Caddy Corner

My two daughters and I spent five nights at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. I booked a 1 king golf vista room but applied nightly upgrade awards and was upgraded to a 1 king oceanfront deluxe with a walk in closet. The room was so awesome and the view was amazing. We loved using our screen door and listening to the ocean. The hotel and the grounds were incredible. Just beautiful and peaceful. I felt like I was living in a postcard. The beach was also amazing. There were plenty of chairs and umbrellas. Things like boogie boards, paddle boards, and snorkel gear were included. The water was crystal clear and there is even a small coral reef with some good snorkeling. At night, we could see Manta Rays from a viewing platform. The service was the best I have ever had experienced at a hotel. We stayed during the renovation, and, as a platinum Marriott member, our breakfasts were upgraded to the full buffet because of the renovation. Overall, this resort is a dream. We definitely want to come back!

The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort delivers exactly what you hope for in a Big Island getaway: direct access to one of the most beautiful white-sand beaches in Hawaii. Hapuna Beach is consistently ranked among the best in the U.S., and staying here means you're steps away from soft golden sand, calm turquoise waters (perfect for swimming or body-boarding), and breathtaking sunsets. The resort itself feels open, airy, and relaxing. The lobby is dramatic with sweeping ocean views, and the two pools are highlights — a large family-friendly freeform pool and a serene adults-only infinity pool overlooking the beach. Rooms are spacious, modern, and most offer private lanais with ocean or partial ocean views. Service is mostly warm and attentive, especially from the front desk and pool staff. We were welcomed with drinks and towels. What we loved most: - The unbeatable beach location and views - Spacious, clean rooms - Peaceful, laid-back vibe ideal for relaxation - Easy access to snorkeling right off the beach.

This was our second stay at this resort [Mauna Kea], this one post renovations. Beautiful views, and rooms were fantastic. I love the conservation efforts, we were given metal water bottles to use during our stay (and to take home) and there are filtered water taps in the rooms! Beach equipment is FREE to use for guests (snorkle gear, stand up paddleboards, surfboards, etc.). Beach is amazing - places to snorkel right there by the rocks, and you can go night snorkeling with manta rays right off the beach (resort will help you book). Staff is lovely, so friendly and helpful. Breakfast was amazing - Bonvoy Elite members...this will spoil you for all other free breakfasts! There were tons of activities to do at the resort for free (Ukelele lessons, learning to speak Hawaiian, yoga, etc.). We took our 2 teenagers with us and they had an amazing time.

The [Westin Hapuna] location is just perfect - off the road, private entrance and very select place. Rooms are nice and we got a very nice upgrade to an ocean front view. Service is great, good restaurants and some simple shops. The semiprivate beach is fantastic - and had good snorkeling spots. I also found some nice running paths.

One of the most beautiful hotels I've been to in the world. Timelessly classic.

Had a conference and it was the best place to have it. The location is luxurious, the ocean view rooms are gorgeous and the bonus is the Japanese toilets!!! There is not a lot available around the hotel to eat as the property is quite private but the food at the hotel was great. We chose to do a la carte for breakfast which was more then enough rather then the buffet (though it looked quite good). The snorkeling off the beach was fun and we saw turtles. The beach guys were super attentive. This hotel should be rated a 5.5 star. Hoping they book the conference again here next year.