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