Aerial view of Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. MKBH photo
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel is a historic gem on Hawaii’s Kohala Coast. A landmark property on the Big Island, they recently embarked on a comprehensive $200 million renovation to enhance their already-luxurious offerings, they’re keeping the hotel open while undergoing this massive feat, and by all accounts, pulling it off beautifully.
In April 2024 the phased transformation began and they’re very close to the finish line. The hotel expects to complete construction sometime in the third quarter of 2025.
If you’re one of the many travelers to Hawaii this year, consider booking a room at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. It’s probably the least crowded you’ll ever find it.
“Beautiful views and beautiful beach… At first we thought the construction would be an issue but we realized that with the resort being half empty it made it even better…Easy to get into the restaurants on the property…All the staff were fantastic…We would definitely stay here again.” Brett C., Trip Advisor
Background and Historical Significance of Mauna Kea Beach Hotel
In 1965, visionary conservationist and businessman Laurance S. Rockefeller conceived the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel as the first master-planned resort on the Big Island. The serene beauty of Kaunaoa Bay inspired Rockefeller. The Mauna Kea Resort seamlessly integrates with its natural surroundings and the gift of a superbly beautiful beach.
Over the decades, this great Big Island hotel has garnered acclaim for its architectural brilliance, cultural significance, and unparalleled hospitality as a cherished destination for generations of travelers.
“This is a classic hotel that we’ve stayed at since 1980. It has always been a joy to be there, and it seems like coming home when one arrives.” @R2342@Wlrichardb Trip Advisor, Oct 2024
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel’s Period of Renewal
Ever heard the saying “Go big or go home?” The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel decided to go big…very big.
The extensive renovation encompasses multiple facets of the resort, each designed to renew and elevate the guest experience. They’re doing all of this while carefully prioritizing the comfort of the guests.
“We knew when we booked that the hotel was going through renovations. It kept occupancy low so getting dinner reservations and cabanas on the beach easy to come by. There were obvious construction areas and equipment but overall it was not a detractor to the stay and time on the beach. Staff did an excellent job informing us of temporary closures and helped us navigate as needed.” Cynthia, hotel guest review – Nov 2024
Guest Rooms and Suites
All 252 guest rooms and suites are being transformed with a meticulous redesign to blend contemporary luxury with Hawaii-inspired aesthetics.
Main Tower Renovations
The Main Tower’s restoration has been completed, offering guests refreshed rooms that feature modern amenities, personal water refill stations, upgraded furnishings, state-of-the-art technology, and Frette linens. You can check availability here or call 1-877-880-6524.
Ocean Front Deluxe Room in the Main Tower. MKBH photo
Beachfront Wing, Hotel Pool and Phase 2 of Renovations
Phase 2 began in February 2025 with the closure of the 96-room Beachfront Wing for approximately six to seven months. During this period, significant enhancements are being made to these areas, with noisy work restricted to 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily to minimize guest inconvenience.
The hotel pool is closed for renewal from February 2025 through August 2025. Improvements include expanding the chaise lounge seating area and installing a new hot tub with unobstructed ocean views. Safety barriers are in place to minimize guest disruption. Reopening for areas impacted during Phase 2 is expected in the third quarter of 2025.
Enjoy an oceanside breakfast at Manta. MKBH photo.
Dining Options
The hotel will ensure that one or more onsite restaurants are open to service guests at all times during the restoration. Hours of operation are subject to change so guests should call each restaurant directly to avoid disappointment.
Manta Restaurant
The hotel’s four dining establishments, including the signature Manta restaurant are being revitalized to offer enhanced culinary experiences with unobstructed views of Kaunaoa Bay. Manta received a new retractable outdoor awning, a new buffet area, improved lighting and audio, and new furniture. Manta continues to serve breakfast and dinner, ensuring guests can enjoy its renowned cuisine amidst the transformation. They feature locally sourced ingredients and an award-winning wine list. Mauna Kea Market is also open daily for breakfast with grab-and-go options, fresh pastries, wraps, fruits, snacks, coffee and tea.
Hau Tree offers lunch and dinner. MKBH photo.
Casual Dining at Copper Bar and Hau Tree
Other dining options such as Copper Bar and Hau Tree remain open, providing guests with a variety of culinary options during the renovation period. Copper Bar is also open in the morning for made-to-order coffee, snacks and pastries for an easy grab and go breakfast. Hau Tree (daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. ) will remain open throughout the entire renovation to both hotel guests and the general public. During holiday periods, some restaurants will be open to registered hotel guests only.
Guests can also enjoy additional dining options available at restaurants at the Mauna Kea’s sister hotel—Meridia, Naupaka and Piko—located at The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort.
Don’t miss the Mauna Kea Luau on Tuesday & Friday. MKBH photo.
Live Entertainment
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel and their restaurants prioritize supporting local musicians and the community around them. Don’t Miss:
- Their weekly lūʻau is on Tuesdays and Fridays.
- Live Jazz at Manta on Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday evenings.
- Nightly Hula performances and live Hawaiian music at Copper Bar.
Spa and Wellness Center
A highlight of the renovation is the introduction of an expansive Spa and Wellness Center. These facilities will feature 11 indoor and al fresco treatment rooms, a full-service salon, and an enlarged, state-of-the-art fitness center. Additionally, guests can look forward to a new infinity-edge lap pool situated in front of the Main Tower, offering unobstructed ocean views of Kaunaʻoa. The Spa is still open for appointments during the renovation. For the latest spa hours or to make a reservation, please call (808) 882-5630. Fitness center access will also be uninterrupted during the renovation.
Seaside Tennis Club is also open and fully operational to welcome guests throughout the entire project. To book a court, call (808) 882-5420. There are 9 tennis courts and 8 pickleball courts. It is rated the #1 Tennis Club in Hawaii.
The Mauna Kea Beach Golf Course has been fully revitalized. MKBH photo.
Mauna Kea Golf Course
The renowned Mauna Kea Golf Course has undergone an extensive makeover under the direction of Robert Trent Jones Jr., son of the original golf course designer. This collaboration marks the first time the visionary work of Robert Trent Jones Sr. and both sons, Reese and Bobby Jr., have been integrated. As a result, three pioneers of the sport created this unique course featuring restored iconic holes, sustainability efforts with drought-tolerant grass and native landscaping, and modern amenities such as a high-tech pro shop and GPS-equipped carts.
“Two of the most majestic par 3s I’ve ever played. The signature #3 which calls for a long carry over an ocean inlet, while #11 is equally stunning, with a long downhill shot with the ocean backing the green. The golf course is heavy in fun, sunshine, and aloha-vibes.” Anonymous – Golf Digest 2025
Guest Experience During RenovationMauna Kea Beach Hotel remains dedicated to providing an exceptional guest experience despite undergoing renovations. Kauna’oa Bay continues to welcome guests, offering its pristine sands and tranquil waters. Reserved seating areas on the beach ensure a comfortable and exclusive environment for relaxation. The gorgeous sunset is complimentary.
Public Access During Renovation Continues
In Hawaii, all beaches must be available to the general public. Mauna Kea Resort has always valued their stewardship of access to Kauna‘oa Bay. Public beach access continues with temporary adjustments, such as public beach parking is now adjacent to the tennis courts. Another key point is that access to the beach is via a designated path from the north end of the property.
Alternative Accommodations:
Guests seeking alternative arrangements will be helped to relocate to the hotel’s sister property, The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort, based on availability.
Cultural and Environmental Initiatives
In alignment with the hotel’s legacy, the renovation integrates cultural preservation and environmental sustainability:
Hawaiian “kapa” is an art form. MKBH photo.
Art Collection:
In alignment with its commitment to cultural and historic preservation, Mauna Kea Resort is partnering with Honolulu’s Bishop Museum and other local entities to refurbish its million-dollar art collection. Hundreds of pieces personally commissioned by Rockefeller are preserved and thoughtfully displayed throughout the hotel’s public spaces.
Onsite restaurants grow fresh produce. MKBH photo.
Gardens:
New garden areas include a Chef’s Garden providing fresh produce for the hotel’s kitchens. A specialty botanical garden features indigenous and endemic plant species.
Sustainability Efforts:
The resort is creating forward-thinking programs focused on resource management and utility conservation, reinforcing its commitment to preserving Hawaii’s spectacular beauty.
The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel belongs on your bucket list. MKBH photo.
With Aloha and a Look to the Future of the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel
The $200 million renovation of Mauna Kea Beach Hotel on the Kohala Coast is an exceptional blend of modernization and preservation and as a result, this great hotel offers unparalleled luxury with an honored past. Every person who stays here can anticipate enhanced accommodations, dining, wellness, and recreational experiences, all set within the timeless beauty of Hawaii’s Kohala Coast.
