This was my 5th time to the big island but first time staying at Mauna Kea. I always wanted to stay at the former Rockresort because I have read about its storied history and magnificent beach. The grounds are lovely and the building design is magnificent. Unfortunately it has become very drab and weathered in appearance and the whole structure needs an update like it’s sister hotel, Hapuana Westin. We actually spent more time in the outdoor facilities at the Westin because they were so much nicer. As a Mauna Kea guest you can travel between facilities and it’s a 15 minute walk or 5 minute jitney.

Our room was an amazing ocean front deluxe room. I loved the huge bathroom with shower looking out to the beach and a private bathroom balcony. Best views are high floor and corner room.

There is no evening turn down service which one would expect for the money you are paying. Very nice l’octaine toiletries. Prior reviews mention mold in showers and dirty linen; we did not have this problem. The rooms were very clean however very dated. Wood finish is in dire need of refinishing. The lighting is modern, though and the ginormous walk-in closet is great.

I give the resort 3 stars because it’s service is what is lacking. At the pool and the beach no one helps you with towels or umbrellas. It’s all self serve which again is ridiculous for the “ritz” prices you are paying. Meals had disorganized service. Often had to wait a long time to get a seat and a ridiculous amount of time to get food.
The concierge were all great as was the front desk.

I truly hope Mauna Kea gets a face lift- if so I would give it another try.

Just returned from a weekend at the Mauna Kea, first since COVID. I'm lived here on the Big Island for five years and frequented all the resort hotels at one time or another, many multiple times. So my views at what constitutes a five star experience may be different than yours as will my criticisms which are not so much about the hotels here as they are about ... you!

We stayed golf side in a deluxe room and dined at Manta, Copper Bar and the beachside cafe. Also had a bite or two from their gift shop. Didn't make use of any of the spa, workout room, etc this trip. And bottom line is that we'll be back because this may now be our favorite place if we can get a reasonable rate.

For us, the perfection of this resort was that we could spend all day at one of the most beautiful beaches on this planet. Crystal clear water, sand beneath your feet from your dreams, incandescent sunsets. Glorious.

The room was everything you'd expect and not the focus of our trip. Good products, AC worked, nice lanai, clean, bed a little soft and way too big pillows but we know to bring our own, mattresses with divots from past guests ... but still fine.

So I give this a five star for decent room, ok food, and spectacular beach which is what we came for. So what's the rub? Why not just leave it at that??

There is a discernable lack of respect from some visitors that is rather unfortunate. I've seen this at other hotels and cannot blame the Mauna Kea management. But watching a group of loud 20 somethings take their bar beverages onto the beach (pointedly ignoring the signs that say not do this) then into the ocean and discard the plastic cups in the ocean was heartbreaking. Cigarette butts on the trail between Manua Kea and Hapuna (which by the way is lovely if a bit rocky in the morning and recommended for a nice stretch), the claiming of beach chairs as described in other reports, and an almost in your face entitlement you'd see with some of the young families daring you to say something about their intrusiveness. But again, none of this attitude is the hotel's fault or particular to this property. It abounds.

Couple more comments and this is not a dig at the hotel but just how it is. The food is not going to win an award. Manta had seared Ahi that had chilled to room temperature by the time it arrived and a weird combination of mashed potatoes with mac nut crusted tasteless Mahi Mahi. No passion or love, just feed the hoards I guess. Dinner at Copper Bar was actually a bit better. Enjoyed the bacon bomb that was the scallops and risotto. Wife's sushi was just ok. Beach restaurant was nice because you knew it was not pretentious and delivered on filling you up with a gorgeous view. So if you have realistic expectations on the food it's ok. Although ... we spent all day on the lawn in a cabana and were promised there was service for meals or drinks. Nope. That's ok, I know you are short staffed but just don't lie about this.

Another unfortunate thing ... I overheard a hotel sponsored tour where the non-Hawaiian person was telling the group that before Rockefeller, who she said was such a generous guy, built the hotel there were only goats and lava at the site. Sigh. No. That isn't true. Take the trail I mentioned earlier and see the neglected signs about the archeological ruins. That one is on you Mauna Kea. Just prepare a recorded tour of the hotel and art we can download that is properly curated please.

Oh, and if you do take that trail, and come across some cigarette butts, maybe consider picking them up and tossing them in the trash later. You won't get sick or anything. I promise.