Before the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel Existed!

Chantal Prunier shared this interesting photo and story.

This picture is of the iconic Kauna ‘Oa beach (aka Mauna Kea beach). It was taken in 1961 by an employee of Belt Collins, the construction company in charge of building the Mauna Kea hotel.

The hotel opened in 1965. At that time access from the airport was only via the upper road and Waimea.

The 6-year old boy shown here, son of the Belt Collins employee who took the picture, has fond memories of his time on the island and returns frequently from his home in Southern California.