Happy Fourth of July holiday weekend! Today I’m sharing a bit more about our five night trip to The Big Island of Hawaii and the historic Mauna Kea hotel, my new bed that arrived, and some pretty nightstand options.
The Big Island of Hawaii is our favorite island for its beauty, amazing beaches, the many villages and hikes, and less people. This time as it was just Max and I for a 5 day jaunt, we opted to stay in a hotel. This is a little travelogue of what we did. I hope it’s not too long. I tried to share what we did and was relevant… If anyone wants recommendations for the area, let me know. I have tons. Next weekend I’ll share more of what I packed.
The historic Mauna Kea Hotel
The Mauna Kea Hotel has old school Hawaiian charm. It can be more affordable than others on the island and certain times like June, when we went, it can be cheaper. June is actually a slower time there..
The Mauna Kea was the first resort built on the island of Hawaii by Laurence Rockefeller, who was a conservationist. He wanted a place that fit in with the landscape and honored it’s history.. In the 1960’s he swam in the beautiful Kauna’oa Bay and was transfixed by the beauty of the perfect natural crescent beach.
The governor of Hawaii was looking for people to help populate the other islands of Hawaii, so Rockefeller agreed and chose this spot for his dream resort. He first envisioned it being all open air with no air-conditioning and no televisions. Later they realized A/C was needed in this sunny part of the island, but the hotel operated with no televisions until 1995! Max and I never turned ours on once.
The hotel they created is all open air with a multi-level modern feel, and was filled with his expansive collection of Pacific and Asian art and Hawaiian quilts. The art is beautiful and is sprinkled all over the resort which was completed and opened in 1965 ( a great year if do say so myself.)
This resort feels intimate in comparison to others. I love that many guests are multi-generational families. I chatted with a few people at the beach bar where we would grab lunch. One lady told me she honeymooned there and was now back with her grandkids. She said the hotel used to be $100 a day plus two meals – and if you were a honeymooner it was $65 a day with the meals!
This spot never feels showy. People here are under the radar low key types and I like that. You grab your own towel for the beach- and the pool. You can order a drink at the pool, but at the beach you can go to the Hau Tree beach bar restaurant and get it yourself. The beach has free snorkel gear, canoes, kayaks, and paddle boards to use all day. We never had an issue getting a beach chair or a pool chair, but sometimes went early to get a prime beach spot.
Since it was opened it has had two big renovations. One was after a devastating earthquake. Luckily the hotel has retained the original look, with the same beautiful architecture and vibe. It went from a 300+room hotel to 250 when they renovated and expanded the ocean wing to give the rooms more space. Those new rooms have two terraces and one off the bath.. This was the room we had and we loved it. We have also been in the garden wing overlooking the lawn and beach and those rooms are nice also.
Things that stand out are the stunning beach, the amazing trees and flowers… The proximity to Hawaii’s Kings Trail along the beach on both sides of the property, the charming tennis club, the historic golf course, the restaurants- fun Copper Bar with it’s signature Fredrico drink, and The Manta with it’s views for breakfast and dinner over the crescent beach.. and over the manta ray viewing area. Manta rays and turtles can be spotted all day at the beach here.
Max and I spent a lot of time swimming.. (I made it out to one of the floating platforms!) He snorkeled, we body surfed and read all day under our umbrellas. Lunch was at the beach grill bar most days, and at night we ventured out to other spots.
We loved hiking the King’s Trail adjacent to both sides of the hotel..
One night we ate a Brown’s at the Fairmont which was great. We also had a day trip out to Pololu Valley for a hike, the historic small town of Hawi for lunch and another site…
On the way back from this day out, we couldn’t resist a visit to the Hamakua Macadamia Nut Farm for souvenirs and the most delicious Mac Nut Ice cream! We also had a blast cracking open the nuts with a machine and taste testing all the flavors and coffee too.. We came back with chocolate turtles, mac nuts and coffee.
The Mauna Kea is famous for its cute orange flower logo and orange towels which stand out against the aqua blue water here. I love that they give you two water bottles in the room that you can keep that are very nice. Each floor has a purified water dispenser so you can get unlimited water. They try to discourage buying water bottles. You also get a beach bag to keep too.
Souvenirs from here are coveted and there are three shops in the open air lobby. One has all the cutest logo wear, another has beautiful resort clothes from many unique brands, and one is a jeweler you can find in many Hawaiian resorts, Hildegund.
When we first got there, the jeweler had a display in the main walkway of a beautiful ebony wood cuff with a turquoise starfish. Something about it caught my eye. I never buy jewelry, but the last day before checking out I noticed it was still in the case, so I asked to see it and ended up buying it for myself! I hope I have some opportunities to wear it, and it will be a nice way to remember our little getaway.
If you’re looking for a smaller resort with a authentic Hawaiian feel, I think you would love the Mauna Kea. More about the resort and reservations here.
My new bed arrived!
After much indecision, I finally ordered a bed to replace my huge and very high Ethan Allen four poster that I have had for 25 years. It was getting harder over the years to get up in the bed, not to mention my geriatric kitty.. I also have dreamed of having an upholstered bed forever as I read at night.
I choose this Bernhardt bed for the look, which is sort of a beachy vibe… It appears slipcovered, but isn’t. It is a very heavy bed and it’s covered in a heavy linen like material with flanged edges. It has wooden feet of driftwood color. When I ordered there was only one color option, but now there are two, and it appears I have the creme/taupe. The great thing about this bed is it’s versatile, and I can change it the bedroom design as I wish over the years with this neutral color.
A few people on Instagram asked about my bed linens. My white coverlet is from Crate & Barrel I love and use in summer over my white Serena & Lily linen sheets. The blue shams were from Pottery Barn, no longer available, but this is nearly identical to it at PB. PB also has a nearly identical white coverlet here. The throw at the end is one of Tessa Foley Interiors. The small pillows are also S&L..The pom pom striped one here.
So up next, I have some ideas about a rug, a side table and wallpaper…. You may have noticed on the video I shared about the bed, that my new floors are already sun damaged even though my new sliders have UV protection..
Sigh. So a rug will have to cover that and maybe I need an umbrella or more sun protection on this back window. Funny thing, this room is the darkest in the house, so I resist anything that keeps the sun from it.
So far I love this new rug from Serena & Lily.. Their rugs have been such great quality and wear well, I am probably going to buy one from them.
Right now I use a ‘free’ antique table my neighbor had on the driveway as my side table. Max has the original Ethan Allen one.. I sort of love the large size of mine and by putting a throw (this from Pottery Barn) on it, so I can change the vibe.
I use a medium basket from Mersea to hold my earbuds, kleenex, hand lotion -and other stuff I don’t want cluttering the table. Have you tried that? Baskets can add charm and even a handbag size looks great. Use them instead of letting them gather dust in the closet.
On my Radar.. Nightstand Edition
For Max’s side, and possibly mine, if I decide to change, I like this Villandry side table with caning and bamboo details from Ballard Design. It’s also on sale. It looks like a Ralph Lauren one I have long loved. There is also this WS Home cane version in black..
There is also this versatile Sidney table.. and the Suzanne Kasler Southport table.
There’s the cute Serena & Lily Driftway Table in linen, and the new Malibu table from PB.
It’s hard to choose.. So many options!! I want something pretty, but also functional.
The Tudors at The Legion of Honor
I just got a notification about this new exhibit at The Legion which I really want to see..
‘The Legion of Honor is the sole West Coast venue for the first major exhibition of Tudor portraiture, textiles, sculpture, silver, jewelry, and manuscripts in the United States. The exhibition follows the development of the arts in England from Henry VII’s seizure of the throne in 1485 to the death of his granddaughter Elizabeth I in 1603.’
The exhibit runs June 24- September 24 and I will share when I go! More info and tickets here.
f you’d like to save the nightstands for a later date, you can save and pin this below on Pinterest..
If you missed last weekend’s post, I shared some of the cutest totes I spotted on the beach in Hawaii.
I’m heading up to Tahoe for a few days. We have some repairs to do, but I’m hoping to get to enjoy a little lake time. What are your plans? Since the fourth lands on the last day, I’m not sure if we will have the typical barbecue or not. Seems everyone has to work on the fifth in my family.
Have lovely long weekend,
Kim
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It sounds as though you had the most perfect trip to Hawaii Kim. What a special hotel! Thanks for sharing so much about it … I can actually imagine being there now 😊 It’s so good to know it can be quieter in June and maybe even cheaper. We often travel in June so maybe … hopefully! one day we’ll make it there. The beach look’s especially beautiful! You definitely didn’t share too much … I really enjoyed reading it all!
Your new bed is gorgeous… so very “you” I love that the fabric is a “ linen type” As you say it has a “beachy” look … so chilled and a good neutral so that you can alter the look of your room in the future and as the seasons change … When my children were little, I chose a larger size, round bedside table. Seeing yours brings back memories … I really loved it but unfortunately it didn’t work, space wise when we changed our room. Great idea to use a basket as you have. It looks so cute!
Wishing you all a very happy 4th July weekend … have a wonderful time at you gorgeous cabin. If there’s work to do that’s a lovely place to be doing it! 😊.
Rosemary xxx
Rosemary I hope you get to the Big Island of Hawaii sometime. Thank you so mi I about the bed. It was a gamble not seeing it, so I’m happy it works. I know I might go with a smaller table just for the space! Thank you ! Looking forward to getting to Tahoe. I hope you are having a beautiful weekend and if you are in the states- hopefully a fun one! xx
I meant to add that the Tudor Exhibition sounds fascinating. I hope that you get to see it and share details with us.
We recently stayed at Hever Castle the family home of Anne Boleyn. It was fascinating to read about life there in Tudor times and the Castle’s history over the years. I remember loving the film Anne of a Thousand Days … so it was so exciting to actually stay there.
William Waldorf Astor actually acquired and restored it in 1903 and apparently hosted many wonderful parties there.
Rosemary wow I did not know you could stay at a home of Anne’s family! I have to look into this and that film! I’ve heard of it. xo
I too have stayed at Hever Castle and highly recommend it. The gardens are to die for too.
Thank you, Kim,for the trip down memory lane. Hubby & I stayed at Mauna Kea in the 60’s when it was the first and only hotel in that area. I even have a cocktail stirrer STILL with the orange flower logo! Somehow it has made it through our moves over the years. Oh, the things we save…
Always look forward to your posts. You do such a great job. Happy 4th weekend. Squeeze in some funtime between the projects.
Sue I would love to see the hotel back then! I was thinking it was out there by itself as they included meals.. I love those cocktail stirrers! How nice you were one of the first to enjoy this magical place. Aw thanks ! Happy weekend.
Oh, I loved reading about the gorgeous hotel in Hawaii! It just sounds and looks fabulous! My kind of place. Your new bed is perfect and I can imagine every one of those bedside tables would work and look great. Can’t wait to see what you pick! I’ve always been fascinated by the Tudors so that sounds like be a fascinating exhibition!
Hi Ginger! Thank you so much. I’m relieved the bed works. I know cant wait to see the Tudors . Hope you’re having a beautiful weekend!
Thank you for sharing Kim your vacation looks and sounds perfect, l am so happy for you both that you got away!! And thank you for the bedroom tips l desperately need a bedroom fix, all of our furniture is 26 years old and bought when our son was born – in fact we bought the pine bed frame to celebrate his birth- so time for a refresh.
Currently l am in Prague with my hubby and if you haven’t been go…such a cool city.
Happy 4th !!
Hi Francesca! Thank you. Wow your furniture and mine are the same era! We also got the bed when our first son was born and needed a bigger bed. Oh wow Prague is on my list! Have a great trip!! x
Kim,
I have never been to the Big Island and now you have me adding this beautiful place to my Must See list. This hotel sounds idyllic, quaint and perfect for a restful holiday. I love the history and the people you met that come back year after year with family, so sweet. It looks like they were sympathetic to the original hotel during both renovations and that is a good thing.
How many hour(s) flight is it for you from CA?
Your new bed is BEAUTIFUL! I love the new look! It is so light, airy and comfortable. A cosy space to rest and relax at the end of the day.
Sorry to hear about your floors, the sun is brutal even with the UV film. As you said, an umbrella or shade on the outside might help.
The Ballard design table would look beautiful with your new bed. It is my favorite of all of them!
As for the Tudors, check out this book I shared on Friday Favorites,ANNE BOLEYN & ELIZABETH I: THE MOTHER AND DAUGHTER WHO FOREVER CHANGED BRITISH HISTORY, it is fascinating. AB was beheaded when Elizabeth was 3.
Have a happy, safe and fun 4th of July!
xo Elizabeth
Hi Elizabeth! Hawaii is a five hour flight for us – San Jose to Kona.. so it’s pretty easy. Thank you so much about the bed! I know an umbrella might help. I also have three Ballard umbrellas ! They are great.
I’m off to check out your Tudors stuff! Hope you have a great holiday weekend!
Brilliant!
Now you have me wanting to go to the MAUNA KEA!
Love they don’t use plastic water bottles!
Bed looks perfect!
So many projects so much fun doing them all!
Xoxo
Elizabeth, I think you would love it there! I know so nice they care and have these fillers with purified water all over.
Thanks about the bed. xo
Great content as usual. The hotel sounds wonderful and will put it on my bucket list. Love your new bed also. One piece of advice I would give is to get a wood sample from Ballard if you think you might buy their nightstand. A friend didnt do that and the actual color of her furniture looked different to the catalog or online.
Look forward to your next blog.
Carole, Thank you for that! I will make sure I get a sample. Aw thanks and have a good weekend!
As you know, I am a Big Island fan too. Your descriptions make it come alive for me. I have never stayed at The Mauna Kea however. Back in my child rearing days, we stayed at Kona Village which is reopening after the tsunami damage, but unfortunately the new price point is sky high. We usually opt for condos in the area.
I LOVE that bracelet. Good purchase.
Aloha!
Penelope, I know we always seem to be going near the same time! I also looked at the new Kona Village and could not believe how expensive it was.. When our kids were small we first went to the old Mauna Lani, which was also similar vibe and old school resort like the Mauna Kea. Now it is an Auberge and I had a tour. It’s very nice, but a different vibe. The costs were not as expensive as some others.. We have also rented at the Mauna Lani Terraces, and that was nice!
I’m glad you like the bracelet! I hope you have a Hawaii trip planned soon.
xo
Hi Kim,
Your trip looks like it was just the perfect escape. I was planning to take Maia as a graduation trip but turns out we won’t have enough time, between her last day of school and starting teaching, and all my commitments. So, maybe in November. I’ll want to stay in the same hotel, it is exactly the kind of place I love! Besides having never been to the big island we will have a some fun exploring.
Your new bed is really nice.I worry about keeping the fabric clean, but I love the look of an upholstered bed frame. So cozy. I would just paint that existing wood bedside table and call it a day, room complete! Whatever you do I have no doubt it will be chic and perfect.
Enjoy the weekend,
Xo
Heidi
Heidi I hope you and Maia get to go someday that would be fun. You gals are very busy now! I bet you can get a good price. November is a busy season there.. I think you would love the Big Island.
The fabric on the bed will hopefully wear well. It’s pretty tough. I am going to give the side table to the friend who is taking the bed sos she has the matching set or I might do that..
Hope you have a great weekend! xo
Thank you for the history and pictures of the Mauna Kea. Although I’ve been on the property, it was looking tired so maybe with the refresh it’s more competitive with some of the other hotels up the coast. Having owned a home there, I know many of the places you mentioned and can’t wait to visit as a “tourist” after Thanksgiving when there are fewer other tourists. We like to stay in the village so we’re within walking distance of our favs.
Your new bed really makes a big difference. I’m sorry about the sun damage but a rug might add some more interest to the room when you find just the right one.
Happy 4th, Kim!
Hi Wren, Yes they did a big renovation a few years back and closed for two years I think while they upgraded everything which is so nice.It’s so cool you know all about the Big Island and lived there.. The collage is great and I love the market too.
Thanks about the bed! I’m looking forward to getting a nice rug in there and give it some color! xo
What a nice getaway to Hawaii! That hotel looks like a great place to stay, because of the beach. I once stayed at the Hilton Waikoloa Village for a work convention, and there wasn’t a great beach. The pools are fine, but relaxing at the beach just says ‘vacation’ to me.
I have to say, that Villandry nightstand is gorgeous. Cane and bamboo inspired, yes please! If you’re accepting votes, that’s my pick.
Enjoy your time at Tahoe and celebrating the 4th of July holiday.
Janet, We once stayed there when I had my first son and I was shocked there was no beach! I have a friend who doesn’t care and I would sit at the pool, but we are beach people and I wouldn’t go to Hawaii without that.
I love that Villandry nightstand too. Thank you for the vote.
Have a great weekend! x
Loved your recap of Mauna Kea resort, reading it brought up all the happy memories of my family’s visits ! I am going in Sept, we are staying at a house on the golf course so will not get the cute water bottle and beach bag. Last time I was there, it really was nice to not see any plastic water bottles or plastic cups…
Elizabeth how wonderful you have a family tradition of going there. September will be wonderful. I stayed at one of the houses two years ago and loved it just as much. I love that they actively don’t want plastic bottles ( Also you can ask at the front desk of the hotel about purchasing a bottle or the bag. Housekeeping seems them and I bought two extra for my kids as they were so nice.)
So much to love in this post, Kim. Your trip to the c Big Island was perfect, We vacationed that island years ago but now I want to go back. Your bed is lovely. I have an upholstered bed too, and love it. What color is the PB pillows that look like yours? Chambray? So pretty!
You and Max look so cute in all the pics. Enjoy the Fourth at Tahoe! 🇺🇸 Xx Karen
Hi Karen -thank you! I hope you get to go back soon.
The pillow is a chambray blue color, and though they don’t have it anymore, I think the one I linked to is nearly the same.
Hi Kim,
Wow, lots to share. Looks like you really enjoyed yourselves. I like that it’s casual and a laid back style.
I like your new bed, nice clean lines.
On the 4th of July we are celebrating our 45th wedding anniversary.
Have a nice week.
❤️🇱🇷❤️
Thanks Katherine. Feeling lucky to have gone.. I’mm so glad you like the bed!
Happy Anniversary!! What a fun day to have an anniversary. xo
Hi Kim, Happy long weekend! It’s gotten away from me and I’m catching up on blog reading this morning. Your Hawaii trip looks like a dream. I’ve never been to the Mauna Kea. Love the orange umbrellas and entire aesthetic. I think it moves to the top of my list of places to stay next time we go. I love the low key vibe you describe. What is in the Fredrico drink? I’m going to google! And I love seeing your drinks with the plumerias on top. Ahhh, Hawaii! What fun to come home to a new bed delivery. I know you’ve been wanting to make this change for a long time … and you made an excellent choice. Also love your rug and fightable options. The sun thing is a bummer … it seems like no matter what we do, floors always fade a little bit. We had a house where we put a small awning outside over the window to deal with the sun … but you’re right, it cuts out light. It’s a dilimna. Welcome back from Hawaii … and I hope you’re enjoying your Tahoe getaway. I bet the weather is glorious! xo
Juliet I love the orange and umbrellas.
A Fredrico is:
1 1/4 oz. light rum
1 1/4 oz. whiskey
2-3 oz. each of passion fruit, guava and orange juices and then blend it all with ice and add a pineapple wedge!
Thank you I know such a bummer about the sun.. Hoping the new rug will help.
xo
Hi Kim
Your Hawaiian trip sounds wonderful. We enjoyed exploring that island a couple years ago. The restaurant (can’t think of the name of it) in between the Fairmont & the Mauna Kea was fabulous. We hiked over that way nearly every day! Love your new headboard and your ideas for your room!
The restaurant you are talking about is Brown’s I think. It is at the Fairmont and it was wonderful the night we went. You may be thinking of the Mauna Lani for the Mauna Kea. The Mauna Lani is south of the Fairmont Orchid and walkable to distance on an attached trail – so nice and also has a great restaurant The Canoe House.
The Mauna Kea is farther north.
Thanks Cindy!