Mauna Kea Beach Hotel Summary

Sorry for the delay, but I have only just returned home since my flight to Los Angeles was delayed several hours. Hopefully the final post will be up in the next day or so, plus a former post which was being reedited. Thank you for your patience. 

Having been at the Mauna Kea for 5 days, it is necessary to share some constructive criticism.

1. Presidential Ocean View Suites (Mauna Kea & Mauna Loa) - this will be my worst criticism!

At $3,500 per night your money would be better spent on a down payment for a Toyota. The first thing that came to mind when I entered the Mauna Kea Suite was "spartan". Now twelve hours later, I have yet to figure out what Barry Design Associates were thinking when these rooms were designed. With loads of useless open space, stark walls, and the same furniture found in lower category rooms it does not match its competitors in the scope of luxury. If you must have a suite, my suggestion would be either the Ocean View (Hualalai) or the Mountain View (Kohala) suites, $1,750 and $1,100 respectively.

2. Employee Training

Since the hotel only opened two months ago it is slightly understandable that the employees are not fully aware of the property's "standard operating procedures". Sadly this is apparent through out the hotel and reflects the management's lack of involvement. With the grand opening being only a few weeks away, service style, quality, and consistency needs to be ensured.

3. Employee Morale

With the lack of training prior to the soft opening, low morale is running rampant through out the hotel. Many of the employees had suggestions and opinions on what should be done with the Mauna Kea during renovation. Sadly, senior management did not take their workers feelings seriously. By far the most common complaint from team members are the new uniforms they have been issued. Many say, the uniforms are too hot and uncomfortable for the tropical climate and most would agree that they are not "Mauna Kea-ish". Other areas of concern have been the use of public spaces, employees have lost their "space" to make way for stores and art galleries (who wants to be stuck in small windowless areas?). Even though these issues maybe considered trivial, they all add up to bring down worker satisfaction. If team members are unhappy, in many cases they will not work the extra mile to ensure guest satisfaction.

4. Changes to tradition

One key ingredient that Mauna Kea had was guest loyalty. Why have generations of families been returning to the Mauna Kea for over 40 years? Tradition and familiarity. The hotel became travelers' home away from home, they knew what to expect. From the orange beach towels to plumeria leis and understated elegance to familiar faces. In many ways, traditions have been altered. For return guests like myself and employees too, this is an uncomfortable. Some traditions may change with time but other are to be left alone.

With this being said, I still love the Mauna Kea and it will always be my home away from home. Most likely I will have to adapt to the changes and accept new traditions. I firmly believe that in time, service will excel to the 5 diamond standards the management is striving for. Though with these small issues, the property has earned 4 out of 5 stars. By my next visit, which will be in August, all these issues should hopefully be ironed out. There shall be two more posts regarding the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel over the next few days.

--Jaguar

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel - Day 5

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel - Day 5

Yesterday's post is under review. Some of my comments and opinions may have been out of line and not well thought out. It will be reposted later today. Sorry for any inconvenience. 

Jaguar 

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel - Day 4

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel - Continued 

Swimming at Kauna'oa Bay (aka Mauna Kea Beach) is a great treat for anyone who enjoys the seaside. Truly, it is the finest beach in the world, a quarter mile of soft white sand that meets a crystal clear ocean. Many times when you are walking knee deep in the water, merely peering down will revile the sea life among you. Since the bay is perfectly crescent its waters are protected from many harsh ocean elements, especially rough swells in the winter. Regardless of what time of year you are visiting the Big Island, Kauna'oa is a great location for children to learn how to swim and for eco-adventurers to explore the world of a lush tropical reef. Mauna Kea Beach is also home to legendary manta rays and playfully swim nightly off the north point. 

Third Hole Restaurant at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel

For a new restaurant that has been open for only a few months, Third Hole is quite stellar. Having enjoyed two lunches there, I can confidently say that it will be one of the top dining venues on the island. Located in the club house of the Mauna Kea Golf Course, Third Hole offers excellent cuisine in a casual yet fine dining atmosphere. Foods offered range anywhere from personalized pizzas to chinese chicken salads and prawns to hot dogs. If there is something you desire that is not on the menu just ask and most likely the kitchen will make it for you. Try it out it's a symbol of the new Mauna Kea. 

The trade winds are still playing havoc on the Big Island, bringing cool arctic air to this tropical paradise. Though for this afternoon's activities the winds prevented any rain from washing us out. 

Big Island Eco Adventures (Zipline Tours) 

What an adventure! Ranging from spans that are only a dozen feet off the ground to mile long runs over valleys with waterfalls. Not only do you get to zip across North Kohala but part of the adventure includes hikes and off roading in army vehicles. The entire experience is comprised of 8 zip lines, short hikes between each of them, local refreshments alongside a waterfall, and 30 minutes of off roading (each way); total it takes about 4 hours. If you choose to experience this excursion, ask to have Brax and Ha'a as your guides. Be ready to get dirty especially if it is raining but totally worth it.

*I will post a link to their website soon. 

More scoop tomorrow on the changes to the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel since the renovation and other venues to check out on the island. 

-- Jaguar 

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel - Day 3

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel - Continued

To say the least today has been rather interesting and adventurous. Since I spent little time around the property today, I would like to take the opportunity to report on other venues here on the Big Island. 

First, I must report that the quaint town of Waimea has lost its great dining establishment. Earlier today I was saddened to see that Edelweiss is no longer opened for business. Weeks prior to arriving the thought of their duck in green peppercorn sauce was enough to make my mouth water. I shall truly miss having dinner there. 

Daniel Thiebaut - Restaurant

2 out of 5 Stars (that's pushing it)

WARNING: RUN AWAY FROM AT ALL POSSIBLE COSTS! Not quite sure what all the hype is about this place but it has been ages since I last walked out of a restaurant. Their menu appeared to be slightly appetizing....and I mean slightly. If you have any dietary issues, especially food allergies, do not expect to find anything edible on their menu  especially since their chef is inflexible and unwilling to do anything remotely accommodating. Otherwise they have warm and welcoming staff, which earned them the two star rating. 

The Canoe House at Mauna Lani Bay Hotel - Restaurant

4 out of 5 Stars

By far one of the best restaurants on the island! The view is exceptional and the food is to die for. Try the Hawaiian style BBQ ribs, they have a kick but are the best appetizer on the menu. The Canoe House also features an excellent wine list, though I would recommend one of their delicious cocktails. Make your reservations days in advance since they book up quickly, request a table on the patio or in the front of the dining room. 

Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows

Duration of Stay - Walkthrough 

3.5 stars out of 5

To say the least it is no longer the 5 diamond property it once was nor is its 1980's ambiance aging well. The property is in dire need of a management shake up and suffers from the character flaws as The Fairmont Orchid. Do not expect a welcoming white sand beach but rather a rocky shore. The majority of rooms do not have an ocean view and tend to be dated. With this being said, if you can afford the bungalows...go for it. Offering exceptional individualized service and the ultimate in hideaway privacy, the bungalows are worth every penny. 

The Fairmont Orchid

Duration of Stay - Walkthrough 

3.5 out of 5 stars

The multi-million dollar resort that never made it. Now under Fairmont Hotels and Resorts management, it is essentially a Ritz-Carlton property in drag. The Orchid lacks three main important ingredients that are necessary at any "fine" island hotel: a beach, ocean view rooms, and quality service. If your idea of a beach is a rocky out cropping with un-swimmable waters and jagged coral then this would be the place for you (don't expect the prefect white sand crescent beach you would find at the Mauna Kea). The majority of their rooms do have ocean views, if you lean way out beyond the railing of your balcony and crane your head at an uncomfortable angle.  Service is questionable and unreliable at best. There is a serious issue when an employee has to instant message their coworker, who is standing next to them, when unsure of an answer. If you are going to spend money on luxury accommodations, look elsewhere. 

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

For me, visiting the national park is one of the main reasons for visit the Big Island. How often to you get to witness a volcano in action creating the newest land on earth? Plan on spending a whole day here and be prepared for all the elements. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park encompasses the majority of Kilauea (the youngest of the islands 5 volcanoes) and large portions of Mauna Loa (the largest mountain on earth). The visitor center is a good place to start but the Jagger Museum is even better. Though the Jagger has looked better, its perch on the side of the caldera makes it a memorable moment. Due to recent volcanic activity certain areas of the park are closed indefinitely but do not let this persuade you. If you are looking for accommodations inside the park, check out Volcano House or camp at one of the many campsites. There are to many amazing features at the park to describe so I would recommend visiting their website, www.nps.gov/havo 

If you are interested in the recent volcanic activity occuring at Kilauea visit the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory website at http://hvo.usgs.gov

Town of Hilo

If you are looking to experience old Hawaii, look no further. Hilo is a town that time left behind... essentially nothing has changed much in the last 40 years. Shops and museums in the town close early, so plan on visiting here during a dedicated day trip or while en-route to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. If you are in dire need of inexpensive Hawaiian goods to give as gifts, pop into Hilo Hattie (you will get a free shell necklace just for walking in!). On Monday's there is the local farmer's market offering all kinds of produce and goods held in the center of town. 

To really experience to culture of Hilo, walk along the main street (which somewhat runs along the waterfront). If time permits, the Pacific Tsunami Museum is worth a visit. The museum sheds light on an important issue that has impacted the culture of not only Hawaii but the entire pacific rim. 

**Looking to experience old Hawaii without the tourists? Check out North Kohala and the town of Hawi. 

Volcano Golf and Country Club - (on-site Restaurant)

4 out of 5 stars

If you are in need of food while at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, this is the place to visit. Located just outside the park's main entrance it is the only place in the locale that offers decent food. My suggestions for lunch would be the chili bowl or the double burger, both are simple but hit the spot after a long day of hiking. Watch out for the Nene and other wild animals in the area (already saw one get run over today, please do not add to it). If you are brave enough, check out the Volcano Winery just up the street from the country club, I have heard interesting things about it. 

More to come....

--Jaguar

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel - Day 2

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel - Continued

I must apologize for any errors in this first draft but I did not wish to break my promise of daily postings. The sun and Mai Tais have gotten to me. 

It is an amazing feeling to walk around a hotel, you have not visited for over two years, and have staff members remember you. The only real way to describe the feeling would be that sensation of coming home. 

An unfortunate experience began with Room Service this morning but ended on a positive note.  So, breakfasted arrived promptly in 25 minutes, which in the hotel industry is light speed (and something this property had not been exceptionally good at since the end of the Adi Kohler management era) but there was no table to be found in the room or balcony. The server suggested that we eat at the desk...after a tense but pleasant moment she departed to search for a table. Returning minutes later dragging a table, she was kind enough to set it up on our balcony and we got to enjoy breakfast looking out over Kauna'oa Bay.  (Currently the Mauna Kea is back ordered on guest room tables, so select rooms have them but the unlucky ones force guests to eat at the desk.)

Currently the west side of the Big Island is plagued with intense trade winds which have limited services. Combine this with the fact that the Mauna Kea's new spa has yet to be completed... and this equals for a very windy outdoor massage. Oddly enough the wind was quite peaceful and only added to the experience.  An international company, Mandara, has assumed spa management duties and the new facilities are set two open in two weeks (not quite sure if they will make it). According to my masseur, it is still not known as to whether or not they will continue offering outdoor massages once the facility officially opens. 

Lunch at the beachside Hau Tree restaurant was enjoyable as always. My recommendations the cob salad or burger (made with local range fed beef) and to drink an ovaltine froth. What makes this restaurant so nice is its proximity to the beach, a couple of steps and your in the sand. The only downside came in the form of damn annoying wind which forced them to close the table's fixed umbrella; eliminating the view of the beach for someone but totally obscuring  your view of your table guests. 

The property's new gym is a huge improvement over the former one. Within its approximate 2000 square feet is every modern piece of equipment any person could ask for. 

Some rough spots in the Mauna Kea's service are clearly visible. With time things will run more smoothly. It would be great if someone could please explain to me the idea behind the new god awful employee uniforms. No offense to whom ever designed them but it is not something a Mauna Kea employee would wear. There were also some issues this morning with the fire alarm in the beach wing, seems as if it was being tested several times. Overall the construction of the hotel is coming to a close and they are attempting to tie up all the loose ends prior to the official Grand Opening, which is occurring later this month. 

Caution: Beware of the deep soaking bathtubs!! They are easy to trip over while getting in and out, also expect water to puddle on the floor due to spay from rain shower heads.