Nestled on the Kohala Coast, the Mauna Kea Resort sits between the mighty Mauna Kea volcano and beautiful Kauna’oa Bay. Ideally located on the resort, Mauna Kea villas offer the perfect way to experience this beautiful part of Hawaii.
As the highest peak in Hawaii, Mauna Kea has a long and storied history. It has always been considered a sacred space. In Hawaiian folklore, it is said to be the eldest child of Wākea (the sky father) and Papahānaumoku (the earth mother). As a result, the mountain was used for everything from a holy place to a quarry, and it remains an important symbol of Hawaiian culture.
Today, remnants of this cultural heritage can be appreciated all around the Mauna Kea area. Coupled with the unique meeting of landscapes and the almost desert-like climate of the Kohala Coast, this makes Mauna Kea villas some of the best stays on the Big Island of Hawaii.
Rental Escapes makes renting a luxury villa in Mauna Kea easy. First, choose your travel dates. Next, select your party size. From there, your Rental Escapes Villa Specialist will happily present you with the best available Mauna Kea villas for your group. After booking, your Concierge customizes your trip, including transportation, chef service, excursions, boat charters, and more.
Sitting by some of the best beaches on the Kohala Coast, Mauna Kea villa rentals offer that perfect Hawaiian experience. Independently owned and designed, they reflect both the taste of their owners and the rich culture that makes Mauna Kea so special.
Mauna Kea villas can be found across the area, including within the Mauna Kea Resort and its beautiful beaches and golf course; in Kauna’oa, a gated community within the resort with a private par-3 golf course; Wai’ula’ula, with its larger villas and sweeping views; Fairways North and South, by the iconic golf course; and more.
No matter the neighborhood, you’ll have access to the Mauna Kea Resort’s great amenities. These include beach clubs on Kauna’oa Bay, fine dining, cultural events, tennis, and access to the Robert Trent Jones Sr.-designed Mauna Kea Golf Course.
Sitting within the resort’s gates, Mauna Kea resort villas offer unforgettable stays on the Kohala coast. They include:
Kauna’oa 25: Located in the gated Kauna’oa enclave, Kauna’oa 25 is a contemporary home with something for everyone. Take a dip in the 50-foot pool. Relax with friends and family by the fire pit at night. Go in and watch a movie in the media room at night. This villa has everything you need for a fun, relaxing vacation.
Kauna’oa 6B: A smaller villa within the Kauna’oa area, Kauna’oa 6B offers breezy ocean views and a perfect location near the Mauna Kea Hotel and Hapun Beach Prince Hotel. And with Koa wood, retractable pocket doors, and a large lanai, it also celebrates what makes Mauna Kea special.
Mauna Kea 12: With a modern yet almost retro styling, Mauna Kea 12 is a breathtaking beach villa. From the ocean pools to the large entertainment area with its pool table, every corner of this villa offers a new surprise that will delight you. And with 2 bedrooms, it makes a perfect choice for smaller groups, including single families and couples.
The Kohala Coast’s weather is unrivaled across Hawaii. Mauna Kea villas with private pools let you enjoy this almost desert-like climate in privacy. They include:
Fairways South 28: With its tropical styling, Fairways South 28 offers an elevated take on the traditional beach house. Touches like high-beam ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows create an open, breezy atmosphere, while the wood finishes evoke a nostalgic charm. A great option near the Mauna Kea Golf Course and Hapuna Golf Course.
Wai’ula’ula Ridge B201: A beautiful condo sitting on the second story, Wai’ula’ula Ridge B201 uses mahogany and stone to create an inviting atmosphere. It’s located near the Hale ‘Ikena Amenity Centre, where you’ll find a gym, pool, and more.
Wai’ula’ula Ridge C202: An additional second-story unit, Wai’ula’ula Ridge C202 features sweeping ocean views, a chef kitchen, and more. Spread out over 2,500 square feet, there are three bedrooms and three bathrooms, making it a great option for a group of couples or a family.
Most travelers to Mauna Kea will fly into Elison Onizuka Kona International Airport. From there, it’s about a 30-minute drive to the Mauna Kea Resort. The Hilo International Airport is located on the other side of the Big Island and is about a 1.5- 2-hour drive. Your Rental Escapes Concierge can help with airport transfers, rental cars, and any other transportation needs.
Mauna Kea Resort is pedestrian-friendly, and there are complimentary shuttles to help you get around. Golf carts are also a fun and easy way to move around the resort. If you want to see more of the Kohala Coast, you should rent a car. Rideshare services like Uber are available, but it can be tough to find drivers at times. Boat charters are a great way to explore and enjoy the coast from a different perspective. Your Rental Escapes Concierge can help with rental cars, private drivers, boat charters, and more.
Peak season in Mauna Kea is from December to April. The weather is warm and dry, and amenities and activities are in full swing. This is also the best time to enjoy stargazing on the Mauna Kea summit.
Shoulder season in Mauna Kea is from May to June and September to Early November. The weather is still excellent, with warm water and low humidity. Hiking Mauna Kea is also great during both of these times, with comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds.
Low season in Mauna Kea is from late November to early December and from July to August. The weather’s still good but there’s a higher chance of rain, especially if you want to visit more of the Big Island. Still, the Mauna Kea Resort remains relatively dry, and this is a great time to get good deals.
Yes, Mauna Kea is very safe. The Kohala Coast has a very low crime rate, and Mauna Kea Resort is gated with a high security standard. The beaches are also relatively calm. That said, be aware to use sun protection and pay attention to lifeguard advice. If you are visiting the summit of Mauna Kea, be mindful of altitude risks as well, especially if you have respiratory or cardiovascular issues.
Take an excursion to Mauna Kea Volcano: Whether for stargazing (some of the best in the world), going on a summit tour, or hiking through the lava fields, the Mauna Kea Volcano has no shortage of adventure to offer.
Take a boat charter: Snorkeling with manta rays and sea turtles, whale watching (December to April), and sunset sailing cruises – a Mauna Kea boat charter lets you do all this and more.
Relax on Kauna’oa Beach: Enjoy sunbathing, swimming, or snorkeling on one of Hawaii’s most beautiful white-sand beaches, conveniently located within the Mauna Kea Resort.
The food in Mauna Kea is fresh and local, with a big emphasis on island-inspired cuisine. Expect fresh seafood, Hawaiian classics, and farm-to-table produce. You can find everything from upscale dining to casual beachfront fare. Tropical fruits like pineapple, papaya, lilikoi (passion fruit), and guava are also must-tries. If you prefer to stay in, your Rental Escapes Concierge can also arrange private chef service and villa pre-stocking for our Mauna Kea villas.
Spring in Mauna Kea is mild and pleasant. Average temperatures range from 70-80°F (21-27°C) along the coast, while the summit is cooler, often between 30-50°F (-1 to 10°C). Rainfall decreases compared to winter, with the coast seeing around 2-3 inches (50-75 mm) per month.
Summer is warm and dry, with coastal temperatures averaging 75-85°F (24-29°C) and summit temperatures around 40-60°F (4-15°C). This is the driest season, with only 1-2 inches (25-50 mm) of rain monthly along the coast. Clear skies dominate, offering ideal conditions for stargazing and outdoor activities.
Fall maintains warm temperatures on the coast, typically 75-85°F (24-29°C), while the summit remains cool at 40-55°F (4-13°C). Rainfall begins to increase slightly, with 2-4 inches (50-100 mm) per month, particularly in November as the wet season approaches.
Winter brings cooler conditions, with coastal temperatures averaging 70-80°F (21-27°C) and summit temperatures often dropping to 25-50°F (-4 to 10°C). This is the wettest season, with coastal rainfall averaging 3-5 inches (75-125 mm) per month.
If you’re hoping to visit this beautiful part of Hawaii, Rental Escapes can elevate your Mauna Kea villa rental into a true luxury experience.
Our portfolio includes the finest Mauna Kea villas, including luxury villas, resort villas, and more.
Your Rental Escapes Reservations Expert can find the best luxury villa for your group, and your Concierge personalizes your trip to create the ultimate Mauna Kea villa experience.
Contact us today to book your next dream holiday!
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Luxury Villa Rentals for 2+ people
