The Big Island has always had a certain pull on me, but this trip was different. My family and I made our way to Mauna Kea Residences at The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort, and from the moment we arrived, it felt like stepping into the kind of place that immediately sets a new standard for what a Hawaiian getaway should be. It is part of the larger Mauna Kea Resort, a property with a storied history dating back to the 1960s when Laurance Rockefeller first put this stretch of coastline on the map. Today it is in the middle of a massive renovation, yet still retains all the spirit of its past while offering a completely refreshed sense of luxury.
Our residence was the kind of space you almost do not want to leave. With three bedrooms, a full kitchen, and interiors that leaned into clean white lines, the home had that balance of being both stylish and comfortable. The living room opened completely to the outdoors, filling the space with soft trade winds and endless views of the Pacific. Outside, a private plunge pool waited, perfectly placed for a quiet morning dip or an evening drink under the stars. This was not a typical vacation rental; it was a modern coastal sanctuary where everything was designed to elevate how you experience the island.
The residences themselves range from two to four bedrooms, each designed to feel like an oceanfront home with the perks of a five-star resort. Two-bedroom units run between 1,300 and 1,700 square feet, ideal for couples or smaller families, and often feature bonus rooms and expansive lanais. The three-bedroom layouts, like the one we stayed in, stretch to more than 2,200 square feet and are built for gathering, entertaining, and still having space to escape for quiet moments. Then there are the crown jewels, the four-bedroom penthouses, topping out at more than 3,500 square feet, complete with dens and some of the best ocean views on the island. Prices reflect the exclusivity, ranging from just over $5 million for a two-bedroom to close to $12 million for a penthouse, and availability is limited to a handful of listings at any given time.
One of the real advantages of staying at Mauna Kea Residences is that you get access to both the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel and The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort. That means two incredible beaches, multiple pools, golf, spa, and dining options that range from casual toes-in-the-sand lunches to fine dining that would impress in any major city. For families, it also creates endless options to keep everyone entertained without ever feeling crowded. My kids bounced easily between ocean swims and pool time, while Lydia and I found moments to slow down and just soak in the view.
Dinner at Meridia, located at The Westin Hapuna, was one of those nights you remember long after you leave. The setting is effortlessly elegant, perched on a bluff with sunset views that feel almost cinematic. The bread service was the perfect start, the kind that makes you forget every diet, followed quickly by a platter of fresh oysters that tasted like the ocean itself. The grilled branzino was a standout, served whole with lemon and herb rice, and there was also a perfectly cooked catch of the day that was bright and flavorful. Each course felt thoughtful, rooted in Mediterranean flavors but always with a nod to the island.
When I think back on the trip, one of the experiences that stands out most was playing at the Seaside Tennis Club at Mauna Kea. Ranked among the top ten tennis facilities in the world, it is unlike any court I have ever set foot on. The setting is carved into the edge of the coastline, so close to the ocean that you can hear waves crashing between points. Playing a match there is an entirely different experience, a blend of sport and scenery where you catch yourself looking out at the water as much as you focus on your opponent.
Of course, the heart of Mauna Kea has always been its beach, and Kauna‘oa Bay still feels like the crown jewel of the Kohala Coast. The sand is soft and white, the water clear and calm, perfect for swimming and paddleboarding. It is the kind of beach that photographs can never quite capture, because what makes it remarkable is how it makes you feel when you are standing on it. That mix of tranquility, beauty, and timelessness is what drew Rockefeller here more than sixty years ago, and it remains just as captivating today.
What made this trip so special was how seamless everything felt. From the modern comforts of Mauna Kea Residences to the historic elegance of the resort, every detail came together to create something more than just a family vacation. It was a reminder of why travel matters in the first place, to connect, to recharge, to share experiences that linger long after you return home. For us, Mauna Kea was not just another stop on the map, it was a moment to step into Hawaii at its very best.
By Doug McLaughlin
