Mauna Kea Beach Hotel kicked off its 50th Anniversary Celebration on Friday with 50,000 orchids being dropped from a helicopter to cheering guests on the beach, followed by blessings by Kahu Danny Akaka, nephew of Rev. Abraham Akaka, who performed the original blessing exactly 50 years ago.

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Mauna Kea Beach Hotel kicked off its 50th Anniversary Celebration on Friday with 50,000 orchids being dropped from a helicopter to cheering guests on the beach, followed by blessings by Kahu Danny Akaka, nephew of Rev. Abraham Akaka, who performed the original blessing exactly 50 years ago.

The iconic hotel, built by Laurance Rockefeller often referred to as the Grand Dame of the Kohala Coast, opened its doors to guests on July 24, 1965.

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Two of those first guests were John and Jerol-Ann Gallucci of Gig Harbor, Wash., who were honeymooning at the new hotel. Friday, they celebrated their 50th anniversary at the same hotel with children and grandchildren in tow.

“It’s like coming home” said the Galluccis. They have wonderful memories of the luxury hotel which they refer to as “Special, spiritual, and like a time capsule. … The ambiance and aura of the place is the same as it was 50 years ago.” they said. “That’s what keeps us coming back.”