Tucked directly among the vines at Le Logis, two private pickleball courts sit within the private luxury estate in the heart of France’s Cognac region.
There is a certain breed of tennis player who cannot be stopped by the weather, and the debate over winter tennis in Florida vs. summer tennis in New England resorts is one they live rather than argue.
Tucked directly among the vines at Le Logis, two private pickleball courts sit within the private luxury estate in the heart of France’s Cognac region.
There is a certain breed of tennis player who cannot be stopped by the weather, and the debate over winter tennis in Florida vs. summer tennis in New England resorts is one they live rather than argue.
From the prominent Coachella Valley to the breezy coastlines of San Diego and Santa Barbara, this guide covers seven standout properties that have made California one of the most celebrated tennis destinations in the world.
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.
Stroll through the glass doors of the pro shop, and you’ll be greeted by a team that lives and breathes customer service and who seem 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 hardcore 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.
Over the years, the resort and tennis staff have beautified the complex and continue to make improvements. Courts are resurfaced regularly on a rotating basis, old furniture is replaced, and structures are painted. The tennis staff approaches court and facility care with a hands-on, detail-oriented mindset, believing that excellence is built through constant attention rather than occasional upgrades. Courts are maintained with exceptional care, including regular, personal cleaning to ensure optimal playing conditions and to identify any issues before they become problems. This same commitment extends across the entire facility, with a consistent focus on cleanliness, upkeep, and guest comfort, creating an environment where quality is evident in every aspect of the tennis experience.
With Mauna Kea leading the way, 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.
I have been enjoying the tennis courts at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel for 20 years. The setting is spectacular. All of the courts have an ocean view. The employees are pleasant and helpful They will even set up matches for members. They provide towels and ice water as well as “chill towels” for all players. The other players are delightful people. I count many of them as friends both on and off the courts. Seaside Tennis Club deserves a five-star rating.
BT
Best Pickleball Courts on the Big Island. Mauna Kea has 8 courts total just steps away from the most beautiful beach.
Highly recommend whether you’re a pickleball or tennis player. Family friendly.
DM
Perhaps the only place in the world where you can play tennis by the sea. Earlier this year I was in a clinic and watching the humpback whales breach. The vibe is relaxed and friendly. People of all ages play here. There is a strong presence from happy local members that have made this island their home.
AB
Mauna Kea has been one of the best tennis resorts for over 50 years. The Oceanside setting is beautiful and instructors and staff wonderful. It is our favorite place to stay and play!
LK
MK is the very best place to play pickleball. The courts are beautiful and well maintained, the staff is incredible and the Director, Kris Jordan, plays with us regularly. In addition to hotel managed events, we have separate groups for the ladies and another mixed group for advanced players.
MS
Great tennis facility! Aloha spirit with staff!
CD
Great playing
MT
This is one of the best clubs I’ve ever belonged to… I’m a club member and this is an amazing experience and the staff is wonderful. Obviously one of the best facilities on the planet.
MV
Mauna Kea is my favorite place to play tennis!
TD
Wonderful playing experience.
GG
Great place for pickleball and tennis!
TD
Wonderful playing experience
CB
The pros are the best!!!
TW
Racketball experience is fabulous!! We play very little tennis so we could not accurately comment on the tennis questions.
JH
It’s one of the reasons we keep going back to Hawaii – We love playing tennis here. The pros are phenomenal and they run drills for all levels without making it boring for anyone. It’s a real skill to pull that off. Cold towels, good views, and great tennis – What more could you want?
CS
Great views of the ocean, SUPER staff, great instruction. Beautiful facility
Always wonderful True feel of the islands.
DA
Amazing tennis and pickle ball courts and the staff is always the best friendly and always willing to help and answer questions.
AS
The surfaces are always in excellent condition and the courts are positioned so that neither player is ever sun-blinded. It’s a joy to play here.
TH
Superb set of courts and facilities right on the ocean. Views are literally eight figure views (which is what a lot would cost if they could be bought where the courts sit).
Doesn’t really get better than this.
JK
With completed renovations the Mauna Kea is now better than ever. The tennis facility right by the ocean remains the most beautiful there is. Craig Paulter established a great experience which continues, but he will be missed.
LH
So fun to play tennis right next to the ocean in a tropical setting! Friendly staff, excellent instruction and they will even arrange games for you at your level. Ice water in pitchers brought to your court makes hydrating easy.
We played pickleball this year too with our adult children – easier for all levels to play together rather than tennis.
We love this place!
SA
Incredible setting for tennis matches. Great tennis club
TA
You won’t find a better located tennis/pickleball complex in the U.S. Located right on the ocean, you can see whales breaching from the courts. In addition the pros are top notch…friendly, terrific skills and willing to help in any way they can. The entire staff does an excellent job helping to set up games at all levels. 5 star in every way!
MV
Amazing courts, both in tennis and pickleball. The staff is friendly and very accommodating. The scenery is fantastic. I love Mauna Kea Tennis and Racketball Club.
DD
I feel 100% blessed to have access to such beautiful courts in such a magnificent setting. The staff are so supportive and inclusive. Really appreciate the round robins and socials.
AW
Destination tennis resort.
CN
The best tennis experience you can get on vacation! It’s like a luxury vacation and tennis camp all in one!! Amazing for both adults and families! Take me back!
CA
Beautiful well maintained courts right on the ocean. Tennis staff are very friendly and helpful. Happy to arrange matches. Lovely weekly round robin. Great fun!
MW
Love it!
PH
These are some of the best tennis courts I’ve played on and the staff are terrific! I took a tennis lesson as well and had a great session.
LK
Truly the most beautiful place to play tennis or pickle ball anywhere in the world!
PR
I am a full-time Mauna Kea resident and use the courts regularly. In my opinion, this is the premium tennis and pickle ball facility in the entire state.
CB
The pickleball courts are in good condition and the round robin program that the resort runs is a great way to socialize and practice your skills at the same time. The instruction is very good. It was easy to reserve a court when we had guests and they loved the experience.
LA
Friendly and kind staff, excellent coaching! The setting is unbeatable. Courts are well maintained.
WM
Aside from the picture perfect setting and the quality of the courts, the tennis staff is second to none. Always cheerful and looking to make one’s tennis experience top notch, it is the icing on the cake.
SD
Love this place. Amazing!!
TK
One of the best tennis/pickleball destinations!
KC
One of the best places in the world to play tennis and relax in a tropical environment.
RH
Excellent facility, the staff are great from the front office to the Head Pro! The Pickleball courts have been much improved and expanded over the last few years. We played at the drop-ins and taken the clinics and would suggest both to hotel visitors.
CH
The pickleball courts are amazing. The pros are excellent and very patient instructors. The clinics are well organized and lots of fun. Truly an outstanding experience at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel.
BG
Just outstanding tennis experience, resort experience for all types of people, young, old. Fantastic kids experience, clinics, absolutely beautiful, well-maintained courts right on the ocean!!
RR
Outstanding pickleball courts. I love the blue kitchens. The pro’s are friendly, knowledgeable, accomplished players, and show strong leadership. The courts are always in perfect condition. I would rate them a full five star.
TR
Love the oceanfront tennis. One of the greatest clubs in Hawaii if not the US. Friendly staff and very on point. Always take care of us.
AR
My favorite courts anywhere! Amazing facility and team! Wayne is terrific with the kids!
TW
The Seaside Tennis Club at Mauna Kea is just an unbeatable combination of great tennis / pickleball facilities, the best view of any resort in the world, and all of the non-tennis amenities that you hope for to keep your vacation time fresh and fun. The courts have recently been totally resurfaced and they are in pristine condition. The resort just finished a massive renovation with modernized amenities and rooms and it truly is an unbeatable combination. The tennis and pickleball pros are seasoned and experienced and the quality of the instruction is top notch. The kids program is out of this world. Coach Wayne has a wonderful balance of pushing kids to learn fundamentals in a way that matches the psychology of each kid and it is just a masterclass in coaching kids. My kids have played under a lot of coaches at a lot of clubs and Coach Wayne remains their favorite over all these years. How can you go wrong with an amazing tennis setup located at one of the best beaches in the world?
DW
Kris Jordan, the tennis director is a fine player, great instructor and gracious host. I had to dig deep and it took 5 sets but I did beat him. Great place. Amazing courts in every sense. I would be happy to return to offer him a rematch any time. Mahalo. No opinion about the pickleball but people were having fun so bless them. It’s nice there is a sport with such a low bar for fitness and athleticism. Mahalo.
BR
I play in the early morning at the Mauna Kea Seaside Racquet Club.
The atmosphere and location are second to none. The staff are friendly and helpful.
I get a kick out of the pros Tim, Brad, Andre and Wayne. Always supportive in my quest to get better.
SA
My first time at the Mauna Kea was in 1991 and I fell in love with the resort and the tennis facility. Since then I made sure to return every single year. It is a 10+.
DH
The Beach and Tennis Club at the Mauna Kea is superb. The courts are on the water so it’s really beautiful. The tennis and pickleball instruction is the best. The tennis for the kids is really fun and they are learning. The adults pros offer a variety depending on your personality. The front desk staff are friendly and warm. We love visiting!
KF
I have been coming here for many years and the level of excellence has always been maintained. The newer surface on the courts play very well. Craig Pautler and the staff are always friendly and helpful. The teaching pros are all personable, knowledgeable, and patient. The locker room facilities are always clean.
Additionally, the setting remains unmatched. Who doesn’t need to pause a moment in the middle of a match to look out at the beautiful ocean and gather your thoughts before proceeding? This is an ideal place to play tennis. Also, great for pickleball if that’s your thing.
If you’ve not been to MKB for tennis, or just for the beauty of the resort and beach, you should make the effort to go. You’ll love it!
MT
The Mauna Kea resort is amazing, and we especially love the Seaside tennis club. The staff, instructors and location are just spectacular. We participated in the tennis clinics all week, and every day was different different and rewarding. Craig runs a really great operation, and you feel like you’re a member when you’re here. The facilities are top-notch and the view cannot be beat.
JH
The Mauna Kea, is our favorite place in the world. WE try to make it there twice a year. The location, beach and fabulous tennis facility can not be beat. The tennis staff, led by Craig Pautler and Wayne Barnes always make visitors feel welcome and the availability for clinics, lessons and play work well for all levels. We recently returned and the remodel and additions to the resort will only make it better.
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353 Reviews on “Mauna Kea Resort”
I have been enjoying the tennis courts at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel for 20 years. The setting is spectacular. All of the courts have an ocean view. The employees are pleasant and helpful They will even set up matches for members. They provide towels and ice water as well as “chill towels” for all players. The other players are delightful people. I count many of them as friends both on and off the courts. Seaside Tennis Club deserves a five-star rating.
Best Pickleball Courts on the Big Island. Mauna Kea has 8 courts total just steps away from the most beautiful beach.
Highly recommend whether you’re a pickleball or tennis player. Family friendly.
Perhaps the only place in the world where you can play tennis by the sea. Earlier this year I was in a clinic and watching the humpback whales breach. The vibe is relaxed and friendly. People of all ages play here. There is a strong presence from happy local members that have made this island their home.
Mauna Kea has been one of the best tennis resorts for over 50 years. The Oceanside setting is beautiful and instructors and staff wonderful. It is our favorite place to stay and play!
MK is the very best place to play pickleball. The courts are beautiful and well maintained, the staff is incredible and the Director, Kris Jordan, plays with us regularly. In addition to hotel managed events, we have separate groups for the ladies and another mixed group for advanced players.
Great tennis facility! Aloha spirit with staff!
Great playing
This is one of the best clubs I’ve ever belonged to… I’m a club member and this is an amazing experience and the staff is wonderful. Obviously one of the best facilities on the planet.
Mauna Kea is my favorite place to play tennis!
Wonderful playing experience.
Great place for pickleball and tennis!
Wonderful playing experience
The pros are the best!!!
Racketball experience is fabulous!! We play very little tennis so we could not accurately comment on the tennis questions.
It’s one of the reasons we keep going back to Hawaii – We love playing tennis here. The pros are phenomenal and they run drills for all levels without making it boring for anyone. It’s a real skill to pull that off. Cold towels, good views, and great tennis – What more could you want?
Great views of the ocean, SUPER staff, great instruction. Beautiful facility
Always wonderful True feel of the islands.
Amazing tennis and pickle ball courts and the staff is always the best friendly and always willing to help and answer questions.
The surfaces are always in excellent condition and the courts are positioned so that neither player is ever sun-blinded. It’s a joy to play here.
Superb set of courts and facilities right on the ocean. Views are literally eight figure views (which is what a lot would cost if they could be bought where the courts sit).
Doesn’t really get better than this.
With completed renovations the Mauna Kea is now better than ever. The tennis facility right by the ocean remains the most beautiful there is. Craig Paulter established a great experience which continues, but he will be missed.
So fun to play tennis right next to the ocean in a tropical setting! Friendly staff, excellent instruction and they will even arrange games for you at your level. Ice water in pitchers brought to your court makes hydrating easy.
We played pickleball this year too with our adult children – easier for all levels to play together rather than tennis.
We love this place!
Incredible setting for tennis matches. Great tennis club
You won’t find a better located tennis/pickleball complex in the U.S. Located right on the ocean, you can see whales breaching from the courts. In addition the pros are top notch…friendly, terrific skills and willing to help in any way they can. The entire staff does an excellent job helping to set up games at all levels. 5 star in every way!
Amazing courts, both in tennis and pickleball. The staff is friendly and very accommodating. The scenery is fantastic. I love Mauna Kea Tennis and Racketball Club.
I feel 100% blessed to have access to such beautiful courts in such a magnificent setting. The staff are so supportive and inclusive. Really appreciate the round robins and socials.
Destination tennis resort.
The best tennis experience you can get on vacation! It’s like a luxury vacation and tennis camp all in one!! Amazing for both adults and families! Take me back!
Beautiful well maintained courts right on the ocean. Tennis staff are very friendly and helpful. Happy to arrange matches. Lovely weekly round robin. Great fun!
Love it!
These are some of the best tennis courts I’ve played on and the staff are terrific! I took a tennis lesson as well and had a great session.
Truly the most beautiful place to play tennis or pickle ball anywhere in the world!
I am a full-time Mauna Kea resident and use the courts regularly. In my opinion, this is the premium tennis and pickle ball facility in the entire state.
The pickleball courts are in good condition and the round robin program that the resort runs is a great way to socialize and practice your skills at the same time. The instruction is very good. It was easy to reserve a court when we had guests and they loved the experience.
Friendly and kind staff, excellent coaching! The setting is unbeatable. Courts are well maintained.
Aside from the picture perfect setting and the quality of the courts, the tennis staff is second to none. Always cheerful and looking to make one’s tennis experience top notch, it is the icing on the cake.
Love this place. Amazing!!
One of the best tennis/pickleball destinations!
One of the best places in the world to play tennis and relax in a tropical environment.
Excellent facility, the staff are great from the front office to the Head Pro! The Pickleball courts have been much improved and expanded over the last few years. We played at the drop-ins and taken the clinics and would suggest both to hotel visitors.
The pickleball courts are amazing. The pros are excellent and very patient instructors. The clinics are well organized and lots of fun. Truly an outstanding experience at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel.
Just outstanding tennis experience, resort experience for all types of people, young, old. Fantastic kids experience, clinics, absolutely beautiful, well-maintained courts right on the ocean!!
Outstanding pickleball courts. I love the blue kitchens. The pro’s are friendly, knowledgeable, accomplished players, and show strong leadership. The courts are always in perfect condition. I would rate them a full five star.
Love the oceanfront tennis. One of the greatest clubs in Hawaii if not the US. Friendly staff and very on point. Always take care of us.
My favorite courts anywhere! Amazing facility and team! Wayne is terrific with the kids!
The Seaside Tennis Club at Mauna Kea is just an unbeatable combination of great tennis / pickleball facilities, the best view of any resort in the world, and all of the non-tennis amenities that you hope for to keep your vacation time fresh and fun. The courts have recently been totally resurfaced and they are in pristine condition. The resort just finished a massive renovation with modernized amenities and rooms and it truly is an unbeatable combination. The tennis and pickleball pros are seasoned and experienced and the quality of the instruction is top notch. The kids program is out of this world. Coach Wayne has a wonderful balance of pushing kids to learn fundamentals in a way that matches the psychology of each kid and it is just a masterclass in coaching kids. My kids have played under a lot of coaches at a lot of clubs and Coach Wayne remains their favorite over all these years. How can you go wrong with an amazing tennis setup located at one of the best beaches in the world?
Kris Jordan, the tennis director is a fine player, great instructor and gracious host. I had to dig deep and it took 5 sets but I did beat him. Great place. Amazing courts in every sense. I would be happy to return to offer him a rematch any time. Mahalo. No opinion about the pickleball but people were having fun so bless them. It’s nice there is a sport with such a low bar for fitness and athleticism. Mahalo.
I play in the early morning at the Mauna Kea Seaside Racquet Club.
The atmosphere and location are second to none. The staff are friendly and helpful.
I get a kick out of the pros Tim, Brad, Andre and Wayne. Always supportive in my quest to get better.
My first time at the Mauna Kea was in 1991 and I fell in love with the resort and the tennis facility. Since then I made sure to return every single year. It is a 10+.
The Beach and Tennis Club at the Mauna Kea is superb. The courts are on the water so it’s really beautiful. The tennis and pickleball instruction is the best. The tennis for the kids is really fun and they are learning. The adults pros offer a variety depending on your personality. The front desk staff are friendly and warm. We love visiting!
I have been coming here for many years and the level of excellence has always been maintained. The newer surface on the courts play very well. Craig Pautler and the staff are always friendly and helpful. The teaching pros are all personable, knowledgeable, and patient. The locker room facilities are always clean.
Additionally, the setting remains unmatched. Who doesn’t need to pause a moment in the middle of a match to look out at the beautiful ocean and gather your thoughts before proceeding? This is an ideal place to play tennis. Also, great for pickleball if that’s your thing.
If you’ve not been to MKB for tennis, or just for the beauty of the resort and beach, you should make the effort to go. You’ll love it!
The Mauna Kea resort is amazing, and we especially love the Seaside tennis club. The staff, instructors and location are just spectacular. We participated in the tennis clinics all week, and every day was different different and rewarding. Craig runs a really great operation, and you feel like you’re a member when you’re here. The facilities are top-notch and the view cannot be beat.
The Mauna Kea, is our favorite place in the world. WE try to make it there twice a year. The location, beach and fabulous tennis facility can not be beat. The tennis staff, led by Craig Pautler and Wayne Barnes always make visitors feel welcome and the availability for clinics, lessons and play work well for all levels. We recently returned and the remodel and additions to the resort will only make it better.