Mauna Kea Beach Hotel

Founded in 1965, the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel was once the most exclusive and expensive resorts of its day and, following extensive renovations nearly 50 years on, the hotel remains a landmark on the Kohala Coast, the golf capital of Hawaii.

The Mauna Kea has its own par-72 golf course in addition to the Seaside Tennis Club, a fitness center, spa, kids' club, boutiques, outdoor swimming pool and a wide array of water sports. The resort features a number of restaurants where international cuisine is combined with locally-sourced Kohala Coast ingredients, from Lu'au and Clambake to Monettes and Manta.

The Copper Terrace and Pavilion Wine Bar also provide attractive settings for pre- and post-dinner drinks. Each featuring a private lanai, the 258 bright and airy guest rooms overlook either the ocean or golf course and amenities include a flat screen HDTV, iPod clock radio, Wi-Fi, mini-fridge and coffee maker.

OUR RATING: First Class