Water
Conservation Efforts
From efficient irrigation systems to low-flow fixtures, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel is dedicated to preserving Hawai'i's most precious resource—water.
Our Story / Aina
Sustainability
Mauna Kea Resort's Commitment To Protect Hawai'i's Resources
Sustainability and stewardship are two of the resort's top priorities. Mauna Kea Beach Hotel's visionary founder and environmentalist, Laurance Rockefeller was known for his involvement in wilderness preservation, ecology and the protection of wildlife, and together with its sister-property Westin Hapuna Beach Resort, Mauna Kea Resort pledges its commitment to continue honoring his vision by perpetuating the tradition of giving back. Mauna Kea Resort has also added Regenerative Tourism to its conservation efforts to effectively help create a sustainable future for our Hawai'i Island community by improving the social, economic and environmental welfare of our key stakeholders.
The goal of Mauna Kea Beach Hotel is to preserve and protect vital resources, and perpetuate our deep-rooted culture and history through community engagement and charitable giving.
Partnerships
Moku Pūlama Fund Program
Moku Pūlama means to care for, cherish and treasure our island, and this program offers our staff and guests an opportunity to actively make a difference and cohesively work towards creating a sustainable future through:
- ClimbHI and Koi Pond Bridges – initiatives focusing on development and education for Hawaiʻi’s youth
- Hawaiian Legacy Reforestation Initiative – planting endemic trees on 1,200 acres
- Hawaiʻi Island Land Trust – Hawaiian culture and landmark sustainability
- The Nature Conservancy – living Reef Fund for ocean sustainability
Art & Antiques Stabilization
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel has partnered with Honolulu's Bishop Museum and other organizations specializing in conservation work for a million-dollar art restoration and stabilization project to preserve the hotelʻs celebrated Rockefeller Art Collection. Opened in 1965 by Laurance Rockefeller, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel featured hundreds of priceless artwork and antiques sourced for the hotel from Southeast Asia, the Pacific Rim, and Hawaiʻi including native Hawaiian kapa cloth and quilts.
This museum-worthy collection is considered to be the first of its kind in the U.S. in value, scope and how pieces are displayed throughout the hotel's public spaces, with unrestricted open-air access. Rockefeller intended for the pieces to be displayed as if they were in a private home, without signage or blockades.
National Historic Trail Preservation
Ala Kahakai was registered as a National Historic Trail by the National Park Service in 2000 and a portion of the approximately 175-miles of the trail passes through both The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort and Mauna Kea Beach Hotel.
Energy & Water Conservation
Mauna Kea Resort is proud to announce its new partnership with EnvoyHI and the start of Hawaiʻi Island's first-ever electric car rental amenity program available for resort guests and rental residents only.
2024 Historic Hotels of America Sustainability Champion
We're proud to be recognized for our dedication to sustainability efforts and preservation of the island's history. This award is presented to a hotel that best implements and practices innovative green initiatives and programs, demonstrating historic preservation is the ultimate green.
Community
Sustainable Local Sourcing
Mauna Kea Resort remains dedicated to supporting local farmers, fishermen, and ranchers, and this commitment continues to grow. Over the past year, The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort and Mauna Kea Beach Hotel have invested more than $1.3 million in local agricultural businesses, including Parker Ranch, Blue Ocean Mariculture, Kekela Farms, Adaptations (agriculture co-op), Hirabara Farms, Kawamata Farms, Mana Road Farms, and others.
Additionally, Mauna Kea Resort harvests honey from several on-property apiaries. These beehives are vital for the local environment and indigenous plants, providing essential pollination for farms, flowers, and native vegetation. We are excited to feature this locally sourced honey in our restaurant dishes and beverages, alongside other locally sourced fish, dairy, beef, and fresh produce.
Tradition Of Giving
Every year thousands of hospitality workers and their families across the stateʻs industry gather to raise funds for various local charities across Hawaiʻi via an annual Visitors Industry Charity Walk. Since it was established in 1978, over $40 million has been raised and helped hundreds of local charities throughout the State.
The Charity Walk is a statewide event that traditionally occurs on Hawai`i Island, Kauaʻi, Lānaʻi, Maui, Molokaʻi and Oʻahu.
Responsible Governance
Our mission is to create a sustainable future and improve the social, economic and environmental welfare of our community on Hawai'i Island.
A comprehensive sustainability case study was published in 2017 by an independent third party, showing transparency in our operations related to the environment, community, and economy. The study incorporated the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) framework to show local and global impacts which protect the planet, promote peace, and encourage prosperity.