Jetsettersblog

The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel celebrated a soft opening Dec. 20 marking the return of the Laurance Rockefeller-built beachfront hotel and resort on the Big Island’s Kohala Coast. Two years after being forced to close due to earthquake damage, the Mauna Kea reopened with a traditional Hawaiian blessing and welcomed its first guests to experience a multi-million dollar investment in redesigned, spacious guest rooms, new restaurants, a new spa, and an extensive makeover of the legendary golf course complete with a new clubhouse. The flagship property of the Prince Hotels and Resorts international portfolio, Mauna Kea will have its “official” Grand Opening in March.

The hotel’s classic exterior architecture design remains the same as before, with the most dramatic changes taking place inside the guestrooms. The total room and suite count has been reduced from 310 to 258 due to the enlarging of rooms in the main building. The Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa suites are a spacious 1,610 square feet (including lanai) and the Junior suites measure just under 1,000 square feet, while the regular guest rooms on the remodeled floors have been expanded to 550 square feet. With luxurious interior furnishings, upgraded bedding, oceanview bathrooms, and a host of the latest in entertainment amenities, the guestrooms have never been more comfortably modern while staying true to Rockefeller’s vision of “understated elegance.” The new oceanview bathrooms are sure to be popular, with the super-size baths, wall-less “rain showers,” soaking tubs, and private lanai.

Other new attractions at the hotel include a Mandara Spa offering an array of exotic treatments, and enticing new culinary experiences directed by Resort Executive Chef Piet Wigmans and Executive Chef George Gomes, who has returned to Mauna Kea following a distinguished career in some of Hawaii’s finest restaurants.

Also opening this week is the “new” Mauna Kea Golf Course, which has been completely renovated from tee-to-green over the past year. Overseen by Rees Jones, son of the original course designer, Robert Trent Jones, Sr., the world class Mauna Kea Golf Course has been upgraded and redesigned to USGA standards featuring new grass throughout the course layout, rebuilt bunkers, and a new irrigation system. The renovation includes a newly constructed Clubhouse with Pro Shop and locker rooms, as well as a restaurant that can serve as another dinner option for resort guests.

Many popular resort activities are also back, including the 13-court Seaside Tennis Club, the Salon at Mauna Kea, play-while-you learn children’s activities, Hawaiian cultural experiences, the Art & Garden Tour, yoga and exercise classes, and enhanced beach services and cabanas. The fabled manta rays are expected to return for their nightly feeding forays off Manta Ray Point.

For reservations or more information, call 866-977-4589 or visit www.maunakeapreview.com