Hawaii Itinerary - Mauna Kea Beach Hotel
Where we ate and the outfits I packed while staying at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel!
Every year, after Christmas, I head to Hawaii with my family friends to ring in the New Year. This year, I flew into Kona on the 27th and stayed through the 3rd at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. I thought I’d share a quick rundown of where we stayed and the restaurants we visited while we were there. This time, we stayed in a house connected to the Mauna Kea since our group was a bit larger, and it worked out perfectly. We had a great balance of home-cooked meals and dining out. After being there for over a week, it was so nice to shop at local markets for fresh ingredients and cook for ourselves! Below are some quick notes from our week in Hawaii!
Hotel: Mauna Kea Beach Hotel Autograph Collection
One of the main reasons we stay at the Mauna Kea Hotel every year is because they have the best beach, hands down. There’s truly no better place to grab a Fredrico (iykyk) and watch the sunset every evening.
Breakfast:
Hotel Breakfast: The hotel breakfast is an absolute MUST. If you’re staying at the Mauna Kea, you have to try their omelette bar, waffles, and banana bread. They also serve some of the best French press coffee, which I literally dream about all year long.
Patisserie Nanako: 67-1185 Mamalahoa Hwy A106, Waimea, HI 96743
If you're into pastries, you absolutely have to check out Patisserie Nanako. We recommend getting there at least 30 minutes before opening (around 8:30am), as the line can get pretty long! Also, be sure to pre-order their cakes, as they often sell out quickly.
Lunch:
Hau Tree (located on the beach at the Mauna Kea): For lunch, we usually went to the Hau Tree at the Mauna Kea. My go-to order was a Diet Coke (or a skinny spicy margarita) and their poke bowl with avocado. Other crowd favorites included the fish tacos, ahi sashimi, and the Cobb salad, but the real must-try is the Ovaltine froth—it’s something that truly lives rent-free in my head!
Mauna Kea’s signature drink is the Fredrico — a blend of tropical juices, light rum and Jack Daniels — which you definitely have to try if you’re stopping by. Pro tip: ask for a "Freddy light" if you prefer less juice and a less sweet version!
Pau Hana Poke - 73-5617 Maiau St Bay 10, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Dinner:
Night 1: Copper Bar (Mauna Kea Hotel)
Recommend getting their sushi or catch of the day! They also have a good burger
Night 2: Fish Taco Night at the house!
We picked up the fresh fish from Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill
Umekes Fish Market: 74-5599 Pawai Pl, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Night 3: FORC - 65-1214 Lindsey Rd, Waimea, HI 96743
The majority of us get the surf and turf and it was soo good
Night 4: Copper Bar (Mauna Kea Hotel)
The Copper Bar is a more casual spot at the Mauna Kea, but if you're seeking a more refined dining experience, I highly recommend trying Manta at the Mauna Kea.
Night 5: NYE - dinner at the house
Miso Cod & dessert from Patisserie Nanako
Night 7: Tommy Bahama’s - 68-1330 Mauna Lani Dr #102, Waimea, HI 96743
-Highlights from the menu:
Coconut Shrimp
Ribs
Ribeye with chimichurri
Wine: Martin Ray offers the best wine at an amazing price—we ended up ordering multiple bottles for the table!
Night 8: Fish and the Hog - 64-957 Hawaiʻi Belt Rd, Waimea, HI 96743
If you’re doing takeout, we recommend calling early as they tend to sell out quickly.
I had the fish taco salad, but the ribs were amazing, and the pulled pork and cornbread were also fantastic.