Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Autograph Collection

The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel is a popular destination in the Kona area, and has been since it opened in 1965. Built by Laurance S. Rockefeller as a luxury resort for the well-to-do and well-connected, the hotel has maintained its appeal over the years with its excellent beachfront location and consistent upkeep. What it lacks in contemporary architecture and lavish decor is made up for by the relaxing environment, coastal golf course, and secluded Kauna‘oa white-sand beach, which keep families returning generation after generation. A massive collection of Pacific and Asian art (over 1,600 pieces gathered by Rockefeller and Davis Allen in the 1960s) is displayed throughout the resort and adds to its unique character.
Although the resort offers social activities during the day and evening -- a daily cocktail hour, as well as weekly luaus and clambakes -- there's not a lot to do at night. The main venue for socializing, the Copper Bar, closes at 11 p.m. Guests looking for more nightlife will face a long trek to and from off-site hot spots.

The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Autograph Collection is located on the hillside of a crescent-shaped section of the Kohala coast. The water can be seen from most of the ocean-side points in the hotel, including walkways, gardens, and restaurants. The public beach below extends much of the length of the property, with both ends bordered by fully landscaped hills, which reinforces a feeling of privacy. The Plumeria section of the hotel opens directly onto a green lawn that is adjacent to the beach.
The property is named for its proximity to the Mauna Kea volcanic peak, the highest summit on all the Hawaiian Islands. The hotel is closer to Waimea, Waikoloa, and Kawaihae Villages than Kailua-Kona, and is accessible from the Queen Ka‘ahumanu Highway (Route 19). Renting a car is a wise choice for guests who want to venture out during their stay, since shuttles and cabs can be expensive.

• 40-minute drive from Kona airport
• Seven-minute drive to Kawaihae (nearest gas and food off-site)
• 15-minute drive to shopping and dining at Mauna Lani or Waikoloa Village marketplaces
• 25-minute drive to Waimea
• 50-minute drive to Kailua-Kona
• Two-hour drive to Mauna Kea Observatories (at the summit)

Rooms at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Autograph Collection are modern and bright, with touches of contemporary patterns to add to the modern island feel. The 252 rooms and suites are split between two sections of the hotel, the Tower and Beachfront Wing. Modern amenities consist of desks, sitting areas, flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, mini-fridges, and safes. Also standard are private furnished balconies -- some with lovely ocean views.
In the Deluxe and Executive rooms, the bathrooms are large, with their own private lanai (balcony), rainfall shower, and large bathtub. The Plumeria rooms, while popular due to their convenient location and family-friendly connecting suites, include smaller and less comfortable bathrooms with simple shower/tub combos. Hairdryers, bathrobes, slippers, and toiletries are provided.

The Mauna Kea Golf Course designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. is consistently voted one of the top courses in the nation. In addition, the full-service tennis facilities are superior to those at other resorts nearby.
The spa and pool, however, aren't quite as impressive as you'd expect. The spa is located in a cramped basement space; fortunately, spa treatments can be arranged in-room or in a seaside canopy instead. The pool is a tad small, but the ocean views and comfortable lounge chairs are certainly pros.

• Set along pretty, public Kauna‘oa white-sand beach
• Mauna Kea Salon offers hair and nail services
• Mauna Kea Spa by Mandara is a full-service facility with five treatment rooms, including a couple’s suite, open daily from morning until late.
• 18-hole Mauna Kea Golf Course (with $250 guest rate for 18 holes)
• Fitness center is 2,500 square feet and it has a full-time attendant and free yoga classes.
• Golf clubhouse with full-service Pro Shop featuring lessons, clinics and rental services
• Seaside Tennis Club with 11 courts, locker rooms, equipment rentals, clinics and instruction services (fee)
• Boutique shopping and galleries on-site offering art, jewelry, clothing and gifts
• Wedding services including planning assistance and packages with various venue and menu options
• Weekly luau on Tuesdays: Imu Ceremony at 5:45 p.m. and a buffet from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• Activities on-site include water sports, manta ray viewing, and regularly scheduled Hawaiian culture activities
• Meeting rooms (20- to 100-person capacity) and outdoor spaces for group functions
• Pacific and Asian art collection includes over 1,600 pieces obtained by Rockefeller and Davis Allen in 1965
• 24-hour room service
• Valet and self-parking available
• Wi-Fi for daily, weekly, or monthly fees
• A free 45-minute photo session

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel Restaurants range from upscale eateries to casual spots. One of the most popular outlets is Copper Bar, which is a big, open-air space with chic copper accents and ocean views. It's open all day, serving coffee, tapas, sushi, and flatbreads, and a long list of cocktails. Another ocean-view spot is Manta, which offers a daily breakfast and dinner, plus an extensive wine list. Both indoor and outdoor seating are available. On Saturdays, the restaurant hosts a clambake on the beach, and on Sundays, a special brunch buffet.

• Number 3, located at the golf clubhouse, has short hours for lunch service, and features a diverse menu of salads and light dishes.
• Hau Tree is a beachside spot serving lunch, dinner, snacks; fare includes salads, sandwiches and kid-friendly food. The clambake takes place here on Saturdays.
• Fun, traditional luaus, room service, and romantic private dining are all available