Mauna Lani makeover

The Mauna Lani Bay Resort and Bungalows is in the midst of a $30 million renovation plan, resort officials announced Tuesday.

The first changes — upgrades to the resort’s trademark bungalows — should be completed next month, General Manager Robert Grant said.

“This year, we’re spending more (on construction) than it cost to build it,” Grant said. “We’re bringing it back to where it should be.”

The last significant work on the hotel was in 1997, he said. The resort added the bungalows in 1990.

“The renovation will heighten the authentic, timeless Hawaiian experience that our guests have come to enjoy since we opened our doors almost 30 years ago,” Grant said. “Preserving and sharing the history and culture of Hawaii will remain a large part of our resort experience.”

Work on the hotel guest rooms will be followed by work on the property’s landscaping and pool renovations scheduled to be completed late next year. Officials said they will release more information about the construction schedule as details become available.

The pool will be designed to blend in with the surrounding ponds — no square shapes, Grant said.

The resort partnered with WATG/Wimberly Interiors on the renovation. An announcement about the project said the project’s vision is “to restore Mauna Lani Bay to its original glory in a style of understated Hawaiian elegance.”

Each bungalow will feature locally inspired artworks by Hawaiian artists and koa and coconut McGuire Furniture.

The lounging area will feature a day bed, topped with decorative cushions, while a private outdoor area will house a Jacuzzi and heated swimming pool.

Bungalow bedrooms include a four-post bed, with headboards of custom-carved Hawaiian flowers. The floors are tiger wood and koa, with wool carpets.

The hotel opened in February 1983.