The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel has been closed since December 1, 2006 due to damage sustained in the October 15, 2006 earthquake on the Big Island. Prince Resorts Hawaii announced plans on December 11, 2007 to spend $150 million on repairs and renovations to the classic, award-winning hotel, developed by Laurance S. Rockefeller in 1965 as well as upgrading the award-winning Mauna Kea Golf Course.
The room inventory will be reduced from 310 to 258 with plans to reconfigure rooms in the main building into more spacious bedrooms and bathrooms. While all the interiors are being redecorated, no changes will be made to its classic architectural design. Even with the earthquake damage, the American Institute of Architects in February 2007 recognized the Mauna Kea as one of the 150 best works of architecture nationwide. When the renovations and repairs are finished, the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel will be the flagship luxury brand property for the Prince Resorts Hawaii hotels.
The tee-to-green upgrading of the golf course is already underway. The redesign is being done by renowned golf designer, Rees Jones, son of the course's original architect, Robert Trent Jones, Sr. Bunkers will be restored or their original look and the plans include rebuilding the greens to USGA standards and specifications without changing their original strategy and challenge. In addition the clubhouse and restaurant are also being renovated. The Mauna Kea Golf Course is expected to reopen in the Fall of 2008.