Kiddometer
HomeResortsHotel ReviewsFamily ActivitiesYour Itinerary
Back to Kiddometer
RESORT COMPARISON · BIG ISLAND

Fairmont Orchid vs Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Autograph Collection

Side-by-side family travel comparison
Jump to:
OverviewQuick FactsNearbyLovesWatch-outsBook
What the badges mean:FPFamily Preferred — solid family choiceFFFamily First — built around kids & teens
KIDDOMETER RECOMMENDATION

Best for most families: Fairmont Orchid

FPFamily Preferred

Fairmont Orchid offers a strong supervised kids program and abundant family-friendly amenities, making it a preferred choice for families.

WHY FAIRMONT ORCHID STANDS OUT
✓ Adult Pool
✓ OUR PICK
Fairmont Orchid
FPFamily Preferred

Fairmont Orchid

$$$$ Per night, avg.

This upscale oceanfront resort, set on 32 acres overlooking Pauoa Bay, provides a refined Hawaiian experience for families with its expansive beachfront and diverse recreational activities. Families can enjoy the 10,000 sq ft beachfront pool and engaging children's programs, alongside direct access to snorkeling and water sports.

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Autograph Collection
FPFamily Preferred

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Autograph Collection

$$$$ Per night, avg.

This upscale Mauna Kea Beach Hotel offers a tropical escape with dedicated activities and services for younger guests. Families will appreciate the spacious suites with separate living areas and direct access to Mauna Kea Beach.

AT A GLANCE

Quick Facts

FEATURE
Fairmont Orchid
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Autograph Collection
Adult Pool
✓ Yes
Not included
Babysitting
Not included
✓ Yes
Price
$$$$
$$$$
Best For
Best for families with elementary-age and pre-teen children seeking an active, upscale Hawaiian resort experience.
Best for families with elementary to teen-age children who appreciate an active beach resort with upscale amenities and a relaxed Hawaiian setting.
WHAT THEY BOTH SHARE
✓ Kids Club✓ Spa✓ Beachfront✓ Family Rooms
AROUND THE RESORT

Nearby Highlights

FAIRMONT ORCHID
→Fairmont Orchid Beach/Cove — Directly on (calm waters, good for kids and snorkeling)
→Great 4-D Movie Ride — ~5 min drive (0.7 mi)
→Dolphin Quest — ~7 min drive (2.6 mi)
→Kings Shops — ~7 min drive (2.9 mi)
→Hapuna Beach State Park — ~10 min drive (3.7 mi)
MAUNA KEA BEACH HOTEL, AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION
→Kauna'oa Beach — Directly on
→Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area — 7 min drive
→Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site — ~5-10 min drive or 1 hour walk
→Spencer Beach Park (Ohaiula Beach) — ~5-10 min drive
→Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station (for stargazing) — ~1 hour 15 min drive
THE UPSIDE

Things Families Love

FAIRMONT ORCHID
✓Calm private beach lagoon with excellent snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding
✓Keiki Aloha Children's Program for ages 5-12 with varied activities
✓All restaurants offer kids' menus, children 5 and under dine complimentary
✓Spacious rooms and suites, some with kitchenettes or connecting options
✓Hawaiian cultural classes and resort activities like lei making and hula
✓Complimentary reusable water bottles and refill stations throughout the property
MAUNA KEA BEACH HOTEL, AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION
✓Keiki Club Adventures offers supervised, daily fun with Hawaiian crafts and nature exploration for ages 5-12
✓Beautiful, secluded white-sand Kauna'oa Bay is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding
✓Complimentary beach activities include paddle boarding, kayaking, and beach volleyball
✓Family-friendly connecting rooms are available, especially in the beachfront wing
✓No resort fee, which is rare for Hawaii properties
✓Cribs are available upon request for infants and toddlers
BEFORE YOU BOOK

Things to Know

FAIRMONT ORCHID
!A daily resort fee of $50 plus tax is charged per room
!Self-parking is $40 per day, or $60 for valet
!While the Keiki Aloha program is available, it costs extra ($85 half-day, $105 full-day)
!Resort dining can be expensive, consider nearby options for variety
!The Big Island requires a rental car for exploring beyond the resort
!Service consistency in restaurants has received mixed reviews
MAUNA KEA BEACH HOTEL, AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION
!The main pool is a simple circle without waterslides or splash pads
!The Keiki Club, while good, is not as extensive as those at larger family resorts
!Some dining options offer specific kids' meals
!Full-day Keiki Club programs may have an additional cost and require reservations
RATES & PHOTOS

Full Profiles & Booking

Fairmont Orchid
Full Profile →
Booking.com →Expedia →Hotels.com →
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Autograph Collection
Full Profile →
Booking.com →Expedia →Hotels.com →
Browse All Resorts →