Nov 1999
Location: SoCal; DO-RAGS: Old Gold tagged, PIP, LatPass 1/2, AA 4MM, HH LT Diamond, Marriott Titanium/LT Plat, Omni
Posts: 9,180
Jul 28, 2022, 6:30 pm
#13
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: SFO / Hawaii / Northern MN
Programs: Catered by me instead of FBO (semi retired)
Posts: 921
As someone who has frequented both properties. Hands down for F&B and general atmosphere Mauna Lani is superb, but the beach at Mauna Kea is amazing. I'd pick Mauna Lani over Mauna Kea 10/10 times. I really never cared for FS -- the resort there (ironically) felt too artificial. The best food on the Island in my opinion is at the Mauna Lani. Mauna Kea's restaurant was just meh, and the drinks there were all too sugary. The GM at the Mauna Lani is top notch, but you really can't go wrong with either resort.
I might be the only person (and I love dough) who thought the shokapan was, "okay." The food at canoehouse really is spectacular...
I might be the only person (and I love dough) who thought the shokapan was, "okay." The food at canoehouse really is spectacular...
Jul 28, 2022, 8:02 pm
#14
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Bainbridge Island, WA
Posts: 8,965
As someone who has frequented both properties. Hands down for F&B and general atmosphere Mauna Lani is superb, but the beach at Mauna Kea is amazing. I'd pick Mauna Lani over Mauna Kea 10/10 times. I really never cared for FS -- the resort there (ironically) felt too artificial. The best food on the Island in my opinion is at the Mauna Lani. Mauna Kea's restaurant was just meh, and the drinks there were all too sugary. The GM at the Mauna Lani is top notch, but you really can't go wrong with either resort.
I might be the only person (and I love dough) who thought the shokapan was, "okay." The food at canoehouse really is spectacular...
I might be the only person (and I love dough) who thought the shokapan was, "okay." The food at canoehouse really is spectacular...
