We'd like to thank all of you who emailed us their 'Mele Kalikimaka' greetings just as our dear friend Bill had done or even mailed us snail mail cards. It's wonderful to know to have so many friends in Hawaii and around the world. Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas in Hawaii or wherever you celebrated the Christmas holidays.
Today, we'd like to share some top news for Hawaii, Big Island and Kohala Coast lovers. Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, the oldest and most prestigious Hawaii hotel, located on the Big Island's best beach, is finally back in business. The 43-old hotel, which was constructed by Laurance S. Rockefeller in 1965, gained reputation and attraction among celebrities and high-end clientele as one of the world's best hotels due to its premier location on picture perfect, crescent shaped white sand beach on Kaunaoa Bay. Well, Mr. Rockefeller knew why he built the first Big Island hotel right there.
When we reported on December 6th, 2006 that the hotel administration made the decision to close Mauna Kea Beach hotel for repairs and renovations after the earthquake, it was anticipated but yet unexpected news for Mauna Kea Beach Hotel visitors and hotel employees alike. Over the last two years, everybody who loves world famous Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, followed the process of the remodeling. I myself was most surprised about the decision to totally redo the famous Mauna Kea golf course. When you read more about the reasons for remodeling the golf course, it makes totally sense.
Well, Mauna Kea's soft opening happened on Saturday 12/20/08. I was so happy to hear that 365 of the former employees got rehired, after working at other hotels and even different jobs. We can't wait to shake hands and welcome those friends back. Naturally, a celebration in Hawaii comes with music, hula, speeches and blessings. Blessings were done by Kahu Danny Akaka Jr. and the Rev. Dr. Henry K. Boshard. After an extensive $150 million renovation and redesign, Mauna Kea Beach hotel is beautiful has ever.
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel has a big 'ohana' of return guests, who have come as kids with their parents and do now the same with their children. Whether they will be still able to continue this wonderful Hawaii vacation tradition, depends on having the money it takes to spend a vacation at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. With all the fancy upgrades on room amenities, room rates are going up too.
When asking for a hot deal rate quote for Keoki's birthday in March, the cheapest was Mountain view at $375/nt. on floors 5 - 8 and cheapest Oceanview Room at Beachfront Plumeria Beach Club on floors 1-4 was $625/nt. There was a Mountain View Package Deal for Room and Car for $450, which seems to be 'affordable' for Mauna Kea standards.
When asking for a hot deal rate quote for Keoki's birthday in March, the cheapest was Mountain view at $375/nt. on floors 5 - 8 and cheapest Oceanview Room at Beachfront Plumeria Beach Club on floors 1-4 was $625/nt. There was a Mountain View Package Deal for Room and Car for $450, which seems to be 'affordable' for Mauna Kea standards.
Well, don't let those rates 'impress' you too much. Rent a nice fully equipped Kohala Coast vacation rental with a short drive to Mauna Kea. Show up around 9am for your free Mauna Kea Beach pass at the gate entrance (number of beach passes is limited according to parking space!) and enjoy famous Mauna Kea beach just as all these VIP guests. Mauna Kea beach is public as any beach in Hawaii is. And the ocean and the ocean critters are available to anybody who wants to swim or snorkel in aquamarine, warm waters of the Pacific Ocean. Share your Mauna Kea beach visit with our blog visitors. Mahalo, Pua Hawaii Vacations
p.s.
For more information about Mauna Kea Beach hotel's soft opening, read West Hawaii Today article. See location of Mauna Kea Beach hotel on our Kohala Coast Map and Kohala Coast on our Big Island map.
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11 comments:
Good blogging and merry after Christmas!
Mahalo Steve for stopping by and leaving a blog comment. Hey it means something to the amateur bloggers. Let's wish for many more mutual blog visits in the new year 2009.
I can't wait to see the "new hotel". Will be going to the Big Island in February, so I am going to go by! Wish I could stay, but lunch will have to do!
Thanks for story of the opening.
Aloha Susie,
Great to hear that you will take some time to see the new Mauna Kea Beach hotel on your Big Island visit in February.
My big project coming up soon is to get new photos of the outside - Mauna Kea Golf Course photos! - and the inside as well. With all the updates on the rooms I am quite excited to walk inside one.
A few weeks ago, I have signed up for specials offered by Mauna Kea Beach Hotel but unfortunately I never received any email room special yet.
I came to your blog just when I was surfing on this topic. I am happy that I found your blog and information I wanted.
It looks great. I'd sure like to afford staying there in my dream vacation. Aloha Hawaii!
I must admit most regular folks have to really save money big time before they can afford a stay at Mauna Kea Beach hotel. After their 2-year hotel renovation it seems they go after the money of the Rich and Famous.
Good part is that Mauna Kea Beach is not a privilege of Mauna Kea Beach hotel. Hawaii beaches are public and you, and everybody else, has excess to this best Big Island white sand beach.
Hands down the best beach on the island of Hawaii, the Mauana Kea Beach Hotel is also one of the top of the island. After the extensive renovation following the damages after the earthquake in 2006, the hotel re-opened this year better than ever. The resort is the perfect place for couples and families. Highly recommended.
Yes, we totally agree, Mauna Kea Beach hotel came back like Phoenix out of the ashes. It's beautiful! Only problem it's not a people's hotel anymore.
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel had always been in the past a more exclusive hotel for celebrities and well-to-do people however, there were room rates available on special occasions, like the so much loved tennis tournament for regular tennis players. One could get a mountain view room for $145/nt. You may get a discounted room these days for $450/nt.
I took some photos of the newly remodeled, spectacular Mauna Kea Beach Hotel Golf Course in March 2009. Kohala Coast golfers love this course!
Thanks for giving this beautiful news about Mauna Kea Beach hotel I will plan my next holiday at this hotel. Last year I went to Columbia Beach Hotel, Cyprus, they provided me best serivces and now also I am looking for same hotel like that.
www.columbia-hotels.com
If you start your trip to Hawaii in Europe, be aware that Hawaii has different high seasons than travel in Europ has. Hawaii's highest season is December - March.
Another big difference between Hawaii hotels and Europe hotels is there are no daily food vouchers in Hawaii for your meals.
Last but not least, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel is a 5-star Hawaii hotel. Room rates are accordingly, however Mauna Kea beach was rated #1 beach in the world by Conde Naste. This is what all the return visitors to Mauna Kea Beach hotel come for!
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