Mauna Kea Beach Hotel
Kohala Coast, Hawaii
62-100 Mauna Kea Beach Drive, Kohala Coast, Hawaii 96743
Original Property Opened in 1964
Historic Hotels of America member since 2016
- The 2026 Top 25 Historic Hotels of America® Most Historic Golf Courses List Is Announced
- The 2025 Top 25 Historic Hotels of America® Most Magnificent Art Collections List Is Announced
- The 2024 Top 25 Historic Hotels of America® Most Historic Golf Courses List Is Announced
- The 2023 Top 25 Historic Hotels of America® Most Magnificent Art Collections List Is Announced
- 2023 Top 25 Historic Hotels of America® Most Historic Golf Courses
- 2022 Top 25 Historic Hotels of America Most Magnificent Art Collections
- 2022 Top 25 Historic Hotels of America Most Historic Golf Courses List Announced
- 2022 Top 25 Historic Hotels of America Most Unique Culinary Heritage and Traditions Announced
- 2022 Top 25 Historic Hotels of America for a Romantic Proposal List Is Announced
- The 2021 Top 25 Historic Hotels of America Most Historic Golf Courses Announced
- The 2021 Top 25 Historic Hotels of America for a Romantic Proposal Announced
Located on Hawaiʻi Island’s Kohala Coast, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel was inspired by Laurance S. Rockefeller’s vision after he first encountered the crystal-clear waters and white sands of Kaunaʻoa Bay in 1960. Opened in 1965 as Hawaiʻi Island’s first resort, the hotel brought together pioneering mid-century modern architecture, an exceptional collection of Asian and Oceanic art, and a deep appreciation for its natural surroundings. Following a nearly $240 million transformation in 2026, the 252-room resort honors that legacy with reimagined guestrooms and suites, a redesigned championship golf course, refreshed dining experiences, and new wellness amenities that include an adults-only oceanfront infinity lap pool, a 2,500-square-foot oceanfront fitness center, and the 22,000-square-foot Spa at Mauna Kea. A renovated championship golf course, oceanfront tennis and pickleball courts, a family pool with private cabanas, and cultural gardens enrich the experience, complemented by private homes and villas at Mauna Kea Residences.
Discover
- Discover the Mid-Century Modern architecture of the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. Stroll across ocean-blue Mexican tile to an incomparable vista overlooking Kauna’oa Bay and the Kohala Coastline.
- View the resort’s array of enigmatic art pieces on a docent tour or a self-guided tour. These treasures were gathered from across the Pacific Rim and Asia throughout the hotel’s more than 30 acres. Hawaiian kapa (bark cloth), handstitched Hawaiian quilts, and stunning artifacts from India, Thailand, Japan, and New Guinea are among many more key pieces within the collection.
- Play a round of golf at the award-winning Mauna Kea Golf Course or at the Arnold Palmer/Ed Seay-designed Hapuna Golf Course. Both offer spectacular ocean views and beautifully manicured greens.
- Marvel at the wonderful art on display inside the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. When Laurance S. Rockefeller originally created the destination, he envisioned it as a “private estate offering a cross-cultural experience.” To help achieve his vision, his team of experts acquired original artifacts and sculptures from Asia, Oceania, the Pacific Rim and Hawaii, which are still showcased throughout the hotel today.
Explore
- Explore the oceanic beauty of the Big Island with day trips to Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, and Pu'uhonua O Hōnaunau National Historical Park.
- Visit the Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site. A U.S. National Historic Landmark, this fascinating destination constitutes an ancient Hawaiian Temple constructed by King Kamehameha I in the 1790s. Named "Puukohola Heiau," King Kamehameha I hoped that the temple would curry favor with the gods in his quest to unify the Hawaiian Islands under his rule.
- Travel along the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail. A segment of the trail connects Kauna’oa Bay at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, and offers a look at the cultural and historical significance of the land.
Experience
- Hike up the nearly 14,000-foot summit of Mauna Kea mountain or take to skies in a helicopter to tour the island from above and see dramatic landscapes, shorelines, and waterfalls.
- Snorkel at Kahalu'u Beach Park, legendary for its typically tranquil waters, beautiful shoreline, and diverse flora and fauna.
- Tour the Paniolo Heritage Center. Located in neighboring Waimea, this interesting cultural institution features a series of exhibits that chronicle the life of the historic Paniolo (otherwise known as the Hawaiian cowboy).
Taste
- Taste the islands each Tuesday and Friday at the Mauna Kea Lu’au Dinner and Show. With an ocean backdrop, outdoors under the stars, guests savor traditional foods including kalua pig, lomi salmon, and of course poi, along with contemporary favorites.
- Savor a sweet treat at Anuenue Ice Cream & Shave Ice. Locally owned for decades, this little stop offers an array of cold confections for every palate.
- Enjoy the friendly and inviting Splasher’s Grill, perched at the edge of the water. This little gem is family owned and is known for its burgers, grilled seafood, generous portions—and free coffee all day long.
FEATURED ACCOMMODATIONS
Featured Offers
Book the Best Available Rate at this property on HistoricHotels.org and receive a complimentary one-year family membership (a $30 value) to the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
