This is a place for superlatives. Laurance Rockefeller had his pick of locations when the hotel was being conceived in the 1960's, and he picked well. The beach is one of the best, and while it is a public beach (as all beaches in Hawaii are), it's never very crowded. Great for swimming, except during the Winter, when the surf is very rough. If you have an early breakfast at the Terrace restaurant, you will see dedicated swimmers, swimming in the ocean parallel to the beach, having the water all to themselves. Also a great place to watch sunsets.

I have been here at all Seasons of the year, and regardless of how crowded the hotel is, I've always found it to be quiet, with a calm atmosphere. There are plenty of kids but I haven't found them to be noisy or disruptive. I would say that the pool is too small, although there is no need to use it, when the beach is so beautiful. I think the award-winning architecture contributes to it, the open air inner space allows ocean breezes to waft in, creating a soothing atmosphere. The atrium ponds and gardens are attractive without being over the top. Post the 2006 earthquake, the hotel has been upgraded in subtle ways. The fitness facility is now much expanded, with new equipment, and regular attendants. The hotel store is now enlarged and at the lobby level.

If you are a lover of Asian, Oceanic or Pacific Island art, this is the place to stay, with great examples dispersed throughout the lobbies and common areas. Buddhist art is especially well-represented. I love the Hawaiian quilts on the third and fourth floors (these were especially commissioned for the hotel).

I've always stayed in Ocean View rooms, which in addition to the views, allow you to sleep with the sound of the surf to calm you. These have been enlarged in the last few years, with more up to date bathrooms and showers. This time I stayed in an ocean view suite, with a large flat screen TV in both rooms. The style is 1960's Danish Modern updated. My one complaint was the weak Wi-Fi signal.

Dining options are good. Monette's is formal but quite good. The terrace restaurant has a great atmosphere if you eat outside. There is also a shuttle at night to provide access to the restaurants at the Hapuna.

Service is efficient, friendly and discrete.

A sure sign of a hotel's quality is repeat business. Like other Rockresorts, the Mauna Kea has visitors who've been coming for generations. Not uncommon to see grandparents with their children and grandchildren.

Was fortunate to return in January 2012, my second visit since the renovation. I won't repeat my comments from 2011. Many others have covered the hotel's distinctive attributes. This time, we had a lengthy 13 night stay and I got a pretty good feel for the property aside from golf and tennis.

The Pros: We were upgraded to a Golf Vista room (617) which was a distinct improvement over our rather small and abbreviated Mountain view room (721) of 2011. The bathroom was spacious with Frette towels galore. Huge walk-in closet and effective and quiet A/C when needed. The one in-room dining on the spacious lanai was on a full moon evening and couldn't have been more lovely.

Nikki and Melanie at the Concierge desk were once again their very helpful and charming selves. They'll do their best to make your stay a memorable one.

Unlike another reviewer, my sister and I were delighted with the Hau Tree dinner option 3 nights a week. Yes, it's still pricey, but the presentation is simpler than Manta (nice change of pace for a long stay) and the beachfront locale is great. Add a green flash one evening at sunset and you've got it made.

The new Gallerie Luna across from the reception area is a colorful addition to the hotel and owner Sue Swerdlow loves to share her Big Island joie de vivre and creations with visitors.

By all means, if you are there on a Saturday, take the 1 1/2 hr art tour. You can't cover the entire collection in that time frame, but it is a fascinating and entertaining overview.

Not so much Cons as helpful hints: If you do opt for a non beachfront room as we did and you like fresh, plumeria scented air at night, be advised that the golf course maintenance crew starts their engines a little after 5 am every morning. We expected it from the previous year and I was prepared to shut the sliding glass window for a few extra hours of peaceful sleep. Annoying, yes, but according to management it's unavoidable. Pray for electric lawnmowers!

If you like returning to a clean room, be sure to inform housekeeping from the outset what window of time you prefer the room made up. We didn't last year and always had to call. This year, they always got it done between 11-1. The evening turn-down service was erratic, but arrived quickly when called.

The hotel needs to replace those wobbly rattan chairs at the Copper Terrace bar. I'm also not so crazy about those semi-circular upholstered sofas around the fire-pits. I don't think Mr Rockefeller would shop at LazyBoy furniture if he were still around. Also, sushi more than twice weekly or more interesting pu-pus at the Copper Terrace would be a nice addition.

Hopefully, some of these comments/suggestions will be helpful for future guests. I intend to be one of them, I'm sure.

I love this place and have visited several times over the years. Some reviews think that it has a somewhat dated look but I haven't noticed. There is a great art collection and a unique feel of being outdoors even when lounging inside. The staff is great and laid back in that Island way...
Whether you hang on the beach, walk the grounds or hike over to the Hapuna Prince (a must do) you will feel your body relax and the stress of life melt away. If you are distracted by the choice of bathroom fixtures or interior design - which I think are great btw - you are missing out on the big picture
It really is the location;) One of the world's best!

Lovely hotel in a beautiful setting. Good restaurants. I found it irritating that the hotel charges $15.95 daily for Wifi. In that caliber hotel, Wifi should be included.