The Art of Mauna Kea

	"Because of its location in Hawaii - between East and West - I sensed an opportunity. We decided to incorporate Asian and Pacific arts into the design of the Mauna Kea in such a way that the art could become, just as the elements of nature would become, a constant influence." -- Laurance S. Rockefeller
The Westin Mauna Kea Beach Hotel houses an extraordinary collection of over 1,600 art works of Asian and Oceanic cultures. Laurance S. Rockefeller assembled the collection while designing and building the hotel, with the objective of making art an integral and influential feature of the resort environment. The collection provides an opportunity to study and appreciate the rich Asian and Pacific cultures.
Buddha sits cross-legged in a garden, deep in meditation.	Two winged lions guard the beachfront entrance to the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel.
The sound of ancient bells echoes through time. A Japanese priest stands in the tokonoma, the spiritual center of the resort. Plumeria blossoms provide the perfume for sweet dreams. A Maori spirit watches over the honored guests of Mauna Kea Resort.	The Hawaiian quilt shown here features the kahili and maile lei. Kahili are emblematic standards constructed of feathers and were traditional symbols of Hawaii chiefs. Maile is a highly revered, sweet-smelling, glossy-leafed vine that grows in the mountains. The use of maile held great significance in ancient Hawaiian rituals.
Wild horses gallop between East and West.
The complete collection at Mauna Kea can fit on your coffee table. "The Art of Mauna Kea" offers stunning color photography and historical commentary about the most important works at the resort. It is written by Don Aanavi, Professor of Art at the University of Hawaii and the curator for the art collection at Mauna Kea Resort since 1986. $49.50 plus tax. To order a copy of this book, call (808) 882-5400 (Mauna Kea Golf Course Pro Shop).