Mauna Kea Beach Tours and Activities

Mauna Kea Beach
Mauna Kea featuring outdoor eating, a beach bar and rides
Mauna Kea Beach
Mauna Kea Beach
Mauna Kea Beach


Relax on the pristine sands of this luxury beach resort, one the most expensive hotel ever built on the island.

Located on the North West coast of Hawaii’s Big Island, Mauna Kea Beach is a strong contender for the title of the island’s best beach. It is attached to the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, one of Hawaii’s most famous resorts that has been consistently popular ever since it opened in 1965.

Mauna Kea Beach is known to be one of the Island’s most comfortable beaches on which to relax. It offers a vast expanse of soft white sand, free of the rocks that are common to so many of the other beaches. Lie back and soak up the sunshine, surrounded by lush vegetation behind you and the deep blue ocean out in front.

At either end of the beach you’ll find small coral reef formations that are perfect for exploring with a snorkel and mask. This is not one of the main diving destinations, but there is still plenty to see. It is also perfect for exploring in peace, as it does not attract the large numbers of divers present at more popular spots.

Once the most expensive resort ever built, costing a total of US $15 million, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel is an attraction in itself. The building’s architecture has been twice recognised by the American Institute of Architects, most recently in 2007 when it was voted into 55th place on the top 150 of America’s Favourite Architecture list. Guests at the hotel can enjoy a round of golf at the ocean-side 36-hole championship golf course.

Both hotel guests and outside visitors can enjoy the exquisite dining on offer at the hotel’s restaurants. Local produce features strongly on the menu. Alternatively, settle at a table with a cool drink in any of the resorts bars, and enjoy the beautiful ocean views.

Mauna Kea Beach is 53 kilometres from Kailua-Kona on the Kohala Coast, in the North West part of Hawaii Island. Although there is a limited chartered bus service that runs to the resort, the area is best reached by car. Parking is available at the beach, but spaces are very limited, and once all are full you will be turned away. The beach is open every day and there is no charge for admission.

Plan a trip to see Mauna Kea Beach

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Kona Islander Vacation Club
Kona Reef, A Raintree Vacation Club Resort
Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection

Popular places to visit


Top Mauna Kea Beach Hotel & Accommodation Deals

The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort

The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort

4 out of 5
62-100 Kauna'oa Drive, Kohala Coast, Kamuela, HI
The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Autograph Collection

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Autograph Collection

4.5 out of 5
62-100 Mauna Kea Beach Dr, Kamuela, HI
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Autograph Collection
Incredible Oceanfront Family Suite on Hapuna Beach!

Incredible Oceanfront Family Suite on Hapuna Beach!

Kamuela
Incredible Oceanfront Family Suite on Hapuna Beach!
Mauna Kea Residences

Mauna Kea Residences

4 out of 5
62-100 Kauna’oa Dr, Kamuela, HI
Mauna Kea Residences
Hapuna Beach Paradise 2 BD Penthouse Oceanfront Views + Mauna Kea Beach Resort

Hapuna Beach Paradise 2 BD Penthouse Oceanfront Views + Mauna Kea Beach Resort

Hawaii County
Hapuna Beach Paradise 2 BD Penthouse Oceanfront Views + Mauna Kea Beach Resort
Oceanview Mauna Kea Luxury Villa - Private Pool & Spa - In-home Chefs Available

Oceanview Mauna Kea Luxury Villa - Private Pool & Spa - In-home Chefs Available

Waimea
Oceanview Mauna Kea Luxury Villa - Private Pool & Spa - In-home Chefs Available
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Mauna Kea Beach

Discover an unforgettable vacation at Mauna Kea Beach, where you can enjoy a top-notch golfing experience at the renowned Mauna Kea Golf Course. For those who love tennis, the Seaside Tennis Club offers a fantastic setting to serve up some fun. The Mauna Kea Resort Golf provides a luxurious backdrop for avid golfers looking to challenge themselves while soaking in stunning coastal views. Experience the perfect blend of relaxation and recreation in this Hawaiian paradise.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near Mauna Kea Beach, visit Kings Shops, just 11.3km away, offering a mix of boutiques and dining options. If you're up for a drive, check out Kona Inn Shopping Village and Kona Farmers Market, both located 45.1km away, featuring local crafts and fresh produce.

Recreation

Mauna Lani Resort Golf Course offers a stunning outdoor experience with its lush fairways and breathtaking views, perfect for golf enthusiasts. Nearby, Francis H.I'i Brown South Golf Course provides a similarly vibrant sports atmosphere. For a change of scenery, Waikoloa Village Golf Club is also a fantastic option, set amid beautiful landscapes.

Adventure

Explore the Waipio Na'alapa Trail, located 16.1km from Mauna Kea Beach, offering breathtaking views and lush landscapes for hiking enthusiasts. For a different thrill, head to Rutgers Tennis Center, 12.9km away, where you can enjoy energetic tennis matches in a vibrant atmosphere.

Nightlife

The nightlife at Mauna Kea Beach offers unique experiences like stargazing at the Mauna Kea Observatory, 41.8km away, or catching a film at the Great 4-D Movie Ride, only 8.0km from the beach. For a touch of astronomy, visit the WM Keck Observatory, 16.1km away.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Mauna Kea Beach

At Mauna Kea Beach in Kamuela, Hawaii, visitors can enjoy stunning outdoor experiences, from relaxing on the pristine sands of Kauna'oa Beach to exploring the scenic Mau'umae Beach. The area offers a mix of cultural experiences and natural beauty, making it perfect for beach lovers and adventure seekers alike. Don't miss the breathtaking views and activities at Mauna Kea Beach, a true highlight of your Hawaiian vacation.

  • Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area: This stunning national park, located a mile from Mauna Kea Beach, offers incredible outdoor adventures. With pristine sands and clear waters, it’s perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and exploring scenic trails amidst lush landscapes.
  • Mauna Lani Beach: Situated five miles away, this beautiful beach boasts soft sands and vibrant marine life, ideal for snorkelling and relaxing by the ocean. Its tranquil atmosphere makes it a perfect spot for a laid-back day in the sun.
  • Hapuna Golf Course: Located only 1.3km away, this family-friendly course features tropical scenery and a challenging layout. Enjoy a round of golf while soaking in breathtaking ocean views and lush surroundings.

Best time to go to Mauna Kea Beach

The best time to visit Mauna Kea Beach can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Mauna Kea Beach falls in August, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Mauna Kea Beach falls in February, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January55.0°F (12.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
February54.0°F (12.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly High
March54.5°F (12.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
April55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May57.6°F (14.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
June59.0°F (15.0°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
July60.4°F (15.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August60.8°F (16.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September60.3°F (15.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
October59.9°F (15.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
November56.8°F (13.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
December55.6°F (13.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Mauna Kea Beach

If you're planning a trip to Mauna Kea Beach, consider visiting in May, September, or November for the best accommodation rates. Booking a month in advance can help secure lower prices, especially if you choose to stay from Monday to Thursday. Use Expedia to find last-minute deals and sort options by price. You can save further by bundling your hotel, flights, and activities into a package deal. Additionally, look for eco-certified hotels to enjoy sustainable stays at a reasonable cost. Don’t forget to explore free activities around the beach for added savings!

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Mauna Kea Beach are May, September and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to February, July and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Mauna Kea Beach about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Mauna Kea Beach is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Mauna Kea Beach is Sunday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your options based on your budget, preferred location, and type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and eco-friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some cash by bundling your Mauna Kea Beach hotel stay with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.