Vision

The Legacy

“Every great beach deserves a great hotel.” - Laurance S. Rockefeller

In 1960, Hawaii's Governor William Quinn saw a century-old sugar cane economy fading, and invited Laurance S. Rockefeller to scout Big Island beachfront sites for resort potential. As they flew over the white sandy crescent of Kauna'oa Beach, Mr. Rockefeller asked if he could go in for a swim.

From the tranquil turquoise water, he looked upslope at the towering summit of Mauna Kea and was inspired to create a great hotel that reflected the spirit of this special place.

A noted conservationist and lover of the outdoors, Mr. Rockefeller believed that buildings should be "invisible," and conform to, not intrude on, the natural surroundings. Deploying his business philosophy of "experting," Mr. Rockefeller hired only the best for every aspect: architects Skidmore Owings Merrill, interior designer Davis Allen, golf course architect Robert Trent Jones, Sr. and many others. When it opened in July, 1965, the Mauna Kea was the most expensive hotel ever built, at $15 million.

Praised by travel writers and critics worldwide, it was named one of the "Three greatest hotels in the world" by Esquire magazine, one of "10 best buildings of 1966" by Fortune, and presented with an honors award by the American Institute of Architects.

The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel and Golf Course will reopen following a $150 million repair and renovation project, featuring Mr. Rockefeller's signature "understated elegance" stepped up for today by architects John Hara Associates Inc. of Honolulu and Barry Design Associates Inc. of Los Angeles. The Golf Course will be restored with his father's original mastery by Rees Jones Inc.

Opening December 20, 2008. Grand Opening Celebration March 25 - 29, 2009.

What was, will be once more.