Mauna Kea Beach Hotel
Hotel Information:
Inspired by its environment, the hotel set architectural trends when opened by businessman and conservationist Laurance S. Rockefeller in 1965. Its open-air, blue-tiled entryway has sand-colored concrete and seven-story palm trees. Staff and guests here include multiple generations of families.
Amenity highlights:
Mauna Kea's golf course is built over black lava rock, and golfers can still tee off over an ocean inlet at the third hole. Public spaces feature 1,600 Pacific and Asian artworks from founder Laurance Rockefeller's private collection—including one of only three known 7th-century pink granite Buddhas from India. Lifeguards watch swimmers, snorkelers, and sailors at the hotel's white-sand crescent beach, and the large pool has an ocean view. Guests can choose from excursions, craft classes, lu'aus, and many recreational activities.
Insider tip:
Mauna Kea guests enjoy the amenities of the resort's companion, the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel, which includes a golf course designed by Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay. A shuttle between Mauna Kea's hotel, oceanfront tennis courts, and golf course; and Hapuna Beach's lobby, golf clubhouse, and fitness center departs every 20 minutes.
The Mauna Kea has 310 guestrooms. All include teak built-in closet drawers and sliding closet and lanai doors. Louvered shutters, ceiling fans, and locking screened entries offer an alternative to air conditioning. Each room has postcard reproductions of an original watercolor on its walls. Additional room furnishings include teak writing desks and rattan chairs. Bathrooms have a second phone, Neutrogena toiletries, lace-edged shower caps, bathrobes, and slippers. All rooms at this Hawaii resort have lanais with a table, chairs, and lounge chairs.
