Following an extensive 150 million dollar restoration, The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel— the flagship property in the Prince Hotels and Resorts international portfolio— will reopen its doors December 20. The 43-year-old resort suffered structural damage during an October 2006 earthquake on Hawaii’s Big Island. The December 20 date is a soft opening to ease the hotel back into operations after two years of being closed. A formal grand opening will be celebrated in March 2009.
New amenities at The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel include a spa; new culinary experiences stewarded by Executive Chef George Gomes; and newly refurbished guest rooms. The total room and suite count has been reduced from 310 to 258 as a result of rooms being enlarged in the main building. Oceanview baths are a highlight in the new Mauna Kea Beach Hotel guestrooms. Prince Resorts Hawaii plans to pursue the AAA Five-Diamond rating, consistently held by The Mauna Kea for almost 20 years.
The resort’s Mauna Kea Golf Course has received a comprehensive upgrade and redesign to USGA standards by Rees Jones, son of the original course designer, Robert Trent Jones, Sr. The renovation includes a newly-constructed clubhouse with pro shop, locker rooms and a restaurant, that will transform in the evenings into another dinner option for resort guests.
Hawaii is seeing some additional developments in its luxury offerings. The Princeville Resort on Kauai, meanwhile, is being rebranded as a St. Regis and will reopen early next year. The Royal Hawaiian in Waikiki is set to open shortly after being closed for a $110 million refurbishment.
The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel is currently taking reservations for stays beginning December 20, 2008. Visit www.maunakeapreview.com.