Mauna Kea Gains Healthy Destination Status

Mauna Kea Resort has been selected as a founding member of the Institute for Healthy Destination Accreditation, a new, first of its kind healthy travel certification program a hotel release announced.

Only six resorts across the nation have been invited to join the inaugural group with Mauna Kea Beach Hotel and Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel being the first and only Hawaii representatives.

The accreditation process is designed to help hotels measure and improve their health-related initiatives, amenities, facilities and personnel. The Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit also offers a consumer portal, described as a cross between TripAdvisor and Consumer Reports, which focuses on healthy travel, the release said.

“Mauna Kea Resort has always been committed to providing a holistic healthy guest experience from exceptional recreation facilities and new LED lighting, to positive guest interactions and personal service with the aloha spirit,” said Phyllis Branco, hotel manager at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel.

Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel Hotel Manager Tom Cross added, “We’re honored to be recognized for our efforts and believe this innovative accreditation program will only further enhance our Resort offerings catered to savvy health-conscious travelers.”

In addition to two championship golf courses, an 11-court tennis club and complimentary fitness centers, both hotels feature world-class beaches, ocean sports and near-endless recreational fitness opportunities, the release noted.

And all on-property restaurants include healthy meal options incorporating fresh locally sourced Hawaii Island products.

Applicants for an IHDA Approved Healthy Destination Membership must complete an online questionnaire outlining its Best Practices in Healthy Hospitality, and demonstrating compliance with basic standards regarding programs, services, amenities and facilities contributing to the Healthy Guest Experience. The IHDA accreditation team decides whether the applicant qualifies for Approved Healthy Destination status.

Mauna Kea Resort is joined by five other iconic hotels in achieving AHD status: The Breakers of Palm Beach, The Hotel del Coronado, The Broadmoor, The Coeur d’Alene Resort, and Airlie.