Mauna Kea Beach Hotel

The only member of the Historic Hotels of America on Hawaii’s Big Island, the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel charms guests with a beautiful blend of old-world grandeur and contemporary design. Standing proud on a picturesque crescent-shaped shoreline, about half an hour from Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole, this magnificent hotel was founded by Laurence S. Rockefeller in 1965. Time has changed and reshaped the interior, but you’ll still notice the hotel’s fondness of its history and Hawaiian culture.

The interior is modern and luxurious but Mauna Kea Beach Hotel’s luxury is anchored in its past and adorned with Hawaiian symbols. From the lower-level rock walls reminding of the Hawaiian heiau (temples) and the exterior color that is an ode to the Kauna’oa Bay sand, the hotel stays true to its origin. However, the past makes room to the present, the hotel boasting modern amenities and contemporary touches, like the rope chairs that decorate the lobby.

Amenities

The hotel houses a vast collection of Hawaiian and Asian art that adds refinement and its interiors are under the spell of the shades of orange. From the hotel staff’s aloha wear to the pillows on the beds, the tones of orange brighten and enliven a classical and luxurious décor. Ideal for both families and couples, the hotel boasts an unpretentious luxury that makes everyone feel at ease. The attentive and professional staff, a handful of them present on the hotel grounds since its opening, contributes to the relaxing atmosphere, while the exterior serenity creates an idyllic setting for lovely days spent within the borders of this lovely resort.

Even though the hotel is located a bit far away from the Kailua-Kona offerings, guests who choose to book a room at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel have plenty of options to fill their days with fun and relaxing activities. The hotel has a superb deep plunge pool, 13 splendid seaside tennis courts, and an 18-hole championship golf course, as well as a fitness center and bocce ball courts. Moreover, the full-service spa center, a small universe of relaxation and tranquility, tucked away in a corner, cares for the wellness of the hotel’s guests and pampers them with a variety of massages and spa treatments.

The Beach Club offers access to an impressive selection of water activities, while beach days are accompanied by orange towels, umbrellas, and complimentary padded chaise lounges. The resort’s beach mesmerizes with its pure, white sand and crystal clear waters, ideal for sunbathing and splashing sessions.

Dining

The impeccable service can also be noticed at the on-site restaurants and bars. The days start at the hotel’s main restaurant, Manta, an elegant open-air restaurant that enjoys superb ocean views. Once the evening comes, Manta changes its tune and invites guests to savor seafood and steaks in a sophisticated atmosphere accompanied by jazzy rhythms.

Dinner Experience at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel

Light lunches, tapas, and cocktails await at the iconic Copper Bar, recently redesigned to keep up with the trends, but still nostalgic and embracing some of its past glamour. Music enlivens the atmosphere every night, while superb panoramic views enrich the dining experience.

More cocktails are ready to be savored at the pool bar and Hau Tree, the latter a gazebo-style bar and a favorite of guests who love to spend as much time outdoors and enjoy relaxed dinners wrapped in the magic of Hawaiian sunsets.

For a unique experience, don’t miss the seaside luau where you’ll encounter a superb buffet spread adorned with island fish, sashimi, and all the pineapple and papaya you can eat. Guests will witness magnificent fire dances and practice their hula moves in a vibrant and joyful atmosphere while having a taste of Hawaiian culture and traditions. What better way to learn about Hawaii than through food, music, and dance?

Rooms

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel welcomes guests with 252 spacious rooms set in two wings. While the Tower Rooms are situated in the main building, little classical jewels dipped in luxury and elegance, the Beachfront Wing Rooms have been designed to match the contemporary trends and have a light and airy décor.

The Tower Rooms come with various views and configurations, including oceanfront and golf vista rooms, classified as deluxe, premier, and suite, but all are equipped with a lovely furnished balcony and pamper guests with utmost comfort. The Beachfront Rooms delight guests with views of lush greenery and easy access to the white sand of the beach. All rooms have the traditional hideaway TV, a souvenir from the Rockefeller era, as well as furnished balconies and minibars.

Choose a Beachfront Deluxe Suite in the Beachfront Wing to enjoy an upgraded level of comfort. The suite is equipped with a walk-in wardrobe and boasts two spectacular furnished lanai (balconies) that dazzle guests with fabulous ocean views. Moreover, the suite has a sitting room and a separate living room, as well as two luxurious white-tile bathrooms with gorgeous views.

Beachfront Deluxe Suite amenities: