The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel has what even a local cab driver describes as “the best beach on the island.” Kauna’oa Bay is a long crescent of white sand, fringed with obligatory palm trees, and follows the outline of a shallow cove anchored by lava-rock promontories. The hotel sits atop one of those rocky outcrops in a garden of exotic flowers and trees, surrounded by Asian and Pacific sculptures from the Laurence S. Rockefeller collection. The facility is located off to one side of the terraced hillside and hosts 9 tennis and 8 pickle-ball courts, the lowest tennis court is so close to the sea that you can hear the sound of waves breaking on the black-lava rocks.
Tennis almost never snags such prime real estate, and several years ago previous tennis director committed the unthinkable act of taking a chainsaw to some of the tennis complex’s exuberant foliage, which goes wild in the tropical heat and fertile soil, in order to open up those sea views. If that requires coping with a bit more wind on some days, it seems like a reasonable trade off since it means being able to gaze at the ocean at changeovers and perhaps spot a whale sounding just offshore.
Though now owned and managed by Prince Resorts Hawaii, the hotel was an early foray by Laurance S. Rockefeller into luxury resort development. Prior to building the resort, he looked at a black lava rock desert 25 miles north of the town of Kailua-Kona and envisaged a luxury golf and tennis resort. Everyone thought he was crazy; he proved them wrong by attracting a wealthy international clientele, who actually liked the fact that there were no telephones or televisions. As one of the first RockResorts, Mauna Kea became a synonym for the ultimate resort vacation.
Both the traveling public and the resort have changed over the intervening decades, and the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel shares this coast with more than half a dozen resorts, all of them carved out of black lava rock. Few of them afford a more beautiful setting for tennis or have as much on-court activity, a fact reflected in its consistent Top 100 rating in the list we compile annually based on vacationer reviews.
Tennis director Craig Pautler is actually in his second stint overseeing this tennis operation. Although his return in 2004 was not quite so dramatic as an eruption of the Kilauea Volcano at the southern end of the island, it did alter the Hawaiian resort tennis landscape. Pautler, who was there in 1977-82 before moving next door to the Mauna Lani and then up to his daughters’ former prep school in Waimea, lives and breathes customer service. Stroll through the glass doors of the pro shop, and you’ll be greeted by someone who seems genuinely thrilled that you came and will ask, almost without fail, “Can we get you a game?” or otherwise find out about your tennis needs.
The weekly calendar is a blend of private instruction, clinics and social and competitive round robins, along with kids’ programs during the summers and busy holiday periods and a ball machine for the hard core who just want to hone strokes. What brings avid players back year after year, however, is the tirelessly attentive tennis staff, who understand how important it can be just to play. They not only put together singles, doubles, or mixed doubles matches, often drawing on their own stable of active local members, but they also deliver a continual supply of towels and ice water throughout your time on court.an we get you a game?” or otherwise find out about your tennis needs.
Since his return, Pautler has revitalized the program and beautified the complex and constantly worked to keep make improvements. Courts are resurfaced regularly on a rotating basis, old furniture is replaced, structures painted. It took him just over a year to take Mauna Kea to the No. 1 position among Hawaii’s tennis resorts, but from his perspective staying ahead of the competition requires continual attention to every aspect of the tennis experience, from keeping the courts clean (he and his pros, not the landscaping staff, personally wash every court every few weeks because that way they’re more likely to notice other things needing attention) to making sure every guest’s needs are met and more. With him back on court, this entire stretch of the Kohala Coast—and the tennis resorts on the rest of the Hawaiian Islands for that matter—once again have a working model of superlative service.
Off Court
Beach: A perfect crescent of beach, generally regarded as one of the finest resort beaches in the Hawaii, lines the Kauna’oa Bay immediately below the hotel.
Golf Courses: Robert Trent Jones, Sr. designed the 18-hole Mauna Kea Golf Course, which ranks among the finest in Hawaii. It is characterized by elevation changes, large undulating greens, and strategically situated bunkers. Its third hole, which borders an oceanfront inlet lined with lava rock, is so stunning that it’s often chosen as the site for weddings. Guests also have access to the nearby Hapuna Golf Course, which was designed by Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay and won awards for its environmental sensitivity. It begins near the shore and climbs to 700 feet above sea level.
Mauna Kea’s fitness center consists of two rooms, one paneled with wood and filled with Cardio equipment and dumbbells, the other lined with mirrors and furnished with a dozen LifeFitness stations. The boutique spa is nearby, though rather than have your treatments in rooms there, you can just as easily book them for locations at the Tennis Garden, a spot beneath mesquite-like kiawe trees right along the ocean, or in your own room.
Children's programs: 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 Beach Hotel and nearby sister property, The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort. The staff at Seaside Tennis Club also expands junior tennis offerings during major holidays and summers.
Dining: Manta takes full advantage of its views of the gardens and sea on Manta Point for a menu that focuses on locally available seafood, beef, lamb, and vegetables prepared in an exhibition kitchen. Manta offers an extensive wine list that has won Wine Spectator Awards. Manta is complemented by the Copper Bar, now newly transformed with new art and a skylight but with the same views of the bay and a menu of craft beers, artisanal cocktails, tapas, entrées and sweets.
Accommodations
Lodging consists of 252 rooms and suites perched above a perfect crescent of beach. Rates vary with size and view.
Getting there
Seasons: Year-round.
Travel Instructions: It is pretty much a straight shot north on Hwy. 19 from Kona Airport (which itself is north of town) until a left turn into Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, followed by a winding road along the golf course to the porte-cochere of the hotel, a distance of roughly 25 miles.
The most beautiful tennis facility we’ve ever seen. You have to take a break from playing and watch when the whales pass by. How many resorts’ courts are right on the ocean? The weather seems perfect every day. Craig Paulter makes everyone feel welcome and ensures your time there is enjoyable. When there you are just happy; and it seems everyone there feels the same.
RK
The Mauna Kea Tennis/Pickleball Facility is amazing. Cheryl provided excellent service! Andre was great! Thank you. We had a wonderful visit.
SL
My two kids participated in 2 youth clinics with Wayne. He works very well with children, and was able to provide effective coaching. He made it fun for the kids and they look forward to doing it again.
CD
The tennis pros are top notch! Great energy with excellent advice. Special shout out to Tim and Brad who really made our vacation special.
TG
JS
The Seaside Tennis Club at Mauna Kea Beach Resort is truly first class – starting with the warmth and hospitality of Chris in the pro shop and then including everyone we encountered there. We took two private lessons from pros Dan and Andre. Both were excellent. And then two group clinics which were very fun, instructional and good exercise. The clinics and lessons flew by. The setting of the club on the beach is outrageously beautiful and the condition of the facility was first class. We thoroughly enjoyed this tennis experience and can’t wait to return!
AH
TW
What is not to love about playing tennis on the most modern cushioned tournament level courts with the waves crashing off to the side and watching the whales and dolphins play? This is the most blissful and fantasy-filled tennis setting ever. The tennis staff is just superb. My kids love playing here because Coach Wayne is just a master of kid psychology and bringing out the best in them in tennis and in their lives. He has the kindness and determination to find the unique traits that make every kid special to be their champion. He turns kids into heroes while also teaching them high level tennis! On the adult side, Coach Tim is just a joy to work with. He does a lot of adult tennis/cardio clinics and they are so popular you really have to plan ahead to get in, but it is worth every second to spend an hour in his exceptionally funny trash talk tennis clinic.
BG
BH
AH
MG
It is beyond a doubt the best place to go if you love tennis and/or pickleball. From the unbeatable views, the perfectly maintained courts and grounds, and the warm and inviting staff, it is unbeatable.
GG
CA
Loved the tennis clinics, great staff especially Coach Tim!
JG
KO
In my opinion, the seaside location of the tennis facility makes it second to none. There’s nothing quite like having your serve toss interrupted by a gigantic humpback whale breaching a couple hundred yards offshore! Staff are excellent, very accommodating, and helpful in setting up games with similar level players. Coaching staff is great, with kids as well as adults. My family’s favorite place to stay on the Big Island, if not the world!
VR
CH
KF
The MKB is one of our all-time favorite destinations. My first visit was in 1976 and we go as often as practical. The hotel itself is outstanding with comfortable rooms, friendly staff and an amazing setting. The beach is second to none in the islands. The food has always been excellent as well. And while the hotel is a bit isolated (if a 15-20 minute drive can be considered isolated), it is not an inconvenience to rent a car and drive a few minutes to get elsewhere. Or, simply stay on property the whole time (and use the shuttle to the sister property) as you will not be at a loss for things to do or places to eat. The tennis facility has always been next level. What was established decades ago has only been improved upon over the years. Craig Pautler has created, and maintained, an outstanding all around program. He has brought together a tremendous staff that does everything they can to make sure everyone gets attention and the tennis experience is as awesome as possible. The location of the courts, the cleanliness of the facilities, and the efforts of the staff make every visit fantastic. If you’ve never been, go. You won’t be disappointed.
ME
The view from the tennis courts is unreal. Best on Kona
BD
KV
SE
The tennis facilities are top-notch with an unbeatable seaside location and staff. The adult and youth clinics are outstanding.
JK
Director of Tennis Craig Pautler makes sure everyone visiting feels they are more than welcomed and has a fun time. The location of the courts right next to the ocean is amazing. We stop hitting occasionally to watch the whales. The weather, year round, is obviously great. This is the only place my wife and I go on vacation. Every day we go to the fitness center, then to a buffet breakfast, and soon after to tennis. After a shower it’s to the beach or pool for the rest of the day until a romantic dinner. Our room always has a full ocean view. Covid has slowed us down, but we can’t wait to get back soon.
274 Reviews on “Mauna Kea Resort”
The most beautiful tennis facility we’ve ever seen. You have to take a break from playing and watch when the whales pass by. How many resorts’ courts are right on the ocean? The weather seems perfect every day. Craig Paulter makes everyone feel welcome and ensures your time there is enjoyable. When there you are just happy; and it seems everyone there feels the same.
The Mauna Kea Tennis/Pickleball Facility is amazing. Cheryl provided excellent service! Andre was great! Thank you. We had a wonderful visit.
My two kids participated in 2 youth clinics with Wayne. He works very well with children, and was able to provide effective coaching. He made it fun for the kids and they look forward to doing it again.
The tennis pros are top notch! Great energy with excellent advice. Special shout out to Tim and Brad who really made our vacation special.
The Seaside Tennis Club at Mauna Kea Beach Resort is truly first class – starting with the warmth and hospitality of Chris in the pro shop and then including everyone we encountered there. We took two private lessons from pros Dan and Andre. Both were excellent. And then two group clinics which were very fun, instructional and good exercise. The clinics and lessons flew by. The setting of the club on the beach is outrageously beautiful and the condition of the facility was first class. We thoroughly enjoyed this tennis experience and can’t wait to return!
What is not to love about playing tennis on the most modern cushioned tournament level courts with the waves crashing off to the side and watching the whales and dolphins play? This is the most blissful and fantasy-filled tennis setting ever. The tennis staff is just superb. My kids love playing here because Coach Wayne is just a master of kid psychology and bringing out the best in them in tennis and in their lives. He has the kindness and determination to find the unique traits that make every kid special to be their champion. He turns kids into heroes while also teaching them high level tennis! On the adult side, Coach Tim is just a joy to work with. He does a lot of adult tennis/cardio clinics and they are so popular you really have to plan ahead to get in, but it is worth every second to spend an hour in his exceptionally funny trash talk tennis clinic.
It is beyond a doubt the best place to go if you love tennis and/or pickleball. From the unbeatable views, the perfectly maintained courts and grounds, and the warm and inviting staff, it is unbeatable.
Loved the tennis clinics, great staff especially Coach Tim!
In my opinion, the seaside location of the tennis facility makes it second to none. There’s nothing quite like having your serve toss interrupted by a gigantic humpback whale breaching a couple hundred yards offshore! Staff are excellent, very accommodating, and helpful in setting up games with similar level players. Coaching staff is great, with kids as well as adults. My family’s favorite place to stay on the Big Island, if not the world!
The MKB is one of our all-time favorite destinations. My first visit was in 1976 and we go as often as practical. The hotel itself is outstanding with comfortable rooms, friendly staff and an amazing setting. The beach is second to none in the islands. The food has always been excellent as well. And while the hotel is a bit isolated (if a 15-20 minute drive can be considered isolated), it is not an inconvenience to rent a car and drive a few minutes to get elsewhere. Or, simply stay on property the whole time (and use the shuttle to the sister property) as you will not be at a loss for things to do or places to eat. The tennis facility has always been next level. What was established decades ago has only been improved upon over the years. Craig Pautler has created, and maintained, an outstanding all around program. He has brought together a tremendous staff that does everything they can to make sure everyone gets attention and the tennis experience is as awesome as possible. The location of the courts, the cleanliness of the facilities, and the efforts of the staff make every visit fantastic. If you’ve never been, go. You won’t be disappointed.
The view from the tennis courts is unreal. Best on Kona
The tennis facilities are top-notch with an unbeatable seaside location and staff. The adult and youth clinics are outstanding.
Director of Tennis Craig Pautler makes sure everyone visiting feels they are more than welcomed and has a fun time. The location of the courts right next to the ocean is amazing. We stop hitting occasionally to watch the whales. The weather, year round, is obviously great. This is the only place my wife and I go on vacation. Every day we go to the fitness center, then to a buffet breakfast, and soon after to tennis. After a shower it’s to the beach or pool for the rest of the day until a romantic dinner. Our room always has a full ocean view. Covid has slowed us down, but we can’t wait to get back soon.