Mauna Kea Beach Hotel (Kohala Coast, HI), the Island of Hawai‘i’s first resort and one of the destination’s most iconic oceanfront properties, recently debuted the Spa at Mauna Kea, a new 22,000-square-foot destination spa opening as part of the resort’s sweeping $180-plus million renovation. Connected to the land and steeped in Hawaiian healing traditions, Spa at Mauna Kea introduces an immersive wellness experience grounded in legacy, guided by nature, and renewed from within.
“Spa at Mauna Kea marks a defining moment in our resort’s evolution,” says Craig Anderson, vice president of operations at Mauna Kea Resort. “A distinctive destination spa unlike any other on the island, it’s a sanctuary where healing traditions and thoughtful design come together to create a deeper sense of connection to Hawai‘i and its culture.”
Grounded in the concept of Ho‘ōla i Loko,the Hawaiian belief that healing begins from within and radiates outward, Spa at Mauna Kea is designed to nurture balance between the body, mind, and spirit. Guests are guided through a restorative sequence beginning with a traditional Hawaiian oli (chant), where natural elements are used to cleanse and rebalance energy including paʻakai (sea salt), lāʻau lapaʻau (plant-based healing), and tī leaf infusion, setting the tone for an experience that extends beyond individual treatments to cultivate a profound sense of place and lasting restoration.
Guided by this Hawaiian philosophy, the spa’s signature massage offerings are a collection of lomilomi-inspired therapies that draw on locally sourced botanicals and elements from the islands, including smooth lava stones hand gathered from the coastline, native florals known for their healing properties, and mineral-rich salts. Complementing these rituals is a curated collection of enhancements and advanced treatments, from results-driven skincare and LED light therapy to targeted experiences that support muscle recovery and overall wellbeing.
Designed as a seamless extension of its natural surroundings, the spa serves as an immersive indoor-outdoor sanctuary of calm. Featuring 11 al-fresco treatment rooms, including couples’ suites, each is thoughtfully appointed with a private lanai, outdoor shower, and soaking tub that opens to the lush garden landscape. The experience extends beyond the treatment rooms into a series of thoughtfully designed wellness amenities, set within a tranquil garden setting and offering spaces for post-treatment relaxation, including separate men’s and women’s purification gardens with steam and sauna, plunge and soaking pools, and a serene co-ed wellness deck with a vitality pool and hot tub for quiet reflection. Additional amenities include a Mind and Body movement pavilion and a full-service salon.
With more than 25 years of luxury spa and wellness experience, spa director Psalm Quinn has conceived and curated a program grounded in authenticity, cultural integrity, and the spirit of aloha. Drawing on her work across Hawai‘i’s leading luxury resort spas, she has shaped a wellness offering that honors Hawaiian healing traditions while delivering elevated, guest-centric experiences.
“We are seeking to create an experience that is both authentic to Hawaiian traditions and deeply transformative for our guests,” says Quinn. “Rooted in cultural integrity and guided by the spirit of the Mauna Kea name, Spa at Mauna Kea embodies a holistic approach to wellbeing that extends beyond the visit. We hope guests depart with a lasting sense of transformation that is both physical and spiritual.”
