Hawaii Island, HawaiiMauna Kea Beach
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Autograph Collection
Mid-century oceanfront resort
Mauna Kea Beach Hawaii Island, Hawaii
Renovated
2026
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Design Resort ClassicOutside the door
The house
MarriottMid-century oceanfront resort
Conceived as a modernist coastal landmark, the wall-free resort keeps daily life open to ocean breezes and Pacific art.
“With its Mid-century design impeccably preserved, the Beachfront Wing rooms all have a furnished lanai (an open-sided patio) and ocean views.”
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Open-air concrete breezeways and corridor-less floors look directly over Kaunaʻoa Bay.
Remarkable
Championship golf carved into black lava fields, beside seventeen oceanfront racquet courts.
Remarkable
Generations of returning families mark island milestones along the shores of Kaunaʻoa.
What they say
Also in Condé Nast Traveler, The 50 Discovery and AFAR.
an extensive renovation in 2008 gave the Mauna Kea an update without sacrificing its throwback charm.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Kaunaʻoa Bay forms a calm swimming crescent along the Kohala Coast, where manta rays regularly feed along the rocky point.
The rooms
Airy layouts extend onto broad private lanais furnished with dining tables and cushioned daybeds facing the Pacific.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
An adults-only infinity lap pool stretches above the sand, flanked by a timber sun deck and oceanfront hot tub.
The spa
Al fresco suites look onto tropical gardens, where treatments draw on warm lava stones and traditional lomilomi massage.
The gym
Peloton bikes and treadmills look directly onto the ocean sunset from inside the 2,500-square-foot fitness pavilion.
At the table
Open-air tables line the beach at Hau Tree, and Manta serves dinner beside an outdoor fire pit overlooking the bay.
Louvered wood shutters replace heavier window treatments, increasing natural light and airflow while opening rooms to the sound of crashing waves.
How it began
Laurance Rockefeller chose this isolated bay after swimming here in 1960, building across barren lava without roads or electricity.
Good to know
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Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Autograph Collection
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Hawaii Island
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.