Originally Posted by jtkauai (Post 7476189)

Did I say Hapuna?!

Beach is one of the best in Hawaii (actually hotel is too). Perfect location.

Originally Posted by gregorygrady (Post 7475794)

Do you mean the "condos" at Mauna Lani or the "Bungalows"? Big difference!! The Bungalows are like $4k a night if I'm not mistaken. There are only like 4 of them at the Mauna Lani hotel and they have a private entrance and are basically like private residences. The condos are probably much cheaper than that (but still not as cheap as regular Mauna Lani Bay Hotel rooms) and have the separate "private" (if you can call it that) beach area and restaurant/clubhouse. I highly doubt either of them have any priviledges at Four Seasons. Four Seasons is nowhere near the Mauna Lani. Maybe you mean Fairmont Orchid?

Originally Posted by brendamc (Post 7489015)

Kona Village Resort beats them all, by far - for casualness, friendliness of staff, incredible views, accomodations, nice beach, true Hawaiian atmosphere, not a contrived concrete jungle. I've stayed in or visited all of the other ones you mention. Their rates may be higher, but keep in mind, ALL meals (and they are good & a la carte at breakfast & dinner) and ALL activities (except scuba diving I think) are included at KVR. One of the most romantic places on earth. The beachfront bungalows with jacuzzis on the lanais are incredible!

Originally Posted by brendamc (Post 7489015)

Kona Village Resort beats them all, by far - for casualness, friendliness of staff, incredible views, accomodations, nice beach, true Hawaiian atmosphere, not a contrived concrete jungle. I've stayed in or visited all of the other ones you mention. Their rates may be higher, but keep in mind, ALL meals (and they are good & a la carte at breakfast & dinner) and ALL activities (except scuba diving I think) are included at KVR. One of the most romantic places on earth. The beachfront bungalows with jacuzzis on the lanais are incredible!

Originally Posted by Medora626 (Post 7473369)

Hi everyone! I'm planning a 5 or 6 day trip to the Big Island for bf and myself and I think I've got most of the trip planned out. I was hoping someone could help with suggestions for hotels on the Kohala coast.

We'll be flying in to Hilo early AM and renting a car from the airport. We'll explore the Hilo area for the morning, then we're on to Volcanoes National Park for a couple of days of hiking. After that we'll spend a day in and near Kona and then we'd like to spend 2 or 3 days on the Kohala Coast unwinding before returning to Hilo.

Ideally, I'd like to stay near Hapuna beach (or another beautiful and easily accessible beach along the Kohala coast) and the Hapuna Beach Prince hotel would be the most convenient beach in terms of distance. However, I've read that scruffy people (such as bf and myself - jeans and t-shirts prevail!) might feel uncomfortable in the Hapuna Beach Prince since resort wear is the standard at that hotel and while there's no enforced dress code, most people tend to follow that trend. Is this true?

Any opinions on the following hotels in terms of beach convenience and relaxed comfort and price?

1) Hapuna Beach Prince hotel
2) Mauna Lani Bay resort
3) Hilton Waikoloa Village
4) Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort
5) Outrigger Fairway Villas

Mahalo for your kokua!