Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Autograph Collection

First off, we lived on the Big Island for many years, and enjoyed visiting the resort - eating at the Hau Tree to enjoy sunsets, Manta for brunches, doing the nighttime manta ray snorkel, and getting access to Mauumae Beach! We decided to come back to Big Island for vacation and do some of the favorite things. Booked a manta ray snorkel with the beach club and thought we could enjoy a lovely dinner, some wine, and watch the sunset but nooooo! Uncle at the guard station said the restaurants are only available to guests of the hotel and we would have to come back closer to the time of our manta ray snorkeling reservation. We asked uncle what time we could arrive another day and get a pass for Mauumae Beach and were told the bridge burnt down in the fire and the only access is from Spencers Beach (a long and hot walk!). Thinking we would just try to ask if we could get a pass to the beach - which they have to allow locals and visitors to use we were promptly told it was full and to please turn around and come back later near our appointment time. Pun intended, but it left a very salty taste in my mouth. We ended up going to the Kawaihae Seafood Bar instead. Upon returning closer to our manta ray snorkeling reservation, were let in, went down to the Hau Tree restaurant and not really surprising, found there were 13 tables open, plenty of staff standing around, and 2 bar tenders tending to two people sitting at the bar. We walked up to Auntie and were asked if we had a reservation and were guests of the hotel. To which we explained we were there for the manta rat snorkeling, and she said there is no availability. Huh? I can get during Covid and right after there being a shortage of staff, but this was an entirely new level. Either the resort is making so much money they dont have to cater to outside guests or management is creating an entire High maka maka mentality. In short, we will not be returning to do the night snorkel with manta rays again even though it is the best option available on the island. And will gladly go spend our money at resorts and restaurants that are much friendlier and inviting.
Apr 8th, 2024

To add to recent reviews regarding access. I made a special trip from Kona to visit the hotel, not the beach, and was turned away. I told the person at the gate I was going to visit the hotel only. She's a very abrupt and rude lady, not someone I'd want being the first point of contact at my business. My brother's family was let in not 2 hours earlier. Don't know what to think.
Apr 7th, 2024

Apr 1st, 2024

The resort is basically the Mauna Kea Beach mafia. The security guard will tell you its a private beach or that the beach is closed, (tried to bring my folks to an Easter weekend dinner and even the restaurants were closed on a holiday weekend ) then once you let them know that beaches in Hawaii are open to the public by law and ask them why they wont let you down, they change their tune and make up some lies about parking being full or not having any available. As you enter the resort, the little wood signs even say PUBLIC PARKING with arrows towards the beach, so I guess they get around the law by lying and then posting this? The parking lot attendant told us we can park off site and enter by walking to the beach, but then they have signs about No Walking On Roadway, do with that what you will but also, make it make sense? We were coming for the FREE PUBLIC manta talk on Mondays and Wednesdays , guess that doesnt exist either. Save your energy, junk beach, even worse hotel with the worst staff I have ever seen in Hawaii. The opposite definition of Mahalo. $1200 for a room? A JOKE - The 4 Seasons was insanely gorgeous and have a 1000% open Public Beach and its gorgeous - the Outrigger also has a Public Beach near the Manta tours and its so accessible and easy to find, the way it should be. Nearby activities: Security shacks that will harass you for wanting to enjoy a beach. Walkability: Walk in from the road and access the beach, thats allowed via their parking lot attendant! Noteworthy details: Privatizing beaches in Hawaii is illegal. The energy here is horrible.
Apr 1st, 2024

Rooms: Outstanding!! Safety: Felt very safe here! Food & drinks: Everything is great
Mar 27th, 2024