Mauna Kea Beach Hotel on the Kohala Coast of Hawaii has completed a $180-plus million, multi-phased renovation, which marked the most extensive transformation in the property’s 60-year history.
The 252-room Autograph Collection hotel—part of Mauna Kea Resort alongside The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort and Mauna Kea Residences—is now fully reopened following the overhaul. The project reimagines all guestrooms and suites across the Main Tower and Beachfront Wing, introduces new wellness and dining concepts, upgrades recreational amenities and integrates sustainability initiatives.
The completion coincides with the resort’s 60th anniversary of the resort—which was originally envisioned by Laurance S. Rockefeller—and a grand reopening gala is planned for June.
"Every detail of this renovation was guided by Rockefellers' original vision, preserving the architecture, celebrating local craftsmanship and honoring Hawaii's culture and the island's natural beauty," Kansas Henderson, hotel manager at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, said in a statement. "With all redesigned guestrooms, suites, pools, dining venues and resort enhancements now open, we're thrilled to welcome guests to a new era of experiences at Mauna Kea.”
The renovation preserves signature midcentury modern design elements, including original terrazzo flooring in the beachfront wing and blue tile flooring in the main lobby. Expansive lanais remain a defining feature of the main tower. Interiors now incorporate rich woods, hand-crafted textiles inspired by Hawaiian weaving and quilting traditions, ceiling fans and plantation shutters, expansive glass lanai doors, bedside lighting controls and bathrooms with deep soaking tubs.
Henderson added beginning this spring the property will unveil the Spa at Mauna Kea as a sanctuary for wellness and rejuvenation. The forthcoming Spa at Mauna Kea will feature 11 treatment rooms, indoor and outdoor couples suites, purification gardens, steam and sauna facilities, a movement pavilion and a vitality pool. The addition builds on the resort’s existing wellness offerings, including the Seaside Racquet Club with nine tennis courts and eight pickleball courts.
Culinary enhancements include the debut of Hau Tree Cantina, a re-concepting of the resort's beachfront dining venue. Located steps from Kaunaoa Bay, Hau Tree, the casual, open-air restaurant continues to serve beachside lunch favorites such as salads, burgers, and Baja-style fish tacos before transitioning in the evening to Hau Tree Cantina, featuring a menu of contemporary regional Mexican dishes.
Sustainability initiatives were integrated into multiple phases of the project, including the installation of photovoltaic solar panels that now provide approximately 45 percent of the resort’s electrical energy needs. In-room filtered water stations and complimentary reusable bottles have been added to reduce single-use plastics.