What Was Is … Mauna Kea Beach Hotel Celebrates Its 50th Anniversary

September 15, 2015 | By New York Tennis Magazine Staff
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This year marks the 50th anniversary of Mauna Kea Beach Hotel and the celebration of one man’s vision a half-century ahead of its time—a resort both at one with nature and the epitome of luxury. Laurance S. Rockefeller, an environmentalist before environmentalism, envisioned the hotel to be “invisible,” and so it would be. A pair of stepped-back galleries blends seamlessly with the hillside. The blue-tiled lobby opens to the sky and the ocean view carries clear through to the threshold of the porte-cochere.

Rooms have broad lanais and doorways facing garden atriums rather than dark corridors.

On opening day, Mauna Kea set the standard for luxury in the Islands. Now a $150 million restoration has raised it.

True to his vision, today, even baths have been re-mastered for ocean views. Many baths have deep soaking tubs, window-front showers and separate private lanais. The Beachfront Wing, just barefoot steps to the sand and surf, has its own surprise … a picture window view from the tub through the room to the ocean.

Mr. Rockefeller expected to draw outdoor-minded people.

“What we look for are people who have enough inner resources to enjoy an unorganized environment, to appreciate peace, serenity, beauty and reasonable comfort,” said Mr. Rockefeller.

Then, of course, there is the great outdoors, itself—none greater than Mauna Kea’s golden crescent beach on Kauna‘oa Bay. Tennis-loving guests enjoy an equally beautiful ocean vista at the 11-court Seaside Tennis Club. The resort also sports the 18-championship holes of Mauna Kea Course, its third hole arguably the most beautiful in the world. And now, golfers can surf their way around the course on Mauna Kea’s new “Golf Boards”—great fun that saves 30 minutes per round.

A timely opportunity: “Fall Into Winter” at Mauna Kea
Guests staying Oct. 1-Dec. 18, 2015 will be rewarded with daily breakfast buffet for two at the hotel’s signature Manta Restaurant overlooking the bay. Also included is a one-time resort credit from $300-$1,000 based on room category selected. Credits can be used for dining and activities during the stay. Some restrictions and blackout dates apply.

For “Fall into Winter” promotion information and reservations, along with Mauna Kea 50th Anniversary packages, call (866) 977-4589 or visit TimelessMaunaKea.com.


New York Tennis Magazine Staff
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