Celebrity Shangri-La
A whirlwind of entertainment events kicks off the start of the social season – the opening of the opera, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Pepperdine fundraisers, the California Wildlife Center’s Wild Bunch bash and music from the chamber orchestra, to name a few.
After covering the nonstop festivities, it’s never a bad idea to switch gears and have a change of pace. So we checked in on that famous celebrity haunt in Hawaii – the famed Mauna Kea.
I first reported on the hotel and its history a few years back when the spectacular resort celebrated its 40th anniversary. It dates back to the ‘60s and was built by Laurance Rockefeller. Ever since it has drawn some of Hollywood’s brightest stars.
The grounds are breathtaking and amid the ocean splendor you’ll find an intimate hotel, which caused a sensation from day one.
The open-air design allowed natural ventilation from the trade winds and the interior was filled with awesome works of Asian art.
I had recently produced a show called “Sand Masters” for the Travel Channel, which featured another historic hotel – the Royal Hawaiian on Waikiki beach. Could this be a good Travel Channel location as well? At the very least it was high time for an island update.
I remembered the place as a tropical breath of fresh air with its breezy passageways, koi ponds and striking ocean views. It felt very private, which might be a reason why it has been a favorite for those who live in the public eye.
It is also a sentimental spot as my parents stayed there shortly after it opened and got married during their stay.
Over the years the hotel continued to grow in popularity. Things came to a standstill in 2006 when the Big Island was hit by a major earthquake. The Mauna Kea suffered serious damage.
Sadly, the grand dame was closed for two years. Now it is back after a $150 million renovation.
As you drive up, you smell the fragrant plumeria blossoms, which are everywhere. The delicate flower has always been the signature of the hotel and still is. The minute you step in the door, you get a blast of island hospitality. You pass a glittering pair of praying gold Buddhas as you enter the lobby, which is filled with exotic arrangements of orchids, ginger and heliconia.
The open air spaces and striking decor still make you feel like you would back in the day.
The number of rooms has been reduced from 310 to 258. The rooms have also been upgraded, which means your piece of paradise is all the more welcoming and spacious.
Just wandering along the corridors eyeing the amazing display of Asian treasures gives you a sense of adventure before you relax at the pool or the beach.
If you love a poolside experience, the facility is fun, but a bit small and you might have to share with a gaggle of frolicking kids. The beach is inviting with lots of room to spread out. You can easily take in a yoga class or venture out on a kayak ride before grabbing a mahi sandwich at the ocean bar and grill.
Mid-century touches like lava and flagstone plus the privacy take you back in time.
The restaurants are excellent, a rarity for the islands, but they can be pricy. Still, there is nothing like enjoying a delicious meal al fresco with the sight of silhouetted palm trees against a raspberry and lavender sunset.
Before reopening, management asked regular hotel guests if there was anything they would like to change. The vast majority said absolutely nothing. Thankfully, that’s just what they did. Aloha.