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WESTIN HAPUNA BEACH VS. MAUNA KEA BEACH HOTEL

I’ve had a few people ask, so what do I do? I make a blog post about it! Today, we will compare Westin Hapuna Beach vs. Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. 

Before we get started, let’s quickly talk about rental cars. You need a rental car on the Big Island! You’ll find the best pricing at Discount Hawaii Car Rentals. The Big Island is a place to explore; everything is spread out, and public transportation is inconsistent. I recommend a Jeep.

Mauna Kea vs. Westin Hapuna

We will compare these resorts today, but remember Westin Hapuna Beach and Mauna Kea Beach Hotel are all part of Mauna Kea Resort! They are right next to each other, and you can use the amenities at one while staying at the other.

I have in-depth reviews of both, so make sure to check them out:

• Westin Hapuna Beach Review
• Westin Hapuna Beach Tour and Walkthrough (YouTube)
• SNEAK PEEK Renovated rooms at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel

As a Hawaii Travel Agent, I lean toward Mauna Kea Beach Hotel for honeymooners and Westin Hapuna Beach for families. That said, it can honestly go either way! Mauna Kea Beach Hotel is undergoing significant renovations until 2025. (Don’t miss the sneak peek shared about the new rooms!) I’ll be visiting shortly after it’s finished to update you.

The lanai of a room overlooking the ocean and pool in the ocean tower at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. 

All about Mauna Kea Beach Hotel

Developed by Laurance S. Rockefeller over 50 years ago. Mauna Kea Beach Hotel was the first resort hotel on the island.

As of April 2024, the resort is undergoing renovations and a beautiful refresh. Mauna Kea is still open during the updates. One tower at a time will be closed for renovations, so the guest experience should not be affected.

Here is a model room of what the renovations will look like. 

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel tends to be slightly higher priced and is considered somewhat more upscale. The rooms at Westin Hapuna Beach were more recently renovated, but that will all change after 2025.

I saw the plans for the spa and an adults-only area at Mauna Kea, and let me tell you, I am excited! Here is a sneak peek: 

Mauna Kea is a quieter hotel, so it tends to be my voice for honeymooners. Mauna Kea has better food (generally speaking) and offers nicer in-room amenities (L’Occitane products.) 

The new rooms will have their own filtered water dispensers, which is very unique and convenient! 

All about Westin Hapuna Beach

Westin Hapuna Beach has more wellness-oriented features, such as a great gym and an incredible spa. While the restaurants are good, most prefer the restaurants at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. However, it’s easy enough to shuttle, drive, or even walk to Mauna Kea for that. 

The Westin is on what is considered to be the best beach on the Big Island, Hapuna Beach. 

Another perk of the Westin Hapuna Beach is that all rooms are ocean-facing and have some type of ocean view. 

The rooms at Westin Hapuna Beach definitely have a “Westin” feel with clean, modern rooms with blue accent colors.

Overall, Westin Hapuna is often my choice for families because it is a bit more family-oriented. I’ve also had families stay at Mauna Kea and love it. Again, you can’t go wrong when choosing between these two! 

WESTIN HAPUNA BEACH VS. MAUNA KEA BEACH HOTEL

If I had to describe the differences between Mauna Kea Beach Hotel and Westin Hapuna Beach in a few sentences, here they are.

Mauna Kea is more “old luxury,” while the Westin has a more modern feel. Mauna Kea has better food options, while the Westin is on a better beach. Westin Hapuna Beach feels family-oriented, while Mauna Kea has more of a honeymoon or adult vacation feel. Since you can go back and forth between them via a free shuttle (or a long walk), you can’t go wrong!

More things to do on the Big Island:

• 50 things to do on the Big Island
• The 15 best golf courses on the Big Island
• Kona Coffee Farm Tours
• 25 best things to do in Kona
• 20 things to do in Hilo

Book your Big Island vacation with a Hawaii Travel Agent

If you’re unsure of the best place to stay on the Big Island for you, contact me! I’d love to work with you and take the stress off of your Hawaii vacation. 

So if you need help, reach out! I am a Hawaii Travel Agent, and that is what I do. I am selective about how many clients I work with, so reach out as soon as possible for the best availability. You can contact me to learn more.

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