Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Hawaii
More photosThe Mauna Kea Beach Hotel is a legendary destination on Hawaii’s Big Island, famously founded by conservationist Laurance S. Rockefeller in 1965. When it opened, it was the most expensive hotel ever built at a cost of $15 million. Rockefeller envisioned a resort that honored the natural beauty of Kauna‘oa Bay, commissioning the architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill to create a mid-century modern design that seamlessly connects the mountains to the sea.
A defining feature of the property is its world-class art collection. Rockefeller curated over 1,000 pieces of Pacific Rim and Asian art, including a 12th-century pink granite Buddha, which is displayed throughout the open-air common areas. The hotel was designed to feel like a private home where art is accessible and stimulating, rather than hidden away in a formal museum.
The hotel’s open-air architecture is a stroke of genius, allowing the cooling Hawaiian trade winds to circulate naturally throughout the property, eliminating the need for pervasive air conditioning. This design choice highlights the hotel’s commitment to its environment and creates a sense of tranquil, breezy luxury that has remained consistent for over six decades.
Beyond the hotel itself, guests are perfectly positioned to explore the Big Island. Nearby attractions include the Pu‘ukohola Heiau National Historic Site and the stunning Hapuna Beach. For those seeking adventure, the summit of Mauna Kea is a short drive away, offering world-renowned stargazing and a surreal look at the island from above the clouds.
Expert reviews
“It still exudes upscale tranquility with an uncluttered, Asian-inspired aesthetic in spacious, modern rooms, while families relish the even larger lodgings in the Beachfront Wing and a new array of Hawaiian cultural activities.”
Featured as Frommer’s Exceptional Choice in Hawaii.
“Popular with honeymooners and anniversary couples for decades, this elegant Kohala Coast classic is still one of the most beautiful resorts on the island, highlighted by a breathtaking, open-air lobby.”
Featured as Fodor’s Choice in Hawaii.
What guests liked
- Hapuna Beach
- Friendly staff
- Top location
- Comfortable beds
Location
Recent guest reviews
Hotel facilities
Food & Drink
- - Restaurant
- - Bar
- - Breakfast in the room
- - Wine/champagne (additional charge)
- - Coffee house on site
General
- - Room service
- - Non-smoking rooms
- - Facilities for disabled guests
- - Barber/beauty shop
- - Lift
- - Safety deposit box
- - Car hire
- - Heating
- - Non-smoking throughout
- - Air conditioning
- - Shuttle service (free)
- - Shared lounge/TV area
- - Minimarket on site
Business facilities
- - Meeting/banquet facilities (additional charge)
- - Business centre (additional charge)
- - Fax/photocopying (additional charge)
Reception services
- - 24-hour front desk
- - Tour desk
- - Luggage storage
- - ATM/cash machine on site
- - Concierge service
Activities
- - Tennis court (additional charge)
- - Fitness centre (additional charge)
- - Golf course (within 3 km) (additional charge)
- - Skiing
- - Games room
- - Spa and wellness centre (additional charge)
- - Massage (additional charge)
- - Children's playground
- - Table tennis
- - Hot tub/Jacuzzi
- - Canoeing
- - Hiking
- - Cycling
- - Snorkelling
- - Water sport facilities on site
- - Beachfront
- - Tennis equipment (additional charge)
- - Beauty services
- - Facial treatments
- - Waxing services
- - Make-up services
- - Hair treatments
- - Manicure
- - Pedicure
- - Haircut
- - Hair colouring
- - Hair styling
- - Body treatments
- - Body scrub
- - Body wrap
- - Spa facilities
- - Spa lounge/relaxation area
- - Spa/wellness packages
- - Fitness
- - Beach
- - Bicycle rental
Outdoors
- - Garden
- - Terrace
- - Outdoor pool
- - Sun terrace
- - Outdoor pool (all year)
- - Outdoor furniture
Entertainment & family services
- - Babysitting/child services (additional charge)
Cleaning services
- - Laundry (additional charge)
- - Dry cleaning (additional charge)
- - Ironing service (additional charge)
- - Trouser press (additional charge)
Parking
- - Electric vehicle charging station
Accessibility
- - Wheelchair accessible
- - Toilet with grab rails
- - Raised toilet
- - Lower bathroom sink
- - Auditory guidance
Pool and wellness
- - Pool with view
- - Salt-water pool
- - Pool bar
- - Sun loungers or beach chairs
- - Sun umbrellas
- - Swimming pool
- - Swimming pool
Miscellaneous
- - Key card access
- - Security alarm
- - Smoke alarms
- - Fire extinguishers
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