Mauna Kea has a classic, rustic atmosphere with friendly staff, a family-friendly atmosphere, and access to fantastic beaches, but on the pricier side of things. The Mauna Lani, in contrast, is modern, with high-end amenities and upgraded services that cater to a more party-focused crowd!
Finding the right hotel in Hawaii can be an uphill climb, especially with all the choices available. However, the Mauna Lani and Mauna Kea are two very good choices in two distinct budgets, styles, and amenities.
In this article, we dive deep into the technicalities of both hotels to find out which one is the clear winner. That said, let’s begin!
Mauna Lani vs. Mauna Kea: Quick Comparison
Before we dive deep into the details, let’s into some key elements of the Mauna Lanu and Mauna Kea. keep in mind that unlike IHG vs Mariott only one of them is owned by a hotel chain.
| Factor | Mauna Lani | Mauna Kea |
| Location | Kohala Coast, 30 minutes from the Kona International Airport | Kohala Coast, 30 minutes from the Kona International Airport |
| Commute | Car rides, public transport | Car Rides, public transport |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair-friendly, has enough elevators and ramps | Wheelchair friendly |
| Rooms | Oceanfront suites, villas, general rooms | Oceanview and beachfront rooms, luxurious suites |
| Dining | Signature restaurant offering Pacific cuisine | Various dining options |
| Pool | Adult and children pool | Large swimming pool with hot tub |
| Amenities | Fitness center, lap pools, spa and wellness services | Fitness center |
| Beach access | Rocky Beach with warm waters | Close to Mauna kea beach |
| Cost per Night | Starts at $328/night | Starts at $699/night |
In short, this is a quick comparison between Mauna Lani and Mauna Kea. Now. let’s get into the details!
Detailed Comparison of Mauna Lani vs. Mauna Kea
Now that we’ve discussed the basics, let’s get into the details! We’ve discussed the article into a few key factors to help you understand better. These include the rooms, cost, and other factors!
Rooms
Mauna Lani features a more modern aesthetic, while Mauna Kea is more rustic and old-school. But the rooms are similar in features.
Mauna Lani offers a wider range of room categories, including oceanfront suites and villas, providing spacious and comfortable accommodations with modern amenities and stunning views, while Mauna Kea Beach Hotel offers luxurious suites and beachfront rooms with timeless elegance and mid-century architectural grandeur.
Moreover, some aspects of Mauna Kea’s rooms may feel a bit older, but guests often appreciate the nostalgia and charm they offer, complemented by an impressive art collection
In terms of rooms, their comparison is very similar to that of Sheraton Waikiki vs Hilton Heritage
Food and Dining
Both resorts offer excellent food and beverage services, but Mauna Lani stands out for its Pacific Rim cuisine and diverse dining options, while Mauna Kea’s Manta restaurant offers seafood excellence in a beachfront setting.
Mauna Lani’s CanoeHouse offers Pacific Rim cuisine with ocean views, while Mauna Kea’s Manta features seafood specialties in an open-air ambiance. Mauna Lani has diverse dining options, including oceanfront and poolside restaurants.
On the other hand, Mauna Kea has a variety of flavors. Mauna Lani emphasizes farm-to-table and locally sourced ingredients, while Mauna Kea allows guests to enjoy meals with the sound of waves as their backdrop.
Amenities and Services
Mauna Lani and Mauna Kea hotels offer an array of amenities, including pools, spa services, unique entertainment, and golf experiences, ensuring a memorable Hawaiian vacation.
Mauna Lani’s newly refreshed resort, compact layout, and modern fitness center cater to those seeking contemporary amenities. In contrast, Mauna Kea exudes classic mid-century charm, with a stunning art collection and unique entertainment options like luaus and manta ray swims.
While Mauna Lani offers a contemporary gym experience, Mauna Kea stands out with its outdoor fitness area shaded by a canopy. Both hotels grant golf enthusiasts access to world-class courses; Mauna Lani Golf offers two championship courses with stunning views, and Mauna Kea Golf Course features ocean-view fairways.
Spa treatments and diverse activities round out the Hawaiian getaway experience at both resorts.
Entertainment
Mauna Lani and Mauna Kea hotels offer diverse entertainment options, from Polynesian luaus and stargazing to manta ray swims and live Hawaiian music.
Mauna Lani sets the stage for a vibrant Polynesian luau experience, featuring traditional music and dance performances that immerse visitors in Hawaiian culture. Additionally, the resort hosts stargazing events, allowing guests to marvel at the island’s clear night skies while learning about celestial wonders.
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, known for its classic charm, offers the unique opportunity to swim with manta rays, a captivating and surreal experience.
The resort also hosts Hawaiian music sessions at the Copper Bar, providing a laid-back atmosphere for guests to unwind and enjoy the island’s melodies. Both hotels create unforgettable moments, whether it’s through cultural immersion or encounters with marine life, ensuring guests have a truly memorable stay on the Big Island of Hawaii.
Furthermore, Mauna Lani boasts easy access to its own rocky beach, offering warm waters and a relaxed atmosphere. In contrast, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel sits on the renowned Mauna Kea Beach, celebrated for its soft, powdery sands and excellent swimming conditions.
You’ll get the best beach experience here just like Hyatt Riviera Maya and Cancun
Verdict
Considering both places, each has its own unique features and benefits. However, the ultimate decision rests upon you.
Travelers seeking modern amenities, a compact layout, and a vibrant Polynesian luau should consider Mauna Lani. This resort offers a contemporary experience with stargazing events under clear night skies.
For those captivated by classic charm and unique experiences, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel is the choice. Swim with manta rays, enjoy laid-back Hawaiian music sessions, and immerse yourself in the island’s culture. Both hotels offer unforgettable moments, catering to diverse preferences on Hawaii’s Big Island.
Conclusion
Finding the right hotel is an uphill climb. There are a lot of choices and features that you need to look into based on your preferences. Mauna Lani and Mauna Kea are two of the most loved hotels in Hawaii and for the right reasons!
To help you plan your visit, we discussed all you need to know about the two hotels. We hope you found this article useful!
