Inside the Architectural Vision for the New Spa at Mauna Kea

Kohala Coast, Hawai‘i — TLEE Spas + Wellness, in collaboration with Lisa Rapp and Neu-Wa O’Neill of AHL (Architects Hawaii Limited), Jackson Butler / MADE Brands, and Christi Cano share the vision behind the new Spa at Mauna Kea, a signature component of the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel’s nearly $240 million transformation.

The spa vision draws from the Hawaiian philosophy of Ho‘ōla i Loko, or healing from within, expressing it through a seamless integration of indoor and outdoor space. The architectural vision, led by AHL, draws inspiration from the journey between Kaunaʻoa Bay and the summit of Mauna Kea. The design team prioritized natural ventilation, filtered daylight and a restorative environment as guests move through gardens, courtyards and an open‑air pavilion overlooking Kauna‘oa Bay. Locally inspired natural materials, including lava rock, native hardwoods, sustainably harvested New Zealand pine cladding, and textured plasters, reinforce a strong sense of place while supporting long‑term durability in a coastal environment. 

The spa’s masterplan is a series of open‑air structures connected by landscaped pathways, creating a fluid, village‑like experience. Five alfresco treatment rooms feature open air gardens and fountains, while three rooms are designed with a private lanai and outdoor shower set in a tropical garden. Two couples’ suites are designed with a private lanai, outdoor shower and soaking tub set within lush gardens, reinforcing the sense of seclusion and immersion in nature. Adjacent purification gardens anchor the men’s and women’s thermal areas, where steam rooms, saunas, cold plunges and hot soaking pools support a restorative pre‑ and post‑treatment ritual. A co‑ed wellness deck offers a communal zone for outdoor reflection, complete with a vitality pool and hot tub, while a dedicated mind‑and‑body pavilion accommodates yoga, meditation and group wellness practices.

The project extends the architectural lineage of Laurance S. Rockefeller, whose pioneering approach to environmentally sensitive hospitality shaped the original Mauna Kea Beach Hotel when it opened in 1965. The design philosophy echoes TLEE’s work on Spa Botánico at Dorado Beach, another Rockefeller‑founded property, where nature‑integrated wellness environments remain central to the guest experience. 

Spa at Mauna Kea was brought to life through a multidisciplinary partnership that united expertise across planning, architecture, design, culture and operations. TLEE Spas led spa planning, while AHL, served as the lead architectural designer, developing the collaborative vision into a cohesive built environment. Jackson Butler, owner of MADE Brands, led interior design, and Spa Cultural and Operational insight was guided by consultant Christi Cano, ensuring Hawaiian narratives and traditions were thoughtfully represented throughout the guest journey.