Review
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Autograph Collection
When venture capitalist and conservationist Laurance S. Rockefeller unveiled this Big Island resort in 1965, it was the most expensive hotel ever built.
Readers' Choice Awards 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
Photos
Amenities
Bar
Beach
Family
Pool
Spa
Rooms
258
When venture capitalist and conservationist Laurance S. Rockefeller unveiled this Big Island resort in 1965, it was the most expensive hotel ever built. Though its glam environs were eventually usurped by Hawaii’s many newer luxury resorts, an extensive renovation in 2008 gave the Mauna Kea an update without sacrificing its throwback charm. Guests are lei'ed on arrival, and refurbished rooms feature private lanais, large baths and flatscreen TVs. Pull up a chaise longue on Kauna'oa Beach, play a few rounds of golf, or grab a bite at one of the hotel’s three restaurants, plus a weekly clambake and twice-weekly luau.
More To Discover
- Four Seasons Resort Hualālai$$$ | United States, Big Island, 72-100 Ka'upulehu Dr.Hawaii five-star with a dash of aloha spirit and none of the hullaba-hula.
- Fairmont Orchid Hawaii$$$ | United States, Big Island, 1 North Kaniku Dr.Fronted by a white sand beach, the Fairmont welcomes with a lobby overlooking the ocean.
- Mauna Lani, Auberge Collection$$$ | United States, Big Island, 68-1400 Mauna Lani Dr.A major renovation of a storied icon on the Big Island’s sunny Kona-Kohala coast.
- Volcano House$$ | United States, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, 1 Crater Rim DriveA historic home away from home on the edge of an active volcano.
- The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort$$ | United States, Big Island, 62-100 Kauna'Oa Dr.
- Hilton Waikoloa VillageUnited States, Big Island, 69-425 Waikoloa Beach Dr.The property fills 62 oceanfront acres, and includes an ocean-fed lagoon, three pools with waterfalls, two championship golf courses, 20,000 square feet of shops, and eight restaurants.
