Mauna Kea Beach Hotel: A Legendary Luxury Resort on Hawaii’s Big Island

The Big Island of Hawai‘i is known for its raw beauty of towering volcanoes, black lava landscapes, and some of the most pristine beaches in the world. For travelers seeking timeless luxury, world-class service, and one of the best beaches in Hawaii, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel stands at the top of the list.

Set along the iconic Kauna‘oa Bay on the Kohala Coast, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel is a historic luxury resort that blends mid-century design, Hawaiian culture, and elegant luxury.

Don’t miss my complete Big Island Travel Guide with itineraries, beaches, and must-do experiences.

Mauna Kea Resort on the Big Island's nicest stretch of beach and calm blue ocean waters

How to Book the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel is part of the Marriott Autograph Collection or properties. The best way to book any Marriott property is always with a Marriott co-branded credit card to help you earn valuable loyalty points and resort perks.

The Marriott Amex credit card is the top Marriott co-branded credit card because you will automatically have Platinum Elite loyalty status which earns you 50% more points earned during your stay, enhanced room upgrades, a welcome gift (free brekfast) and a 4 PM late checkout. This card is great for frequent Marriott travelers or even someone that just does 1 trip a year.

This credit card comes with a yearly free nightly certificate and this would be a GREAT resort to redeem your free night to maximize the value. This is also a great property to earn or redeem Marriott Points.

Check out the latest referral and sign-up bonus for this must have Mariott Credit Card

Book Through a Luxury Travel Program

The next best way to book a Marriott Property like Mauna Kea is with luxury booking platforms.

American Express Platinum Card – Fine Hotels + Resorts (FHR)

When booking Mauna Kea Beach Hotel through Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts, you’ll typically receive:

• 5X Amex Membership Rewards® points

• Daily breakfast for two

• $100 on-property resort credit

• Room upgrade upon availability

• Guaranteed 4PM late checkout

• Up to $300 annual statement credits for prepaid FHR bookings

Check out the latest referral and sign-up bonus for my faborite travel card - AMEX Platinum

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel Property Highlights

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel is often described as a “living museum,” featuring an impressive collection of Asian and Pacific art throughout the property. Its design emphasizes open space, natural light, and unobstructed ocean views.

The resort recently completed a renovation, modernizing rooms and amenities while preserving the hotel’s traditional iconic character.

Kauna‘oa Bay (Mauna Kea Beach)

One of the main reasons travelers choose this resort is Kauna‘oa Bay, consistently ranked as one of the best white-sand beaches on the Big Island of Hawaii and all of Hawaii.

• Soft white sand and crystal-clear water

• Gentle waves ideal for swimming and snorkeling

• Excellent visibility with colorful reef fish just offshore

  
  

Complimentary snorkel gear, boogie boards, and beach chairs are provided, making this one of the most effortless beach experiences on the Big Island. They even have a floating dock out in the water to lay on and enjoy the beatuiful blue ocean waters.

Pools

This resort doesn't offer multiple or large pools but there is a beautiful circular pool that overlooks the beach. There are a good amount of loungers as well as some elevated cabanas available for rent. The atmosphere is relaxed and uncrowded with very attentive pool side service.

Spa & Wellness at Mauna Kea

The Mandara Spa offers a serene escape with treatments inspired by Hawaiian healing traditions and global wellness practices.

Guests can enjoy:

• Custom massages and body treatments

• Ocean-inspired therapies

• A fully equipped fitness center

• Tennis courts and wellness classes

  
  

For golfers, the Mauna Kea Golf Course, originally designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., is one of the most scenic oceanfront courses in Hawaii.

Dining at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel

Dining at Mauna Kea is refined, romantic, and focused on high-quality ingredients.

• Manta Restaurant – The resort’s signature restaurant, known for refined island cuisine and views of the manta rays illuminated offshore at night. This is also the home of the daily breakfast buffet.

• Copper Bar – Craft cocktails, live music, and ocean views

• Hau Tree – Casual beachfront dining for lunch and relaxed dinners

The resort’s dining scene is ideal for couples and travelers who appreciate a quieter, more elevated culinary experience.

Rooms & Suites at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel

The resort offers 252 guest rooms and suites, all designed to maximize ocean views and natural light.

Guest Rooms

• Floor-to-ceiling windows or sliding glass doors

• Private lanais with ocean or golf course views

• Contemporary Hawaiian design

• Spacious marble bathrooms

The rooms have a traditional feel and certainly aren't the most modern but they offer an elegant and comfortable stay.

Suites

For more space and privacy, suites offer:

• Separate living areas

• Expansive lanais

• Premium oceanfront views

• Ideal layouts for longer stays or special occasions

  
  

Things to Do Near Mauna Kea Beach Hotel

The Kohala Coast is perfectly positioned for exploring the Big Island’s most iconic attractions:

• Manta Ray Night Snorkel – One of the best places in Hawaii to experience this bucket-list adventure is right off the resort's shoreline!

• Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park – Lava tubes, craters, and volcanic landscapes

• Pololū Valley Lookout – Dramatic cliffs and black sand beaches

• Waipi‘o Valley – Lush valleys and waterfalls

• Mauna Kea Summit & Stargazing – World-class astronomy experiences

  
  

For a detailed, day-by-day itinerary, explore my Big Island Travel Guide.

Final Thoughts: Is Mauna Kea Beach Hotel Worth It?

If you’re searching for a classic, refined luxury resort with one of the best beaches in Hawaii, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel is absolutely worth it.

This is the perfect resort for travelers who value:

• Marriott Hotel Loyalty

• Exceptional beach quality

• Quiet, uncrowded luxury

• Timeless design and history

• Personalized service

  
  

Whether you’re celebrating a honeymoon, anniversary, or simply want to experience one of Hawaii’s most iconic resorts, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel delivers an unforgettable Big Island stay rooted in elegance and natural beauty.