 The
Legend Lives On
Island Art and Archaeology in a Resort Setting
For
many visitors to Hawaii, the hotel experience is often set up
as a base camp for days spent discovering lush, exotic locales.
But at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, you’ll never want—or
need—to leave the grounds. That’s because
everything that makes Hawaii so appealing, from striking
natural beauty to warm Aloha spirit, can be found right
on the property … snorkel just off a secluded white
sand beach, view manta rays in their natural environment,
play a round of golf in an oceanfront setting or explore
one of the world’s largest private collections of
island art. Then head over to the Copper Bar for sunset
Mai Tais.
Named
for nearby “White Mountain,” this discreetly
stunning hotel opened in July 1965 and recently underwent a major renovation. While it’s relatively
young when compared to many of America’s grand hotels,
it is undeniably historic. It was the vision of philanthropist
and conservationist Laurance S. Rockefeller, who saw the
potential of a rugged patch of black lava in an inaccessible
area during a time when the Big Island was not a thriving
tourist destination. Not only was he determined to respect
the natural terrain, he hired a historian to ensure that
the project did not destroy any sacred or archaeologically
significant sites. His revolutionary approach blended
the resort into the landscape rather than reshaping it
to suit the resort. Not only does his legacy of respect
for the spirit and culture of the islands live on at the
Mauna Kea, its affects can be felt at resorts throughout
Hawaii.
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Beachfront
suite
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Oceanview room |
The
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel has been fully restored to emphasize
its original blend of modern Western and subtle Eastern
elements—the design drew on the work of Frank Lloyd
Wright and Japanese shibumi style structures.
The property is infused with a mesmerizing spirituality,
which can be credited in part to the natural setting and
in part to the magnificent décor. The hotel houses
over 1,600 pieces of museum-quality art and artifacts
from India, Southeast Asia, China, Japan, Melanesia and
Polynesia. Because the majority are not encased, they
lend the feeling of being in a very tastefully appointed
estate. As you wander the grounds (or take a self-guided
tour), you may encounter a seventh-century sandstone Buddha,
or notice a bronze ceremonial drum being used as an occasional
table. Hallways serve as galleries, as you’ll discover
on the fifth, sixth and seventh floor corridors, with
their displays of hand-beaten tapa cloth textiles and
Hawaiian quilt collection specially commissioned by Rockefeller.
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Indoor/Outdoor restaurant |
When
it comes to recreation, you’ll find that the Mauna
Kea is as skilled at indulging the body as it is at nurturing
the spirit. The beachfront lawn hosts morning yoga, while
Kauna’oa Bay invites guests to swim, snorkel, scuba
dive, sail and kayak; you can even head out for a day
of whale watching or deep sea fishing. Spa treatments
can be arranged, and the Seaside Tennis Club hosts Friday
night stargazing with professional astronomers, as well
as the expected tennis lessons. Among the club’s
many features are 13 shoreline courts and
a program where
guests can try out new equipment that is new to the market.
Another notable draw is the 18-hole Rees Jones-designed golf course, which was originally inaugurated with match
play between Arnold Palmer, Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus;
its dramatic Third Hole—where Pacific inlet waters
crash against the rocky shoreline—alone is worth
a game.
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Traditional lu'au
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Lush beachside pool |
One
of the most pleasant aspects of the hotel is its 258 guestrooms
and suites, which have been gracefully restored with preservation
in mind. Rather than being given a new look, the accommodations
were allowed to retain their original simple elegance.
Natural wood interiors frame private lanais, and an open-air
design brings the outdoors in; all elements conspire to
create a wonderful tranquility. The rooms are comfy in
a laid-back residential way and well stocked with thoughtful
amenities and feature oceanview baths.
No
mention of the Mauna Kea would be complete without noting
its dining venues, which are overseen by executive chef
George Gomes, whose cuisine is influenced by the Hawaii Regional Cuisine movement.
Not to be missed is
the Tuesday night luau, an oceanfront event featuring
a pig cooked in an imu (underground oven) and
Hawaiian music and dance.
The
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel is part of the Mauna Kea Resort, which
also includes the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel—guests
enjoy reciprocal privileges (including access to the Hapuna’s
full-service spa) at both. It is a place that reveres the
island’s deeply spiritual side while indulging holiday-goers’
more corporeal desires. From the moment you are greeted
with a fragrant lei and warm “aloha,” you will
understand why this hotel is now welcoming its fourth generation
of loyal followers.
(Updated:
12/22/08 DN)
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