Autograph Collection Expands To Hawaii with Addition of Iconic Beach Resort on Kohala Coast

BETHESDA, Md., Jan. 22, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- A landmark of luxury on Hawaii Island, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel joins the exclusive portfolio of Autograph Collection hotels as the group's first Hawaiian property and the 75^th in its global portfolio.  Now celebrating its 50th anniversary, the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel was founded by venture capitalist and passionate conservationist Laurance S. Rockefeller as the first resort built on fthe raw and stunning Kohala Coast, still boasting an extensive collection of Asian and Pacific Rim art today.

The striking mid-century modern style that earned the resort a place in the American Institute of Architects (AIA) top 150 "America's Favorite Architecture" list, is newly refreshed throughout, returning all 252 guest rooms and suites in two buildings to original condition.  Designed to blend into the natural environment, the resort boasts corridor-less floors that appear to float over an ocean-facing atrium, complete with suspended airways rising throughout, with each guest room overlooking the natural white sand of Kauna'oa Beach – rated the best beach in the Hawaiian Islands by top travel authorities.

With a timeless tradition of aloha, the beachfront Mauna Kea Beach Hotel welcomes guests to be inspired by the past, embraced by the moment, enchanted by warm tropical days and exciting possibilities ahead.

The addition of Mauna Kea Beach Hotel to Autograph Collection furthers Marriott International's dedication to growing its lifestyle portfolio and partnering with some of the world's most unique properties. The vision behind the Autograph Collection is to offer an evolving group of passionately independent hotel experiences ranging from a 15-room boutique hunting lodge in the mountains of Colorado to a 19th century neoclassical palace in the majestic city of Prague.  Exactly like nothing else, each hotel is thoughtfully chosen for its quality, originality, bold character and capacity to offer today's modern traveler a range of unique experiences suited to their individual sense of style and adventure. While still relatively new, the distinct portfolio has proven to be a highly successful venture due to its discerning selection process and unique ability to create memories through enriching travel experiences.

Accommodations

Believing that less is indeed more, everywhere possible three rooms have been re-mastered to become two, allowing each of the 252 newly refreshed guest rooms to feature a spacious floor plan. Today nearly one-third of the guestrooms feature a full-length bath inclusive of spacious ante-room with separate vanity areas fronting the personal spa. Inside, the soaking tub and rain-shower are bathed in natural light.

The new, contemporary furnishings boast crisp, clean lines, cloud white and bold sunset colors, along with the unchanged wow of wonderful views from the wide lānai, all supported by hi-tech bells and whistles such as large flat screen TVs, media hubs, bedside iPod dock with clock radios, updated bedding, and L'Occitane amenities, to produce a luxury guestroom experience that is both ultra-high quality and ultimately comfortable.

Dining

With a delicious mix of steadfast tradition and new attitude, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel restaurants are designed with a creative combination of cultured international cuisine and fresh, local Kohala Coast ingredients prepared with "lokomaika'i" (sharing with kindness from within).

Manta & Pavilion Wine Bar: This ocean view, open-air restaurant features a lavish breakfast buffet or a la carte selections. Sunday Brunch is a cherished island tradition with spectacular choices and a relaxing setting. In the evening the exhibition kitchen showcases Kohala Regional Cuisine. A state-of-the-art Enomatic wine system dispenses 48 wines by the glass. Nightly music by Karl Kasberg on keyboard and Manta Ray viewing in the ocean waters just below adds to the dining experience.

Hau Tree: Quench your thirst beachside with a tropical drink, refreshing smoothie, Froth or signature Mauna Kea "Fredrico" cocktail. Traditional favorites include Caesar salad, freshly made sandwiches and burgers straight from the grill.

Number 3: Thirsty golfers seeking a mid-round oasis or anyone hungry for a satisfying lunch will love the tasty menu of our golf clubhouse restaurant "Number 3." Enjoy grass-fed burgers or a classic Crab Louis in a relaxed, casual atmosphere along with cold beer on tap, signature Mauna Kea cocktails or frosty fruit smoothies.

Kauna'oa Bar & Grill: Good food, good drink, nightly entertainment and unparalleled views of the bay make this the perfect destination for a fun, casual evening with friends and family.

Mauna Kea Lu'au: Celebrate a traditional Hawaiian Lu'au with music, dance, legendary elegance and style. Hawaiian dishes include Waipio Valley Poi, Poke, Lomi Lomi Salmon and Pipikaula (smoked beef).

Clambake at the beach: A Saturday night tradition, our Clambake features Hawaii Island's finest seafood buffet outdoors, under the stars.

Programming

Mauna Kea curators had nearly a half-century head start on what has since become The Pacific Century. Imagine their findings back then as they combed Asia and Oceania for art. By design, Mauna Kea is far more gracious, more open beach house than museum. The collection of better than 1,600 pieces roams freely – a surprise around the corner, a what's that at the end of the hall or a Hawaiian quilt of a thousand meticulous stitches mounted just outside your door. It does a soul good to stroll among the genuine. Art tours are offered weekly to inform guests and locals of the resort's renowned collection and the resort's "Artist in Residence" program furthers the commitment by attracting local artists to the property each week to activate and share tips with guests.

For children, Mauna Kea Resort offers Hawaiian cultural activities six days per week. Activities include hula lessons, lei making, ukulele lessons and more. One hour per day is dedicated as "keiki hour" for children and includes conch shell blowing, tide pool exploration and lauhala bracelet weaving. A full or half-day children's program is available upon request and by advanced reservation.

Events

With 252 updated guestrooms and unique meeting spaces for executive retreats to the Big Island or an energetic incentive group vacation, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel offers even the busiest of meeting planners a little beach time. From traditional to exotic, Mauna Kea Resort offers twelve different spaces for meetings from intimate indoor conference rooms to idyllic outdoor locations such as mature tropical gardens and a canopy of trees create natural outdoor theaters, which are enriched by soft trade winds and golden sunsets. In addition, three of the dining options feature amazing ocean views alongside Hawaii-inspired cuisine with international flair.

Golf

Since 1964, the award-winning Mauna Kea Golf Course has led the way in standards of course beauty and design, solidifying its place in Hawaii's history as one of the most scenic and favored golf courses for its signature par-2-over-the-ocean third hole. Avid golfers and guests of Mauna Kea Resort continue to enjoy this Robert Trent Jones, Sr.'s golf course and its recent restoration and beautification by Rees Jones. Guests can take advantage of the golf course's superior amenities including world-class practice facilities that feature a driving range and putting green with epic views of the Kohala Coast's rolling waves.

Julius Robinson, Vice President and Global Brand Leader for Autograph Collection, commented: "We are excited to debut such a versatile hotel on the Kohala Coast. The resort's eclectic design and storied past is complemented by its range of attractive amenities and I'm confident that travelers will enjoy the incredible experience that Autograph Collection has become known for delivering."

For further information on Autograph Collection, see www.autographhotels.com

For further information on Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, see http://www.timelessmaunakea.com

About Autograph Collection

The Autograph Collection is an evolving ensemble of strikingly independent hotels. Exactly like nothing else, each destination has been selected for its quality, bold originality, rich character and uncommon details. From near to far, iconic to historic, the result is an array of properties that is nothing less than unique, nothing short of collectively exceptional. For more information please visit www.autographhotels.com, or explore our social media channels to learn more about championing the independent spirit:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/AutographCollection
Twitter: www.twitter.com/Autograph
Tumblr: http://autographcollectionhotels.tumblr.com/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/AutographHotels

Marriott International's luxury and lifestyle brands portfolio currently includes The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, EDITION, JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts, the Autograph Collection, Renaissance Hotels, AC Hotels by Marriott and Moxy Hotels. Accounting for 25 percent of the company's system-wide pipeline, Marriott expects to add more than 200 luxury and lifestyle hotel projects over the next several years, reflecting over $15 billion of investment by the company's owners and franchisees.

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SOURCE Marriott International, Inc.

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