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.
What could be more ideal than tennis at MKB? Of all the resorts we have been to, MKB is the most outstanding – tennis pro, professionalism, friendliness, lessons, courts, and the ocean views.
PH
Courts are fantastic with some positioned right on the ocean. Great quality surfaces and good wind protection. The tennis facility feels like it is a cornerstone of the resort not an afterthought. Great clubhouse, friendly staff, a good variety of players and an excellent teaching staff. My shout out to Dan. I had 2 lessons and had one match arranged and both were fun. Match was competitive.
PH
Amazing! My husband and I have been here twice, and we’ll be back again. First of all, the venue is like no other in the world for tennis. Sure, they put great golf courses on the water, but usually, tennis courts are an afterthought, in some, unused parking lot. The courts are right on the water, and it’s a wonderful and spectacular distraction! Secondly, the pros are great! Craig Paulter runs great team! We loved Dan! With a week of lessons, my game play skyrocketed! We’ve recommended this to many of our friends, and a few have actually taken lessons from Dan, as well. They loved it! We’ll be back!
AH
WOW! Where do I begin??? First, it is the MOST PICTURESQUE facility I have ever seen, and I have played all over the planet. Playing tennis just yards away from the Pacific Ocean (in full view from most courts) is simply awesome. Between November and March, you can see whales from the courts! Unbelievable. The tennis instructions are simply fantastic. Over a period of two weeks, we worked with two instructors, finally settling on one in particular that matched our goals. Dan was simply terrific. His instructions improved our games tremendously. We both inched up at least a half level; me from a 4 to 4.5 and my wife from a 3 to a 3.5. Matching for games is also great. They are very good at finding matches for you. The place is simply one of the best places on the planet. Hands down. Beautiful location, quality instructions and great player-matching. What else can you ask for?
AW
An excellent tennis resort that hides its tennis offerings when you visit their web site. Persevere because they have spectacular courts, all facilities and fantastic, happy coaches who all seem to have been there forever. Add the fact that half the guests are there for their 15th year and you get the message that it is a great spot. Special thanks to the ladies at the tennis front desk and to Wayne and Dan on court. Incredibly friendly and accomplished tennis coaches who were both terrific with our 15yo daughters.
SL
Great courts, wonderful employees, perfect surroundings.
SI
Great facilities, wonderful pros and an amazing setting. Highly recommend!
RL
My review is a 10 out of 10 for the tennis garden. The staff is exceptional for their care of the guests, arranging matches, providing the necessary towels & water–all with a friendly smile and attention to detail
KH
Loved it. Amazing setting. Wayne Barnes was a fantastic pro to work with. And felt truly on vacation… great people, great court that the clinic and my private was on.
ST
Excellent tennis teachers, the kids cant wait to go to their lessons, and often stay for more than one. They have fun, learn a lot, and come back tired – but excited for the next day. The location is stunning as well
ID
It is the best tennis facility and staff anywhere! We love it. Everyone is friendly and helpful and we always benefit from the clinics. Dan, the tennis coach is an outstanding instructor and makes it fun!
BH
One of the reasons we’ve been back 25 times! No-probably the most important reason! Craig oversees superb clinics, dedicated and talented pros, lessons, round robins, matches with players of your ability-both hotel/seasonal guests and year-round local members. And you play on courts that look out over the ocean and its jumping whales.
BR
We have played tennis at the Mauna Kea for many years when we are on vacation in Hawaii. We stay in a different place that is close and they call us to play with the guests. Monica and Sheryl, the two ladies who work in the pro shop are awesome. They are so friendly and make us feel just as comfortable as the guests. They have a great tennis program. When we first came to Hawaii over 20 years ago, we thought the Mauna Lani (where we stayed for many years) had the best tennis program. It is not nearly as good as the Mauna Kea now. We have played at the Orchid a few times but it is not as good as the Mauna Kea in our opinion.
DH
Our children (daughter 9, son 6) have been enjoying tennis lessons, both group and private, at the Mauna Kea Tennis center for 3 years. Both children, especially our daughter, have not only enjoyed but thrived at the hands of the tennis pro’s. Each has their own style, something that allows the children to discover what works for them and how to learn best. We look forward to many more years of lessons, all well worth the time and money.
CD
If you go for a tennis camp at the Mauna Kea Beach Resort, it will not only be one of the tennis vacations, but the best vacation ever. The Resort is beyond beautiful and the service is impeccable! The staff is always courteous and ready to assist you in any way. Not only can you count on the hotel experience to be great, but the tennis will be even better. Tennis Director Craig Pautler really made us feel like family. He and his staff took amazing care of us. In addition the instruction and drills were first class. Overall you can say that I would put this at the top of your list of places to visit. So amazing!
JS
Excellent facility Well trained staff. All needed amenities. Head Pro, Craig Paulter is not only an excellent pro, but acts as the host of his domain. Great PR.
EC
I went as a guest at the tennis venue, and I highly recommend playing at Mauna Kea. The staff are fabulous, courts are beautiful, and amenities superb.
KK
I visit this resort on a regular basis because I am honored to be on their players’ list. I cannot think of a better place to play tennis–a drop-dead-gorgeous setting and wonderful people who work and play there.
JA
The tennis here is unbelievable…..terrific pro shop, friendly and helpful pros and fabulous views of the ocean from the courts. There’s no better place to play tennis and improve your game.
RL
The tennis facility is spectacular and the tennis pros are excellent.
DD
Absolutely breathtaking setting on the Big Island. Love to play here! Highly recommend!!!
JH
Beautiful facility situated on the Pacific ocean. Great staff!
JK
Craig, the head pro worked great with our group of ladies. We gained some new skills and enjoyed our clinic time with him. We also did a cardio tennis clinic that was super fun!
TD
Craig Pautler, the head pro, has played with my father, taught me and recently gave my young children their first lesson. Craig brings fun back to the game of tennis while focusing on the fundamentals of the games. I would highly recommend the Mauna Kea for tennis and you can’t beat the setting with the courts right on the Pacific Ocean!
PT
The Tennis Center at MKBH has a world-class location at the edge of the ocean. The courts and facilities are immaculately maintained, and the staff is attentive and helpful to the players. Courtside pitchers of ice water are kept filled, and the staff can always arrange opponents at the desired level of play from a list of other hotel guests and/or local players. We were thoroughly pleased with the friendliness and level of service of the Tennis Center staff. We’ll be returning soon to enjoy the resort and the tennis again.
MO
A wonderful facility. Great staff and they matched us up to play mixed doubles each day. We really enjoyed ourselves and will return (this was not our first visit). These are truly the most spectacular ocean-side courts you can imagine.
MM
Excellent facilities, friendly and competent coaches in a fabulous setting. They will arrange for you to play as much as you want.
WB
The tennis program was fabulous!! My children, ages 10 and 14, participated in the children’s program. We were not planning to play tennis on our vacation; however, the staff and children’s pro were top notch and extremely talented and inviting.
JM
This is the absolute most beautiful place to play tennis. You are right on the Pacific. The only problem is trying to stay focused on the game and not gazing at the ocean. The tennis pros and staff are wonderful.
IS
This tennis resort is amazingly beautiful. The tennis courts are right by the ocean with incredible views. Playing tennis here is a treat and something I dream of year-round. The instructors are excellent and super-friendly.The staff is also very attentive — they bring ice water and towels regularly and take good care of their guests. Specific court requests are granted to the extent possible. I highly recommend this resort.
DH
Strengths: Fabulous location, great facilities, great instructional program for all levels, extremely helpful staff No weaknesses as far as we are concerned.
MM
This resort was amazing starting weeks before we even arrived. Victoria was a great help in answering all our question. When we arrived we found the Mauna kea resort to be perfectly manicured. It’s a very special place. I was impressed to find out that the public had access to the beautiful beach. The tennis center and pro shop were great. The staff was fantastic and helpful. One of the most beautiful tennis courts in the world is there.
CB
This are the most beautiful tennis courts in the world!! They have a wonderful tennis Grand Prix in September that is a must! The Director, Head Pro and all the Pro’s are extremely helpful and give fantastic Clinics! You have to go there!!!
MT
Spectacular location on one of the the Big Island’s most beautiful beaches; great facility; Wayne, the head pro, is great with the kids, kids loved his daily clinics; really nice people, super friendly and helpful.
PP
The Seaside Tennis Club at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel is in a spectacular setting with outstanding staff, instruction, and personal attention. I have been here for a month and played tennis almost every day. The staff and instructors create a warm, friendly atmosphere, while still being serious about the quality of the tennis, so that the whole experience is wonderful
MT
I just returned from the Big island, where I stayed at the Mauna Kea Beach Resort and attended five daily clinics and took two private lessons from the same instructor. Drills were well paced, instruction was direct and on point. The staff was friendly and very welcoming. the facility was exceptional and courts were in terrific shape. We did experience some wind this week and a few days were quite warm.
MH
Fantastic setting!
GW
An excellent tennis experience. Craig and his staff are very welcoming and the setting is unbeatable.
LB
It’s heaven. The courts are great and they are superbly beautiful. Serving while a whale jumps is as good as it gets! The staff is pretty wonderful too and Craig Pautler knows his tennis and takes care of his guests.
RK
Beautiful setting, great firendly staff, very helpful in setting up games.
JC
The imfamous tennis courts, staff and professionals did not disappoint. Tennis on the ocean, friendly and accommodating staff and the Teaching Pro, Hector Mendoza, was just the right mix of technical instruction along with creative fun! You don’t need to show up with a partner to learn and/or have fun.
DS
There aren’t enough superlatives to describe the tennis and overall experience at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. Location,location,location would be a start. One of the most beautiful in the world. Literally. Playing tennis and watching whales breach at the same time, from oceanside tennis courts. Incredible! How many other tennis resorts in the world can offer that! How about a diversion. Take a tour to fly over an active volcano and get a bird’s eye view of something most people will never see in their lives. These are once-in-a-lifetime experiences!
CV
My wife and I have visited the Mauna Kea Beach and Tennis resort about 5-6 times in the past several years. Love it. We come specifically for the tennis, as there is no other place on the planet that offers the views & total experience. There are about a dozen seaside courts, only 50 feet or so from the breaking waves. It’s an incredible experience! Beyond the perfect setting, the people really make the resort. We love Craig, who heads up the tennis program. He was the guy who really got me into the sport several years ago. We usually play the round robin with the members, who are a certain delight! So friendly, and always remember us if it’s been 6 months or 18 months since our last visit. Everyone at the club is fantastic, and really enjoy the morning clinics. Dan has become one of our favorite instructors, and he makes the game very simple. I have improved my game tremendously with his coaching. We always love to drop in on the sport shop, and my wife loves the plumeria logo wear! I actually demo’d a few racquets there, and picked out a top rated Prince. Price was same on the mainland, so felt like it was a great purchase. We stay at the hotel, and WOW, right on the best beach in Hawaii… Great snorkeling, and you have to try the Frederico at the beach shack. Best tropical drink on the island. Food is awesome, and you must stay for a Saturday night. That’s clam bake night, and it’s the best seafood buffet, right on the beach. We always hit sunset, and occasionally see the whales breaching right off the shore. (winter) Can’t wait until my next time at the resort, and has become a favorite vacation spot. I’m sure that when we return, all the great staff & members will welcome us by name, with open arms, and with warm hearts. We of course will miss them till our next time at Mauna Kea… Aloha…
AL
I am writing this review for my children, who played tennis almost daily for two weeks at the Mauna Kea with Wayne. My almost 8 year old never wants to participate in structured lessons and is notorious for saying no and had never played tennis. My 9 year old likes to try everything, and had played a little beginner tennis for a couple of sessions when she was about 4 1/2. Well, Wayne tried all that. The little watched the older one in tennis camp and when she tried it she loved it.Wayne was fantastic with ALL the kids – made each of them feel special and able to play it. The drills were well thought out and paced so that good foundations were started in a fun way. And the main reason that I know they had a fantastic program? BOTH the girls still talk about it, they continue to take lessons, they agree that although they like their tennis coaches here, they are NOT AS GOOD AS WAYNE, and they want to go back to Hawaii this summer vacation. Why? I asked them, was it swimming in the ocean they loved? The volcanoes? Helicopter? “No”, Ellie said, “I want to see Wayne and show him how much I’ve improved with tennis.”
EP
Excellent pros, stunning views, beautiful courts, great pro shop where I bought clothes that actually fit me. I loved playing on these courts a stone’s throw from the Pacific Ocean.
JM
all around terrific place. beautiful water front court locations, and top personnel.
JK
Best courts in the usa, Tennis right on the ocean, Staff is off the charts/helful friendly
BP
Site – Stunning! Oceanfront courts front on the blue pacific! Staff- Ultra friendly and accomodating- true Hawaiian hospitality and friendliness! Facilities – World-class courts and Hotel amenities!
JA
Fabulous Oceanside courts in a tropical setting.
KF
MKBH Seaside Tennis is really an awesome experience. Their courts are right on the ocean. Their Big Island location is spectacular and impossible to beat. The team that they have there are wonderful. Hector is one of the best teaching pros that I have ever worked with. All in all, a fabulous experience.
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301 Reviews on “Mauna Kea Resort”
What could be more ideal than tennis at MKB? Of all the resorts we have been to, MKB is the most outstanding – tennis pro, professionalism, friendliness, lessons, courts, and the ocean views.
Courts are fantastic with some positioned right on the ocean. Great quality surfaces and good wind protection. The tennis facility feels like it is a cornerstone of the resort not an afterthought. Great clubhouse, friendly staff, a good variety of players and an excellent teaching staff. My shout out to Dan. I had 2 lessons and had one match arranged and both were fun. Match was competitive.
Amazing! My husband and I have been here twice, and we’ll be back again. First of all, the venue is like no other in the world for tennis. Sure, they put great golf courses on the water, but usually, tennis courts are an afterthought, in some, unused parking lot. The courts are right on the water, and it’s a wonderful and spectacular distraction! Secondly, the pros are great! Craig Paulter runs great team! We loved Dan! With a week of lessons, my game play skyrocketed! We’ve recommended this to many of our friends, and a few have actually taken lessons from Dan, as well. They loved it! We’ll be back!
WOW! Where do I begin??? First, it is the MOST PICTURESQUE facility I have ever seen, and I have played all over the planet. Playing tennis just yards away from the Pacific Ocean (in full view from most courts) is simply awesome. Between November and March, you can see whales from the courts! Unbelievable. The tennis instructions are simply fantastic. Over a period of two weeks, we worked with two instructors, finally settling on one in particular that matched our goals. Dan was simply terrific. His instructions improved our games tremendously. We both inched up at least a half level; me from a 4 to 4.5 and my wife from a 3 to a 3.5. Matching for games is also great. They are very good at finding matches for you. The place is simply one of the best places on the planet. Hands down. Beautiful location, quality instructions and great player-matching. What else can you ask for?
An excellent tennis resort that hides its tennis offerings when you visit their web site. Persevere because they have spectacular courts, all facilities and fantastic, happy coaches who all seem to have been there forever. Add the fact that half the guests are there for their 15th year and you get the message that it is a great spot. Special thanks to the ladies at the tennis front desk and to Wayne and Dan on court. Incredibly friendly and accomplished tennis coaches who were both terrific with our 15yo daughters.
Great courts, wonderful employees, perfect surroundings.
Great facilities, wonderful pros and an amazing setting. Highly recommend!
My review is a 10 out of 10 for the tennis garden. The staff is exceptional for their care of the guests, arranging matches, providing the necessary towels & water–all with a friendly smile and attention to detail
Loved it. Amazing setting. Wayne Barnes was a fantastic pro to work with. And felt truly on vacation… great people, great court that the clinic and my private was on.
Excellent tennis teachers, the kids cant wait to go to their lessons, and often stay for more than one. They have fun, learn a lot, and come back tired – but excited for the next day. The location is stunning as well
It is the best tennis facility and staff anywhere! We love it. Everyone is friendly and helpful and we always benefit from the clinics. Dan, the tennis coach is an outstanding instructor and makes it fun!
One of the reasons we’ve been back 25 times! No-probably the most important reason! Craig oversees superb clinics, dedicated and talented pros, lessons, round robins, matches with players of your ability-both hotel/seasonal guests and year-round local members. And you play on courts that look out over the ocean and its jumping whales.
We have played tennis at the Mauna Kea for many years when we are on vacation in Hawaii. We stay in a different place that is close and they call us to play with the guests. Monica and Sheryl, the two ladies who work in the pro shop are awesome. They are so friendly and make us feel just as comfortable as the guests. They have a great tennis program. When we first came to Hawaii over 20 years ago, we thought the Mauna Lani (where we stayed for many years) had the best tennis program. It is not nearly as good as the Mauna Kea now. We have played at the Orchid a few times but it is not as good as the Mauna Kea in our opinion.
Our children (daughter 9, son 6) have been enjoying tennis lessons, both group and private, at the Mauna Kea Tennis center for 3 years. Both children, especially our daughter, have not only enjoyed but thrived at the hands of the tennis pro’s. Each has their own style, something that allows the children to discover what works for them and how to learn best. We look forward to many more years of lessons, all well worth the time and money.
If you go for a tennis camp at the Mauna Kea Beach Resort, it will not only be one of the tennis vacations, but the best vacation ever. The Resort is beyond beautiful and the service is impeccable! The staff is always courteous and ready to assist you in any way. Not only can you count on the hotel experience to be great, but the tennis will be even better. Tennis Director Craig Pautler really made us feel like family. He and his staff took amazing care of us. In addition the instruction and drills were first class. Overall you can say that I would put this at the top of your list of places to visit. So amazing!
Excellent facility Well trained staff. All needed amenities. Head Pro, Craig Paulter is not only an excellent pro, but acts as the host of his domain. Great PR.
I went as a guest at the tennis venue, and I highly recommend playing at Mauna Kea. The staff are fabulous, courts are beautiful, and amenities superb.
I visit this resort on a regular basis because I am honored to be on their players’ list. I cannot think of a better place to play tennis–a drop-dead-gorgeous setting and wonderful people who work and play there.
The tennis here is unbelievable…..terrific pro shop, friendly and helpful pros and fabulous views of the ocean from the courts. There’s no better place to play tennis and improve your game.
The tennis facility is spectacular and the tennis pros are excellent.
Absolutely breathtaking setting on the Big Island. Love to play here! Highly recommend!!!
Beautiful facility situated on the Pacific ocean. Great staff!
Craig, the head pro worked great with our group of ladies. We gained some new skills and enjoyed our clinic time with him. We also did a cardio tennis clinic that was super fun!
Craig Pautler, the head pro, has played with my father, taught me and recently gave my young children their first lesson. Craig brings fun back to the game of tennis while focusing on the fundamentals of the games. I would highly recommend the Mauna Kea for tennis and you can’t beat the setting with the courts right on the Pacific Ocean!
The Tennis Center at MKBH has a world-class location at the edge of the ocean. The courts and facilities are immaculately maintained, and the staff is attentive and helpful to the players. Courtside pitchers of ice water are kept filled, and the staff can always arrange opponents at the desired level of play from a list of other hotel guests and/or local players. We were thoroughly pleased with the friendliness and level of service of the Tennis Center staff. We’ll be returning soon to enjoy the resort and the tennis again.
A wonderful facility. Great staff and they matched us up to play mixed doubles each day. We really enjoyed ourselves and will return (this was not our first visit). These are truly the most spectacular ocean-side courts you can imagine.
Excellent facilities, friendly and competent coaches in a fabulous setting. They will arrange for you to play as much as you want.
The tennis program was fabulous!! My children, ages 10 and 14, participated in the children’s program. We were not planning to play tennis on our vacation; however, the staff and children’s pro were top notch and extremely talented and inviting.
This is the absolute most beautiful place to play tennis. You are right on the Pacific. The only problem is trying to stay focused on the game and not gazing at the ocean. The tennis pros and staff are wonderful.
This tennis resort is amazingly beautiful. The tennis courts are right by the ocean with incredible views. Playing tennis here is a treat and something I dream of year-round. The instructors are excellent and super-friendly.The staff is also very attentive — they bring ice water and towels regularly and take good care of their guests. Specific court requests are granted to the extent possible. I highly recommend this resort.
Strengths: Fabulous location, great facilities, great instructional program for all levels, extremely helpful staff No weaknesses as far as we are concerned.
This resort was amazing starting weeks before we even arrived. Victoria was a great help in answering all our question. When we arrived we found the Mauna kea resort to be perfectly manicured. It’s a very special place. I was impressed to find out that the public had access to the beautiful beach. The tennis center and pro shop were great. The staff was fantastic and helpful. One of the most beautiful tennis courts in the world is there.
This are the most beautiful tennis courts in the world!! They have a wonderful tennis Grand Prix in September that is a must! The Director, Head Pro and all the Pro’s are extremely helpful and give fantastic Clinics! You have to go there!!!
Spectacular location on one of the the Big Island’s most beautiful beaches; great facility; Wayne, the head pro, is great with the kids, kids loved his daily clinics; really nice people, super friendly and helpful.
The Seaside Tennis Club at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel is in a spectacular setting with outstanding staff, instruction, and personal attention. I have been here for a month and played tennis almost every day. The staff and instructors create a warm, friendly atmosphere, while still being serious about the quality of the tennis, so that the whole experience is wonderful
I just returned from the Big island, where I stayed at the Mauna Kea Beach Resort and attended five daily clinics and took two private lessons from the same instructor. Drills were well paced, instruction was direct and on point. The staff was friendly and very welcoming. the facility was exceptional and courts were in terrific shape. We did experience some wind this week and a few days were quite warm.
Fantastic setting!
An excellent tennis experience. Craig and his staff are very welcoming and the setting is unbeatable.
It’s heaven. The courts are great and they are superbly beautiful. Serving while a whale jumps is as good as it gets! The staff is pretty wonderful too and Craig Pautler knows his tennis and takes care of his guests.
Beautiful setting, great firendly staff, very helpful in setting up games.
The imfamous tennis courts, staff and professionals did not disappoint. Tennis on the ocean, friendly and accommodating staff and the Teaching Pro, Hector Mendoza, was just the right mix of technical instruction along with creative fun! You don’t need to show up with a partner to learn and/or have fun.
There aren’t enough superlatives to describe the tennis and overall experience at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. Location,location,location would be a start. One of the most beautiful in the world. Literally. Playing tennis and watching whales breach at the same time, from oceanside tennis courts. Incredible! How many other tennis resorts in the world can offer that! How about a diversion. Take a tour to fly over an active volcano and get a bird’s eye view of something most people will never see in their lives. These are once-in-a-lifetime experiences!
My wife and I have visited the Mauna Kea Beach and Tennis resort about 5-6 times in the past several years. Love it. We come specifically for the tennis, as there is no other place on the planet that offers the views & total experience. There are about a dozen seaside courts, only 50 feet or so from the breaking waves. It’s an incredible experience!
Beyond the perfect setting, the people really make the resort. We love Craig, who heads up the tennis program. He was the guy who really got me into the sport several years ago. We usually play the round robin with the members, who are a certain delight! So friendly, and always remember us if it’s been 6 months or 18 months since our last visit.
Everyone at the club is fantastic, and really enjoy the morning clinics. Dan has become one of our favorite instructors, and he makes the game very simple. I have improved my game tremendously with his coaching.
We always love to drop in on the sport shop, and my wife loves the plumeria logo wear! I actually demo’d a few racquets there, and picked out a top rated Prince. Price was same on the mainland, so felt like it was a great purchase.
We stay at the hotel, and WOW, right on the best beach in Hawaii… Great snorkeling, and you have to try the Frederico at the beach shack. Best tropical drink on the island.
Food is awesome, and you must stay for a Saturday night. That’s clam bake night, and it’s the best seafood buffet, right on the beach. We always hit sunset, and occasionally see the whales breaching right off the shore. (winter)
Can’t wait until my next time at the resort, and has become a favorite vacation spot. I’m sure that when we return, all the great staff & members will welcome us by name, with open arms, and with warm hearts. We of course will miss them till our next time at Mauna Kea…
Aloha…
I am writing this review for my children, who played tennis almost daily for two weeks at the Mauna Kea with Wayne. My almost 8 year old never wants to participate in structured lessons and is notorious for saying no and had never played tennis. My 9 year old likes to try everything, and had played a little beginner tennis for a couple of sessions when she was about 4 1/2. Well, Wayne tried all that. The little watched the older one in tennis camp and when she tried it she loved it.Wayne was fantastic with ALL the kids – made each of them feel special and able to play it. The drills were well thought out and paced so that good foundations were started in a fun way.
And the main reason that I know they had a fantastic program? BOTH the girls still talk about it, they continue to take lessons, they agree that although they like their tennis coaches here, they are NOT AS GOOD AS WAYNE, and they want to go back to Hawaii this summer vacation. Why? I asked them, was it swimming in the ocean they loved? The volcanoes? Helicopter? “No”, Ellie said, “I want to see Wayne and show him how much I’ve improved with tennis.”
Excellent pros, stunning views, beautiful courts, great pro shop where I bought clothes that actually fit me. I loved playing on these courts a stone’s throw from the Pacific Ocean.
all around terrific place. beautiful water front court locations, and top personnel.
Best courts in the usa, Tennis right on the ocean, Staff is off the charts/helful friendly
Site – Stunning! Oceanfront courts front on the blue pacific! Staff- Ultra friendly and accomodating- true Hawaiian hospitality and friendliness! Facilities – World-class courts and Hotel amenities!
Fabulous Oceanside courts in a tropical setting.
MKBH Seaside Tennis is really an awesome experience. Their courts are right on the ocean. Their Big Island location is spectacular and impossible to beat. The team that they have there are wonderful. Hector is one of the best teaching pros that I have ever worked with. All in all, a fabulous experience.