There’s a certain magic about the Kohala Coast – that golden stretch where black lava meets powdery white sand – and it’s here that Mauna Kea Beach Hotel has been quietly redefining Hawai‘i hospitality since 1965. Now, just in time for its 60th anniversary celebrations in June 2026, the storied resort has unveiled a $180 million transformation that honours its legacy while elevating the guest experience throughout.
Originally developed by Laurance S. Rockefeller, the grandson of oil magnate John D. Rockefeller, the hotel was the first resort built on island of Hawai‘i – a bold move that helped shape the destination into the world-class escape it is today.
Fast forward six decades, and the property, which is now part of the wider Mauna Kea Resort alongside The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort, has emerged from a meticulous refresh that touches nearly every corner of the estate.
All 252 guest rooms and suites across the Main Tower and Beachfront Wing have been reimagined with a light, breezy aesthetic. Think rich timber finishes, handcrafted textiles inspired by traditional weaving and quilting and large lanai (balconies) that blur the line between indoors and out. Thoughtful nods to the past remain, including original terrazzo floors and the signature blue lobby tiles.
The upgrades extend well beyond the rooms. A redesigned family pool now features an oceanfront hot tub and private cabanas, while a brand-new adults-only infinity lap pool forms part of an oceanfront wellness retreat, complete with a state-of-the-art fitness centre.
Golfers can tee off on the newly reimagined Mauna Kea Golf Course, designed by renowned architect Robert Trent Jones Jr., while those seeking relaxation can retreat to the expansive Spa at Mauna Kea. Here, 11 treatment rooms – including open-air and couples’ suites – are complemented by steam rooms, saunas and tranquil purification gardens, with each visit beginning with a traditional ‘oli (chant).
Dining, too, has had a fresh infusion of creativity. The beachfront has been revitalised with the open-air Hau Tree Cantina, where Baja-style fish tacos and vibrant salads give way to contemporary Mexican dishes after sunset, all overlooking the luminous waters of Kaunaoa Bay. The resort’s signature Manta restaurant continues to shine with a renewed focus on hyper-local ingredients sourced from island farmers, fishermen and the new on-site ‘Ulu Garden.
Art remains at the heart of the Mauna Kea story. Guests can explore a carefully restored collection of more than 500 works from the Rockefeller Art Collection, spanning Hawaiian kapa (cloth), Pacific Rim artefacts and Southeast Asian antiques.
Sustainability has also taken centre stage, with photovoltaic solar panels now supplying nearly half of the resort’s energy needs, alongside in-room filtered water systems and reusable bottles that help reduce plastic use.
From its pioneering beginnings to its newly refreshed future, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel remains a place where heritage, culture and barefoot luxury come together – as captivating today as it was 60 years ago.
For more information, visit maunakearesort.com/mauna-kea-beach-hotel
