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, for a year or so, 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 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.

After a year or so, Mauna Kea will be back "better than ever." Golf course re-do is being led by Rees Jones, son of Robert Trent Jones, Sr. who designed the original course, and the design team for the building itself has not been announced. They are not taking reservations until they have an opening date.

It may sound strange to say, but with so much affection for the place around the world, we are hoping that all those positive "vibes" will guide the ownership to bring Mauna Kea back to the top of her class, where she belongs.

Stayed Thanksgiving week 06. Read all the reviews first, and everything is true, both good and bad, but the bad is like a pimple on a model's face. It just doesn't matter. Yes, the adjoining kids room smelled musty at first (and worse in the bathroom), yes there was mold in the grout in the shower, yes, all the birds were noisy in the a.m. and the furniture is dated, but this place is gorgeous. It is old school, but feels like a privilege to be there. Pictures do not do the architecture justice. Not too big, not too small, and very accessible to everything. Can't beat the beach and the expansive grassy areas. Having the bar and the lunch restaurant right on the beach was key. Snorkel/etc rentals were reasonable, but we went to Walmart and bought stuff for the week. Snorkeling right off the beach was much better than the lagoon snorkeling that we paid to go to at our Dolphin Quest day at the Hilton. Dolphin quest was fun, but I would do the cheapest package, not the most expensive (which we did) Food was good, and yes it was expensive. Did the Luau, but it wasn't worth it to us, Dad and son skipped out a few minutes into the show. Did the Blue Hawaiin helicopter tour over the volcano, very cool and a good way to get a feel for the island. Got an email that the hotel is now closed because of earthquake damage, don't know if it will re-open. There were large cracks in the concrete and a lot of walkways were blocked off and they were not using the 8th floor. There was another earthquake while we were there, but no big deal. We're hoping they don't tear this place down and build something modern and generic. Lots of good karma here. Walked around the Hapuna, it is very nice also, just a little more generic, but you will be happy there.

To put it in simple terms: the Mauna Kea is heavenly!

This is a wonderful hotel on the most perfect beach in all of Hawaii. We have stayed at the Mauna Kea many times - and after every visit, we depart even more impressed! As the first luxury resort on the Kohala Coast, the Mauna Kea defined the standard!

If you are looking for an extremely comfortable, clean hotel with exemplary staff - you will love the Mauna Kea. What we enjoy is that the hotel is beautiful, but not glitzy like so many other resorts along the Kohala Coast. The Mauna Kea exudes Aloha in its simplicity and impeccably maintained grounds.

The rooms are modern and comfortable, but again - simplicity is the theme. Twice daily maid service is fantastic. Views from the lanai are simply too beautiful to describe. The TV is small - but we never turned it on. Linens were soft, combed Egyptian cotton and bath products are Neutrogena. Each room comes with a small refrigerator and there is a nice supply of magazines for reading.

The Pavillions Restaurant is outstanding for both breakfast and supper. The views of Kauna'oa Bay are breathtaking. We also enjoyed lunches at the Hau Tree Grill (the poke wrap was delicious). Make sure to enjoy drinks at both the Aloha Bar on the beach or take in wonderful evening music and sunsets at the Copper Bar.

The Beach is simply unbeatable. We have spent time on every island in Hawaii- and this beach is without a doubt - the best in the entire state. Snorkeling is fantastic - lots of tropical fish and turtles with perfect water clarity. NOTE: we have never used the pool - it is small but a lot of folks seemed to be enjoying it.

If you are looking for glitz and lots of night life - look elsewhere! The Mauna Kea is quiet and peaceful - the whole goal of staying here is to simply unwind and relax.

The employees at the Mauna Kea are a joy. We were always greeted with warm smiles and lots of aloha. Our every need was addressed and we could not have asked for better, more attentive service.

The Aloha Spirit is alive and well at the Mauna Kea! If you want to experience understated elegance accompanied with stellar service - the Mauna Kea is perfect for you!

Really enjoyed our stay here. Very clean hotel with helpful staff. The beach was a dream. The shops inside the hotel good for last minute needs and presents to take home. Dining was very good.