Mauna Kea Beach

When we go to the Big Island, we usually arrive at the Mauna Kea early in the morning and get a pass for some very limited parking for the public to use the beach. Does anyone know if you can drive into that parking since the Mauna Kea is closed? And are they planning on opening again? Are they repairing, tearing down or what after the October earthquake?

Mauna Kea Beach

I too was hoping we could drive in now, but from what my son who drives in there to work tells me the guards are still giving out passes as per usual. The hotel is closed to room guests but I don%26#39;t believe it%26#39;s entirely closed ... however, the situation may have changed since last time I enquired.

There%26#39;s a thread here somewhere where HawaiiDan said 2009 is looking to be the soonest opening IIRC. Yes, they are repairing and I guess the damage was so major and they have so long deferred a major facelift that they made the logical decision to combine needed renovations with the earthquake repairs.

Mauna Kea Beach

PS. You didn%26#39;t say when you%26#39;re going, but the hotel is doing major construction and I%26#39;m not sure how much noise that creates on the beach ... I would love to hear a current report on that.

Hilo Kaamaina,

Thank you for the information. I did not realize the Mauna Kea received THAT much damage! Amazing that the Hapuna Prince and others near there are still open. We are coming to Hawaii July 1-16th. We are supposed to be able to stay with friends on Oahu from the 1st -5th but if their house sells, we may be looking at the Big Island for at least a few days. I hope we can get a nice place if we are kinda/sorta last minute! The friends are saying not to worry because there has not been much action on their home. So, if you know anyone looking for a lovely 3 bedroom, 21/2 bath home on the 12th hole of the Kapolei golf course, let me know! I%26#39;ll tell them about it AFTER the 5th of July! In 2000 we stayed at the Royal Kona. I have read on some forums that the place is getting a little ';tired'; even with recent renovations. What do you know?

Mahalo

Mauna Kea was more damaged because the 8th floor of the hotel was an add-on floor of metal framing atop of the concrete main structure. The current plan is to re-build the 8th floor with more luxurious units and enlarged bathrooms, something that is not possible with the rooms on the lower floors.

The restaurant is still open for business along with the Beach Bar so I just tell the gaurd at the gate I%26#39;m going there. There is MORE than enough parking and I highly doubt they will turn away business. There was only 2 tables when I went on Monday. It was the BEST as it was not overly crowded.