- Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel - Jennifer Miner
What do you get when you combine the best sandy beach on the entire Big Island of Hawaii, with a sprawling, relatively affordable luxury resort hotel? Only one correct answer here, folks: The Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel.
The Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel is, needless to say, right on Hapuna Beach State Park. While much of the Big Island's shoreline is either untenable (lava flowing into the ocean) or too filled with sharp a'a lava rocks, Hapuna Beach State Park is notable for its swath of soft sand. This makes Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel one of the few resorts on the Big Island with beach access that are truly luxurious and family-friendly. Its sister property, the Mauna Kea, is a mile north, with a smaller but still sandy beach but a higher price point. The two hotels share signing privileges. This is important to note; while Mauna Kea is the more swanky of the two resorts, Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel has a much longer beach for a wider variety of water activities. Staying at either one opens up both to guests.
Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel Rooms and Suites
350 guests rooms include 36 oceanfront suites. The rooms and suites are very large and spacious, and nightly turn down service is available upon request. All the usual accoutrements are available, and there in a fee for wi-fi.
Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel -- Resort Amenities
Easy access to Hapuna Beach State Park and Mauna Kea Beach.
Tennis courts
Complimentary use of fitness center
Babysitting services and children's programs
Salon and spa services: Paul Brown Salon & Spa at Hapuna, and Mauna Kea Spa by Mandara
Water sports (snorkel equipment rental by the hour)
Deep-sea fishing
Golf Courses
The Hapuna Golf Course was designed by Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay. It includes a full 18 holes, par 72, with a driving range, putting and chipping greens, practice bunker and PGA instruction program.
The Mauna Kea Golf Course was designed by Robert Trent Sr. and is also a full 18 holes, par 72. It includes a driving range, putting greens, pro shop and PGA instruction program.
Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel Restaurants and Lounges
Cafe Hapuna has pre-made snacks and sandwiches, and is open for most of the day every day.
Ocean Terrace is usually only open for its big breakfast buffet (complete with omelette station). It's occasionally open for special dinners as well, particularly around the holidays.
Coast Grille is the high-end dining option and during peak travel seasons, reservations are recommended.
Beach Bar is the poolside lunch spot with a lively, convivial atmosphere
Reef Lounge is the cocktail lounge, open for sunset viewing and drinks
There are several dining options down the road at Mauna Kea as well. Because there are shared signing privileges, it's a nice experience to take the easy coastal hike there, have a meal, and walk back. Mauna Kea's fine dining option, Monettes, provides a higher quality meal and experience overall than Coast Grille, and is pricier as well.
Now, until recently Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel had a reputation as being somewhat careworn and shabby around the edges. While it's true that it's not as swanky as Mauna Kea, a half-million dollar refurbishment and renewal of Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel has really improved the rooms' appearances. Its reputation should improve, as well. Donn Takakashi, president of Prince Resorts Hawaii, said that the "room renewal provides guests with modern-day comforts amid a serene Hawaiian ambiance that is a signature of the hotel's experience and magical setting."
After staying at the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel, I recommend reserving an oceanfront suite. These suites are vastly more affordable than those at the other luxury hotels along the Big Island's Kohala Coast; it's a great way to stretch your Hawaii vacation budget while still having a luxury travel experience. The beach is the best on the island, and it's right there (no long walk to get to it) -- this is a great resort hotel for people planning to spend most of their Hawaii vacation outside.
Jennifer W. Miner - Jennifer Miner is a freelance luxury and travel writer with an extensive background in psychology and counseling, holding two Masters ...
