The decision to close was based on an engineering consultant's report submitted earlier today that identified new structural damage from the Oct. 15 earthquakes.

Most of the hotel's approximately 420 employees will be laid off early next year. The Mauna Kea Golf Course and clubhouse will remain open.

After removing portions of the interior of the hotel's main building this week, consulting engineers hired by the hotel discovered more damage and described the condition as a significant safety hazard that should be addressed as soon as possible, Prince Resorts said.

"There is nothing more important to us than the safety of our guests and employees, and after reviewing our consultant's report, we immediately decided to close the hotel," said Donn Takahashi, president of Prince Resorts Hawaii. "The hazard is not necessarily imminent but does pose an unacceptable risk, especially in light of the ongoing seismic activity of the past few weeks.

"The initial assessment is that it will take many months to repair and restore Mauna Kea Beach Hotel to its original luster and prominence."