The Mauna Kea is the original Kohala coast resort and now includes two magnificent beaches, nine restaurants, an oceanside tennis garden, spa facilities, and 36 holes of championship golf. Mauna Kea Resort. Its name is legendary. It set a new standard of luxury, and established a tradition of hospitality unparalleled. For many, it's the very definition of a resort, and the ideal setting for what a premier residential resort development should be.

Conde’ Nast Traveler calls them “two of the best golf courses in the world.” Hapuna Golf Course offers 18 challenging holes of play, while the Mauna Kea Golf Course remains the standard by which all island courses are judged.

The Mauna Kea, for her mainland guests as well as people here on the island, was-and still is-a very special place. For us, she was a landmark, our very own "brush with greatness," built by Mr. Rockefeller back in the day. Everybody had a relative who worked there - and whether we were lucky enough to stay overnight, take the family to Sunday Brunch or just spend a day on the beach (looking for celebrities), it was a place that stood for the Big Island's best, of everything.

The Mauna Kea is closed right now due to damages from the earthquake October 15, 2006. The golf course is also closed, not because of earthquake damage, but because the timing is right for a renovation for that too. They will replant the grasses and rebuild the clubhouse.  The hotel is due to open this December 2008.

The good news is that the gorgeous beach at Kauna'oa Bay is open (all beaches in Hawaii are open to the public) with its little lunch restaurant and bar for sunset cocktails. So are the tennis courts, in their fabulous setting right by the ocean - and the beauty salon has moved into the tennis building! So you can get a pedicure while your spouse improves her serve. If you stay at Hapuna, next door, there's a little bus that brings you to the property for free.