Kohala Coast, Hawai’i (December 19, 2024) – Mauna Kea Resort, comprised of the iconic Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, an Autograph Collection, The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort and Mauna Kea Residences, proudly unveils the newly renovated Mauna Kea Golf Course just in time for the holiday season. After an extensive enhancement led by acclaimed course architect Robert Trent Jones Jr., the reimagined course will officially open the week of Christmas, offering a premier golfing experience that blends challenging play with breathtaking views. The reopening coincides with the 60th anniversary of the golf course’s original opening on December 10, 1964, by the ‘Big Three’—Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, and Gary Player—marking a historic milestone in its storied legacy.
First crafted in 1964 by Robert Trent Jones Sr., the 18-hole Mauna Kea Golf Course transformed a rugged and barren black lava field into a lush, world-class fairway, establishing itself as the island’s first resort course. Updated by his son Rees Jones decades later, and most recently by Robert Trent Jones Jr., the course holds a unique distinction as the only one in the world to feature the combined vision of the Jones family—Robert Trent Jones Sr., Rees Jones, and Robert Trent Jones Jr. For six decades, it has remained a bucket-list destination for golf enthusiasts, captivating players with its seaside cliffs, undulating greens, and the iconic over-the-ocean 3rd hole, hailed as one of the most unforgettable challenges in the sport. The latest renovations honor this legacy, with Robert Trent Jones Jr. incorporating modern design elements to enhance playability while preserving the course’s historic charm.
“The Mauna Kea Golf Course has long been hailed as one of Hawai’i’s top courses, with a deep history and cultural connection to the island,” said Kansas Henderson, hotel manager of Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. “With this renovation, we’ve elevated the course to new heights, while honoring its legacy. By working alongside its original designer’s son, Robert Trent Jones Jr., we’ve ensured the updated course remains true to his father’s original vision and continues to be one of the most celebrated in the world. From its breathtaking cliffside views to its thoughtfully enhanced features for better playability, the course is a true celebration of golf’s enduring spirit and the iconic allure of Mauna Kea Beach Hotel.”
Highlights of the renovation include:
- Upgraded Fairways and Greens: The course now features seashore paspalum grass, known for its lush appearance and suitability for tropical climates, ensuring optimal playing conditions year-round.
- Redesigned Bunkers: Enhanced for modern play while complementing the natural landscape, the redesigned bunkers offer improved playability and aesthetic appeal, while still providing a challenge for golfers of all levels.
- Restored Iconic Holes: The renowned over-the-ocean 3rd hole, a par-3 masterpiece with a kidney-shaped green and breathtaking cliffside views, remains a highlight of the course, demanding precision and rewarding players with unparalleled vistas.
- Commitment to Sustainability: Efforts include water conservation using drought-tolerant seashore paspalum grass, native landscaping, and eco-friendly management practices to help preserve the surrounding environment.
- Modern Amenities: The reimagination also includes a state-of-the-art pro shop, practice range, professional lessons, and GPS-equipped carts to enhance the golfing experience.
The golf course retains its challenging yet approachable design, offering a mix of long and short holes that cater to players of all skill levels. Former accolades and tournaments, including the historic Big Three Championship, further underscore its status as one of Hawai‘i’s premier golf destinations.
Mauna Kea Resort has a remarkable history, captivating guests since Laurance S. Rockefeller opened Mauna Kea Beach Hotel in 1965. The historic property shares 1,839 acres of oceanfront land with The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort and Mauna Kea Residences, and together comprise Rockefeller’s early vision for his Hawai‘i Island portfolio. Mauna Kea Resort continues its timeless tradition of sharing aloha, welcoming guests to renew and reconnect in an oceanfront setting of understated elegance. Another cherished tradition is the 52nd annual Mauna Kea Pro-Am, a celebrated Hawai‘i Island event since 1973, offering members and PGA professionals the chance to play on this iconic course, following in the footsteps of golfing legends while enjoying the unparalleled vistas of the Kohala Coast. In addition to Mauna Kea Golf Course, the resort is also home to the 18-hole Hapuna Golf Course, a museum-worthy collection of Asian and Pacific art, and the award-winning Seaside Tennis Center, featuring nine oceanfront tennis courts and eight pickleball courts.
As part of a multi-phased, $200-million renovation of Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, the property will also debut a redesign of the resort’s 252 guest rooms and suites, and a brand-new destination spa and wellness center complete with an oceanfront adults-only infinity pool experience, 11 indoor and al fresco treatment rooms, an enlarged state-of-the-art fitness center, full-service salon, retail shops, and dining outlets.
For more information on Mauna Kea Resort visit MaunaKeaResort.com and to learn more about the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel renovation visit MaunaKeaResort.com/renewal/ or follow along on Instagram @MaunaKeaBeachHotel.
