KOHALA COAST, HAWAII—Hawaii Island’s first resort, the iconic Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, originally envisioned by Laurance S. Rockefeller, unveils its $180+ million, multi-phased renovation representing the most extensive transformation in the propertys 60-year history. An Autograph Collection hotel and part of the expansive Mauna Kea Resort—which also includes The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort and Mauna Kea Residences—the reimagined Mauna Kea Beach Hotel is now fully open to welcome both returning and first-time guests, carrying forward Rockefeller’s vision of harmonizing world-class hospitality with Hawaii’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and environmental stewardship.
The comprehensive renovation unveils 252 fully reimagined guestrooms and suites, a refreshed family resort pool featuring a new oceanfront hot tub, and five private cabanas appointed with plush loveseats, mini-refrigerators, and privacy curtains. The transformation also introduces a new oceanfront wellness retreat, highlighted by a state-of-the-art 2,500-square-foot fitness center and an adults-only infinity lap pool with expansive lanai.
The project also debuts enhanced dining experiences and thoughtfully refreshed public spaces, highlighted by a million-dollar curated gallery from the Rockefeller Art Collection featuring more than 500 historically significant works that have been professionally restored, including Hawaiian kapa cloth and quilts, and antiques and artifacts from the Pacific Rim and Southeast Asia. Additional phases of the project incorporated photovoltaic solar panels that supply approximately 45 percent of the resort’s overall electrical energy needs, underscoring a long-term commitment to sustainability.
A 28,000-Square-Foot Ulu Garden
Other key enhancements include the redesign of the Mauna Kea Golf Course by architect Robert Trent Jones Jr., the opening of the 28,000-square-foot Ulu Garden, and upgraded in-room amenities such as filtered water stations in every guestroom and complimentary reusable water bottles, further reducing single-use plastics across the resort.
“Every detail of this renovation was guided by Rockefeller’s original vision, preserving the architecture, celebrating local craftsmanship, and honoring Hawaii’s culture and the island’s natural beauty,” said Kansas Henderson, Hotel Manager at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. “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. Coming this spring, we look forward to unveiling the Spa at Mauna Kea—an unprecedented sanctuary for wellness and rejuvenation, introducing a spa experience unlike anything previously offered at the resort.”
The renovation spans both the Main Tower and the Beachfront Wing guestrooms and suites, celebrating the resort’s midcentury modern heritage while introducing a renewed sense of warmth and quiet luxury. Original terrazzo flooring in the Beachfront Wing and the resort’s iconic blue tile flooring in the Main Lobby, along with the Main Tower’s expansive lanais, have been preserved. Throughout both hotel wings, rich woods, handcrafted textiles inspired by Hawaiian weaving and quilting traditions, ceiling fans and plantation shutters in guestrooms, expansive glass lanai doors, bedside lighting control panels, and bathrooms with deep soaking tubs have been introduced. Curated artworks by local artists and layered textures and patterns pay homage to Hawaii’s cultural heritage, creating a sophisticated yet soulful sense of place.
Debut of Hau Tree Cantina
Culinary enhancements include the debut of Hau Tree Cantina, a re-concepting of the resort’s beachfront dining venue. Located just 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 from Sinaloa, Sonora, Campeche, Oaxaca, and Yucatan. Modern interpretations of Mexican classics are accompanied by a thoughtfully curated tequila and mezcal list, and refreshingly innovative alcohol-free creations. Legacy signature offerings, including the Frederico and Ovaltine Froth, are familiar refreshing indulgences.
The resort’s signature restaurant, Manta, also received a refresh and introduced a new hyper garden-to-table menu centered on local and seasonal ingredients sourced from Hawaii Island farmers, fishermen, ranchers, and the resort’s new 28,000-square-foot on-site Ulu Garden. Perched above Kaunaoa Bay with sweeping coastal views, the restaurant’s dinner menu reflects a Kohala Pacific Rim–inspired culinary approach.
“This renovation represents a defining moment for Mauna Kea Beach Hotel,” said Craig Anderson, Vice President of Operations. “Our goal was to elevate every aspect of the guest experience while preserving the essence of Mauna Kea’s legacy, a place where land, art and aloha exist in harmony. We look forward to welcoming back generations of friends while inviting new ones to share in the beauty and tranquility of Old Hawaii here at Mauna Kea.”
Spa to Open in the Spring
In addition, The Spa at Mauna Kea, opening in spring 2026, will feature 11 treatment rooms, both al fresco as well as indoor and outdoor couples treatment suites, separate male and female purification gardens, steam and sauna facilities, a movement pavilion, and a spa vitality pool. Designed to be organically connected to the land and rooted in Hawaiian healing traditions, the spa experience will begin with an oli chant and extend beyond individual treatments to include plunge and soaking pools, and a wellness deck intended for reflection and restoration. It will complement the resort’s existing wellness offerings, including the award-winning Seaside Racquet Club, home to nine tennis courts and eight new pickleball courts.
The completion of this multi-phased renovation coincides with the resort’s 60th anniversary and upcoming grand reopening gala in June, marking six decades of hospitality on the Island of Hawaii.
For more information, visit www.maunakeabeachhotel.com.
