Mauna Kea Resort

Welcome to Mauna Kea Resort

In Hawaiian, Mauna Kea means “white mountain,” and the Big Island’s dormant volcano was named for its frequently white-capped peak—the Hawaiian islands’ highest—that reaches 13,796 feet. Traditionally revered as the home of the ancestral gods and creators of native Hawaiians, this long-quiet volcano created Mauna Kea Beach, which is considered the best on the island. Surrounding Kauna’oa Bay, Mauna Kea Beach offers one of the only white sand beaches along the Kohala Coast on the island’s western edge. Here, Mauna Kea real estate takes advantage of the sloping hillsides for panoramic views in single-family homes and luxurious condominiums.

This iconic location offers timeless, classic appeal, from its white sand beach to its pristine accommodations. Dating back to the 1960s, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel owes its roots to the Rockefeller family. The first resort on the Big Island of Hawaii, conservationist Laurance Rockefeller designed this hotel not to impede Mauna Kea’s natural beauty, but rather to adopt it. This ideal permeates Mauna Kea culture, the act of integration that celebrates rather than disturbs the residents’ relationship with nature.

Similarly, Mauna Kea is fueled by a strong sense of community. Seasonal dinners with vineyard owners bring people together for a glass of locally sourced wine from Hawaiian-grown grapes at Volcano Winery. Music lovers flock to the Big Island Jazz & Blues Festival, and families with children of all ages can partake in the annual 4th of July BBQ on the lawn at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. Grab lunch alfresco at Hau Tree, the gazebo-style eatery serving up delicious local fare and oceanfront views. Other local dining options include upscale traditional Hawaiian dishes at Manta and deluxe cocktails at Copper Bar at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. Residents are only a short drive from Island Gourmet Markets for fresh produce, a gourmet deli, and bakery selections.

Enjoy a game of golf at Mauna Kea Championship Golf Course, designed by outstanding course architect Robert Trent Jones. This course touts a tricky third tee, which is placed over the water. Adventurers can hike Hawaii’s most sacred mountain and explore the Mauna Kea Observatories—the largest astronomical observatory in the world. Mauna Kea celebrates Hawaii’s deep connection with nature, making it an ideal location for anyone hoping to get back to their roots.