The Hawaiian Islands boast a handful of fabulous tennis resorts, but none offers a more beautiful setting for tennis or has as much on-court activity. Overlooking a dramatic landscape of black lava rocks and white sandy beaches, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel has been a Big Island staple since its opening more than 30 years ago, the vision of innovative hotelier Laurance S. Rockefeller.
The eight-story, 1,839-acre resort features 310 guest rooms and suites, each with private balcony or lanai. With an open-air architectural design, natural-wood interiors, and Japanese-inspired accents (including “yukata” robes and slippers), rooms are meant to evoke Zen-like serenity and understated elegance; sharing the property is a second accommodation option, the similarly upscale Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel. Several on-site restaurants and lounges include Batik, the Mauna Kea’s Euro-Asian fine-dining room, and the Pavilion at Manta Ray Point, which offers a lavish daily breakfast buffet. The resort also hosts Tuesday-night luaus and a Saturday under-the-stars clambake and seafood buffet.
On The Court
The property’s Seaside Tennis Club offers both private and group lessons on 11 plexipave shoreline courts. Overseen by director of tennis (and Prince tennis products advisory board member) Craig Pautler, the facility’s amenities include ball machines, racquet-stringing, video analysis, game-matching, and a continually replenishing supply of chilled, mint-scented towels and ice water. The tennis calendar also includes a variety of weekly clinics and round robins, and thanks to Paulter’s association with Prince, the resort often receives new equipment even before it’s on the market.
Off The Court
The resort’s luxury spa and fitness center offers an extensive array of cardio and weight-training equipment, group exercise classes, massages and body treatments, as well as watersports gear for use at nearby Hapuna Beach. And with its panoramic Pacific and volcano vistas, the 18-hole Mauna Kea Golf Course is world-renowned for its legendary ocean-meets-shoreline Third Hole, one of contemporary golf’s most photographed landscapes.
For The Kids
The resort’s children’s program entertains kids ages 5-12 year-round and focuses on outdoor activities as much as possible, utilizing both the Mauna Kea and nearby sister Hapuna Beach properties. And the staff at Seaside Tennis Club also expands junior tennis offerings during major holidays and summers.
Rates And Reservations
Visit their website for details about rates during the time you want to travel. * Room rates vary with size and view.
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel62-100 Mauna Kea Beach Dr.
Kohala Coast, HI 96743
Toll-free: 877-880-6524
Fax: 808-944-4491
General Tourist Information