Press Room
Please review our News Releases and Newsletters below to learn the latest developments and answers to your most frequently asked questions.
News Releases 
June, 2009 AWARDS & COMMENDATIONS
Mauna Kea Golf Course Tees Up A December Reopening
MAUNA KEA RESORT, HI – Created out of bare lava in the 1960's by Laurance S. Rockefeller and Robert Trent Jones, Sr., the historic Mauna Kea Golf Course is being revitalized by Rees Jones Inc., as part of a sweeping $150 million repair and renovation project of the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel and Golf Course on the Big Island of Hawaii.
Rees Jones, son of the Mauna Kea's original golf course architect and a leader in golf course design is known in the industry as the "US Open Doctor." His work includes 7 US Open venues, 5 PGA championship courses and 4 Ryder Cup sites. Jones envisions a comprehensive upgrade of the entire historic course to USGA standards, while reclaiming his father’s original design intent. "Mauna Kea has a phenomenal reputation," he says. "All the very significant golf courses are going through restoration, because the technology is so much better. It's exciting to make better experiences design-wise and play-wise, especially for a course as important as Mauna Kea."
The project scope includes re-planting with highly efficient ultra-dwarf Tifeagle Bermudagrass on the greens and Tifway 419 hybrid Bermudagrass on the tees, fairways and roughs. Installation of hi-tech irrigation systems and liners in the bunkers, as well as drainage improvements throughout, help keep the Course in top shape and save on environmental resources. As for play, overall yardage will increase by about 200 yards from the tips, and multiple tees will challenge all levels of players.
"Mauna Kea is not only one of the premier golf courses in existence, but one that cannot be replicated. It differentiates itself from other courses because of its history, its pedigree and its setting. And once our work is complete, the world of golf will be reintroduced to this historic golf venue with 21st century playing criteria," says Jones.
In addition, the Resort will open with a newly constructed Pro Shop, locker rooms and clubhouse restaurant designed by architect John Hara Associates Inc. and interior design company Procraft Heritage Creations. The restaurant will transform from a cool golfer's oasis by day to a new, family-friendly dinner option by night, complete with wood-fired pizza oven and creative children's menu.
Prince Resorts Hawaii President Donn Takahashi has commented, "Our goal is to reestablish Mauna Kea as a sophisticated and intimate luxury hotel offering contemporary accommodations and amenities of the highest caliber along with our signature tradition of excellent service."
The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel and Golf Course are on schedule to open in December. The hotel is currently accepting reservations, but the golf course will start accepting tee time bookings when it opens.
Prince Resorts Hawaii, Inc. operates four hotels in Hawaii: Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki, Maui Prince Hotel, Makena Resort, Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel and Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. Also in operation are the golf courses: Hawaii Prince Golf Club, Makena Golf Course, Hapuna Golf Course and Mauna Kea Golf Course. For information on Prince Resorts Hawaii, Inc. properties, please call toll-free 1-866-PRINCE-6 or visit www.PrinceResortsHawaii.com.
Liana Mulleitner
Prince Resorts Hawaii
808-944-4411
lmulleitner@hiprince.com
Newsletters
04/27/09 - Mauna Kea Resort Spring 2009 Newsletter
02/09/09 - Mauna Kea Resort Winter 2008 Newsletter
07/24/08 - Mauna Kea Resort Summer 2008 Newsletter
04/24/08 - Mauna Kea Resort April 2008 Newsletter
04/03/08 - Mauna Kea Resort Spring 2008 Newsletter
Contact Us
- To answer your reservation inquiries, please contact:
- Luxury Desk 1-866-977-4589 or (808) 952-4740
- For all PR & media inquiries, please contact:
Dara Lum
McNeil Wilson Communications
1001 Bishop Street
Pauahi Tower, Suite 950
Honolulu, HI 96813
Phone: (808) 539-3491
Email: dlum@mcneilwilson.com
