Hawaii Luxury Hotels
Feb 9, 2021, 8:58 am
#76
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Canada
Programs: Virtuoso TA, Four Seasons Pref Partner, Rosewood Elite TA, Ritz Carlton STARS TA
Posts: 4,737
Feb 9, 2021, 9:50 am
#77
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: ORD
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 4,219
When looking at Hualalai vs Mauna Lani, the FS didn’t really seem much better to me - and for my specific dates, Mauna Lani was half the price. I couldn’t ignore that and booked Mauna Lani.
Feb 9, 2021, 10:51 am
#78
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Canada
Programs: Virtuoso TA, Four Seasons Pref Partner, Rosewood Elite TA, Ritz Carlton STARS TA
Posts: 4,737
Mauna Lani will always be less costly than Hualalai.... but to be able to go, for example, at Easter to Hualalai in 2021 vs costing for same trip in 2019 its very, i guess interesting is the right word. If the pundits are to be believed this pricing opportunity won't be present in 2022.
Feb 9, 2021, 11:53 am
#79
Join Date: May 2001
Location: The Wild West
Posts: 1,334
I have not stayed at Hualalai or the Mauna Lani but I visited both last month when I was staying at the Mauna Kea.
I really do not understand the appeal of Hualalai. The buildings look like other Four Seasons resorts (i.e., you could be anywhere). As others have mentioned, there is no real beach. The service is probably better than any other hotel on the Big Island and the food venues are good, but it's a sprawling resort with cookie cutter buildings. I would also note that Hualalai is the only property I visited while on the Big Island that did not ask about symptoms/take a temperature at the gate. I visited twice. My temperature was taken at the restaurant the time I went for dinner.
Mauna Lani has been very nicely renovated, although to me it looked like someone visited the Andaz on Maui and told their contractors to just copy what they had seen there. There are a few good restaurants. I dined at Canoe House and enjoyed the tasting menu. Walking around Mauna Lani at night, it felt totally soulless. Both Hualalai and Mauna Kea had more going on (or at least seemed to have more going on) in the evenings.
My family has been visiting the Mauna Kea for years. I know that people have different views on the building, the decor in the rooms and the laid back service. To me, the hotel represents exactly what I want out of a Hawaiian vacation. I have not been to any other hotel in Hawaii that has the same sense of aloha, coupled with amazing views and a stunning beach. We also quite enjoy the SOM building, the historic art collection and the deluxe rooms with two balconies and large bathrooms with a view.
I really do not understand the appeal of Hualalai. The buildings look like other Four Seasons resorts (i.e., you could be anywhere). As others have mentioned, there is no real beach. The service is probably better than any other hotel on the Big Island and the food venues are good, but it's a sprawling resort with cookie cutter buildings. I would also note that Hualalai is the only property I visited while on the Big Island that did not ask about symptoms/take a temperature at the gate. I visited twice. My temperature was taken at the restaurant the time I went for dinner.
Mauna Lani has been very nicely renovated, although to me it looked like someone visited the Andaz on Maui and told their contractors to just copy what they had seen there. There are a few good restaurants. I dined at Canoe House and enjoyed the tasting menu. Walking around Mauna Lani at night, it felt totally soulless. Both Hualalai and Mauna Kea had more going on (or at least seemed to have more going on) in the evenings.
My family has been visiting the Mauna Kea for years. I know that people have different views on the building, the decor in the rooms and the laid back service. To me, the hotel represents exactly what I want out of a Hawaiian vacation. I have not been to any other hotel in Hawaii that has the same sense of aloha, coupled with amazing views and a stunning beach. We also quite enjoy the SOM building, the historic art collection and the deluxe rooms with two balconies and large bathrooms with a view.
Feb 9, 2021, 12:02 pm
#80
Join Date: Feb 2003
Programs: UA1K, *G & Wife of UA1K MM
Posts: 3,432
Congrats!
The FS Hualalai isn't new to this forum but the recent renovation has been well received.
Had 3 sets of clients visit post renovation and all shared positive feedback. The new pool at King's Pond is just a great addition.
Con remains that the beach is not swimming friendly. But the daily sunbathing sea turtles makes up for a bit of it
Have seen many visit the new Mauna Lani and like it. But FS Hualalai seems more special to me.
When I visited Hualalai, I really liked it but thought the rooms were beyond ready for a renovation. Now that's come true, plan to return for a visit this year.
The FS Hualalai isn't new to this forum but the recent renovation has been well received.
Had 3 sets of clients visit post renovation and all shared positive feedback. The new pool at King's Pond is just a great addition.
Con remains that the beach is not swimming friendly. But the daily sunbathing sea turtles makes up for a bit of it
Have seen many visit the new Mauna Lani and like it. But FS Hualalai seems more special to me.
When I visited Hualalai, I really liked it but thought the rooms were beyond ready for a renovation. Now that's come true, plan to return for a visit this year.
Feb 10, 2021, 10:36 am
#82
formerly htang333
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Wi-Fi
Programs: Virtuoso, Top Ranked: Four Seasons (Top 25 Advisor), AMAN (Top 50), Rosewood, Hyatt Prive, etc.
Posts: 1,455
Feb 10, 2021, 11:18 am
#83
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: La Jolla, California
Programs: KrisFlyer Gold, SWA CP
Posts: 1,123
Did Cisco do the buyout first week of December in 2020?
Last edited by mike_la_jolla; Feb 10, 2021 at 11:36 am Reason: Added resort to clarify which Hawaii resort we are talking about.
Feb 11, 2021, 9:47 am
#85
Join Date: Feb 2003
Programs: UA1K, *G & Wife of UA1K MM
Posts: 3,432
Feb 13, 2021, 6:28 pm
#88
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Hawaii & Texas
Programs: AA ExPlat / LT Plat / 3MM, Delta Plat, Bonvoy LT Titanium, HH Diamond
Posts: 1,109
I have not stayed at Hualalai or the Mauna Lani but I visited both last month when I was staying at the Mauna Kea.
I really do not understand the appeal of Hualalai. The buildings look like other Four Seasons resorts (i.e., you could be anywhere). As others have mentioned, there is no real beach. The service is probably better than any other hotel on the Big Island and the food venues are good, but it's a sprawling resort with cookie cutter buildings. I would also note that Hualalai is the only property I visited while on the Big Island that did not ask about symptoms/take a temperature at the gate. I visited twice. My temperature was taken at the restaurant the time I went for dinner.
Mauna Lani has been very nicely renovated, although to me it looked like someone visited the Andaz on Maui and told their contractors to just copy what they had seen there. There are a few good restaurants. I dined at Canoe House and enjoyed the tasting menu. Walking around Mauna Lani at night, it felt totally soulless. Both Hualalai and Mauna Kea had more going on (or at least seemed to have more going on) in the evenings.
My family has been visiting the Mauna Kea for years. I know that people have different views on the building, the decor in the rooms and the laid back service. To me, the hotel represents exactly what I want out of a Hawaiian vacation. I have not been to any other hotel in Hawaii that has the same sense of aloha, coupled with amazing views and a stunning beach. We also quite enjoy the SOM building, the historic art collection and the deluxe rooms with two balconies and large bathrooms with a view.
I really do not understand the appeal of Hualalai. The buildings look like other Four Seasons resorts (i.e., you could be anywhere). As others have mentioned, there is no real beach. The service is probably better than any other hotel on the Big Island and the food venues are good, but it's a sprawling resort with cookie cutter buildings. I would also note that Hualalai is the only property I visited while on the Big Island that did not ask about symptoms/take a temperature at the gate. I visited twice. My temperature was taken at the restaurant the time I went for dinner.
Mauna Lani has been very nicely renovated, although to me it looked like someone visited the Andaz on Maui and told their contractors to just copy what they had seen there. There are a few good restaurants. I dined at Canoe House and enjoyed the tasting menu. Walking around Mauna Lani at night, it felt totally soulless. Both Hualalai and Mauna Kea had more going on (or at least seemed to have more going on) in the evenings.
My family has been visiting the Mauna Kea for years. I know that people have different views on the building, the decor in the rooms and the laid back service. To me, the hotel represents exactly what I want out of a Hawaiian vacation. I have not been to any other hotel in Hawaii that has the same sense of aloha, coupled with amazing views and a stunning beach. We also quite enjoy the SOM building, the historic art collection and the deluxe rooms with two balconies and large bathrooms with a view.
Feb 16, 2021, 12:47 pm
#89
Join Date: May 2001
Location: The Wild West
Posts: 1,334
Do you have any status with Marriott that would sway you, such as an upgrade to the deluxe room or is everything the same across the board? I'm looking to book for my son and his new bride, for their honeymoon. I have lifetime Platinum Status with Marriott but it should have been Titanium (long story) so I'm looking to book them at Hua'lalai or Mauna Kea. Summer rates are $1,500 a night for Hua'lalai and $900 or so for Mauna Lani. I did enjoy the Mauna Kea back when it was Rock Resorts, is it still good as a Prince Resorts now Marriott property?
May 30, 2021, 8:41 pm
#90
Join Date: May 2005
Location: SEA
Programs: AS; Hyatt Globalist; Hilton Gold; NEXUS
Posts: 979
I thought I'd add some data points on luxury properties mentioned in this thread as we've been to Hawaii twice in the last 6 months...
Hotel Wailea: We stayed here for 5 nights about a week and a half ago. It's a Relais & Chateaux, adults only property. For my money, this place is better than the Four Seasons, Kea Lani, or the Andaz as long as beachfront isn't a hard requirement for you. The units themselves are exceptionally well appointed and large but I'm going to heap praise on the pool scene. It is very quiet - in addition to being open 24 hours, with first come-first served cabanas that are included in the resort fee. Lounge chairs were available at all hours of the day. The bar staff was exceptional, always on top of things and the drinks themselves were the right mix of boozy and sweet. The two Tesla Model X'es will take you down to any of the Wailea resorts with near instant responsiveness for pickups, and they also provide beach shuttle service. Nothing like rolling up to the Four Seasons in a black Model X with the winged doors opening - you'll get jealous glances from guests there! Your folio grants you charging privileges at the Grand Wailea while you're down on the beach (although we did not take advantage of this). My recommendation here would be to get a garden view room - these aren't on the main road and are further up the hill, putting you closer to the pool and your car.
Lodge at Kukui'ula: This is a Destinations Resort under the Hyatt umbrella in the Poipu area of Kauai. We stayed 10 nights here back in November. It's a hybrid residential/rental community where select bungalows/units are owned/operated by the lodge. The bungalows are really well done. We booked the base room, and ours appeared nearly brand new. It had a full kitchen, an outdoor lava rock shower right off the bathroom, and a huge lanai that overlooked the golf course. You get access to the members club, including the pool, restaurant, ability to book golf tee times, etc. There were numerous service lapses during our time, including an inability to formally check out! Their "front desk" is closed on Mondays during COVID... we had to ask one of the gardeners what to do as they were the only staff member we could find. Hopefully these lapses have been remedied since.
Hotel Wailea: We stayed here for 5 nights about a week and a half ago. It's a Relais & Chateaux, adults only property. For my money, this place is better than the Four Seasons, Kea Lani, or the Andaz as long as beachfront isn't a hard requirement for you. The units themselves are exceptionally well appointed and large but I'm going to heap praise on the pool scene. It is very quiet - in addition to being open 24 hours, with first come-first served cabanas that are included in the resort fee. Lounge chairs were available at all hours of the day. The bar staff was exceptional, always on top of things and the drinks themselves were the right mix of boozy and sweet. The two Tesla Model X'es will take you down to any of the Wailea resorts with near instant responsiveness for pickups, and they also provide beach shuttle service. Nothing like rolling up to the Four Seasons in a black Model X with the winged doors opening - you'll get jealous glances from guests there! Your folio grants you charging privileges at the Grand Wailea while you're down on the beach (although we did not take advantage of this). My recommendation here would be to get a garden view room - these aren't on the main road and are further up the hill, putting you closer to the pool and your car.
Lodge at Kukui'ula: This is a Destinations Resort under the Hyatt umbrella in the Poipu area of Kauai. We stayed 10 nights here back in November. It's a hybrid residential/rental community where select bungalows/units are owned/operated by the lodge. The bungalows are really well done. We booked the base room, and ours appeared nearly brand new. It had a full kitchen, an outdoor lava rock shower right off the bathroom, and a huge lanai that overlooked the golf course. You get access to the members club, including the pool, restaurant, ability to book golf tee times, etc. There were numerous service lapses during our time, including an inability to formally check out! Their "front desk" is closed on Mondays during COVID... we had to ask one of the gardeners what to do as they were the only staff member we could find. Hopefully these lapses have been remedied since.