Mauna Kea Resort

The Mauna Kea Resort, conceived by Laurance S. Rockefeller in 1965, is the Kohala Coast’s original luxury destination and a timeless masterpiece of Hawaiian design and elegance. Spanning over 1,800 acres, the resort is anchored by two world-class hotels and two of Hawaii’s most celebrated white-sand beaches, offering a sophisticated and tranquil island experience.

Hotels and Beaches

The resort is defined by its two pristine crescent-shaped beaches and the luxury hotels that front them:

• Mauna Kea Beach Hotel: An icon of Mid-Century Modern architecture, this hotel sits directly on the stunning Kaunaʻoa Bay. Known for its refined, understated luxury and its museum-quality collection of Asian and Oceanic art, it is a timeless favorite. The calm waters of the bay are ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
• The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort: A contemporary haven located on the shores of Hapuna Beach, frequently ranked among the world’s best beaches. This resort offers modern amenities, a world-class spa, and separate adults-only and family pools.

Residential Communities

Mauna Kea is known for having the lowest residential density on the Kohala Coast, with most communities deliberately built on the sloping terrain to maximize ocean and coastline views. Owners often gain eligibility for The Club at Mauna Kea Resort, providing full access to all hotel and resort amenities.

Oceanfront & Near-Ocean Communities:

• Hapuna Beach Residences: One of the newest and most coveted developments, offering ultra-luxury condominiums with direct, privileged access to Hapuna Beach.
• Kaunaʻoa: An exclusive, intimate community featuring luxury residences, gently rising above Kaunaʻoa Bay.
• The Bluffs: Features large, high-value oceanfront and near-ocean lots for custom-built luxury estates.
• Villas at Mauna Kea: Classic, single-story paired homes (villas) that offer private pools and commanding ocean views along the fairways.

Uplands Communities (Golf Course & Panoramic Views):

• Hapuna Estates: Features luxury homesites and the newest residential offering, Panorama condominiums and townhomes, which offer some of the most dramatic views from the highest elevation in the resort.
• Waiʻulaʻula: A gated community featuring luxury condos and custom homes perched above the Hapuna Golf Course, known for its ocean and coastline vistas.
• Kumulani: Features two-bedroom, single-level condominium units strategically positioned along the Hapuna Golf Course with sweeping ocean views.
• Fairways North & South: Communities featuring exquisite custom homes with spacious accommodations and seamless indoor-outdoor living, bordering the golf course fairways.

Golf, Activities, and Amenities

The resort provides comprehensive facilities, making it a complete destination for luxury and recreation.

• Golf: The resort features two championship 18-hole courses:
  • Mauna Kea Golf Course: Designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., this is a historic course celebrated for its lush fairways and the iconic Par 3, 3rd hole, which requires a tee shot over an ocean cove.
  • Hapuna Golf Course: Designed by Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay, this links-style course starts at a higher elevation and features sweeping ocean views from every hole.
• Seaside Tennis Club: Considered one of the best in the world, the club features 11 oceanfront courts (including pickleball courts) and offers daily clinics and instruction.
• Ocean Activities: Both Kaunaʻoa Bay and Hapuna Beach offer excellent conditions for swimming, snorkeling, boogie-boarding, and paddle sports. The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel also has a famous observation point for viewing Manta Rays feeding at night near the shore lights.
• Wellness: Full-service spa facilities (Mandara Spa) and state-of-the-art fitness centers are available at both hotels.
• Shopping & Dining: Both hotels host high-end boutique shopping with resort wear, jewelry, and gifts. Dining options are diverse, including the iconic Copper Bar (Mauna Kea), the fine dining experience at Manta, and the Mediterranean-inspired Meridia (Westin Hapuna).

Historical and Cultural Features

The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel is recognized as a Historic Hotel of America and holds a deep appreciation for culture and history:

• Art Collection: The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel houses a magnificent, museum-quality collection of over 1,600 pieces of Asian and Oceanic art and artifacts, acquired by Laurance Rockefeller. Complimentary guided art tours are often offered for guests.
• Nēnē Habitat: The resort grounds are a protected habitat for the Nēnē, the Hawaiian state bird, reflecting the resort’s commitment to conserving native species.
• Cultural Programs: The hotels offer cultural programming, including traditional luʻaus, music, and hula.

With Aloha!

Carol Porter

Hawaii Real Estate Salesperson RS-87584

Direct: 650-274-5200