 Mauna Kea Beach Resort The Legacy: “Every great beach deserves a great hotel” – Laurance S. Rockefeller. In 1960, Hawaii's Governor William Quinn saw a century-old sugar cane economy fading and invited Laurance S. Rockefeller to scout Big Island beachfront sites for resort potential. As they flew over the white sandy crescent of Kauna'oa Beach, Mr. Rockefeller asked if he could go in for a swim. From the tranquil turquoise water, he looked upslope at the towering summit of Mauna Kea and was inspired to create a great hotel that reflected the spirit of this special place. A noted conservationist and lover of the outdoors, Mr. Rockefeller believed that buildings should be "invisible," and conform to, not intrude on, the natural surroundings. Deploying his business philosophy of "experting," Mr. Rockefeller hired only the best for every aspect: architects Skidmore Owings Merrill, interior designer Davis Allen, golf course architect Robert Trent Jones, Sr. and many others. When it opened in July, 1965, the Mauna Kea was the most expensive hotel ever built, at $15 million. Praised by travel writers and critics worldwide, it was named one of the "Three greatest hotels in the world" by Esquire magazine, one of "10 best buildings of 1966" by Fortune, and presented with an honors award by the American Institute of Architects. The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel and Golf Course has recently undergone an extensive, 2-year repair and renovation project worth $150 million. As part of the renovations, the total number of guest rooms were reduced from 310 rooms to 258 rooms. Rooms were newly furnished and enlarged to accommodate bathrooms with an ocean view. Having had their soft opening on December 20, 2008, the Grand Opening was held on March 25, 2009 with over 300 in attendance. Featuring Mr. Rockefeller's signature "understated elegance" stepped up for today by architects John Hara Associates Inc. of Honolulu and Barry Design Associates Inc. of Los Angeles. The Mauna Kea Golf Course designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr. has also been restored with his father's original mastery by Rees Jones Inc. “What was, will be once more”. Mauna Kea Beach Resort’s real estate offerings include various condominium projects, custom homes and homesites. The Mauna Kea Beach Resort is located in South Kohala just 26 miles north of Kona International Airport, a short 40 minute drive.
Contact Frank Schenk for additional information about this exclusive resort. |