Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection

Rooms and suites

Accommodation ranges from guest rooms to suites, oceanfront suites and two-bedroom residences, and most rooms have ocean views. Rooms come with Nespresso machines and Malin and Goetz bath products.

• Guest rooms, most with ocean views
• Suites
• Oceanfront suites
• Two-bedroom residences

Restaurants and bars

The resort is not all-inclusive. Dining runs from fine dining at CanoeHouse to Mediterranean-inspired plates at HaLani and casual food at the beach club.

• CanoeHouse: Asian-inspired cooking using local produce, fish and meat, with a basalt bar and fire pits on the lawn
• HaLani: casual Mediterranean-inspired coastal fare, including mezze, wood-fired pizza and breakfast
• Ha Bar: lively bar at HaLani
• Mauna Lani Beach Club and Surf Shack: casual all-day food and drinks

Beach, pools and spa

The resort has an oceanfront Resort Pool and a separate Adult Pool, plus a white sand beach with calm areas for swimming and snorkeling.

Mauna Lani Spa offers massages and body treatments, and the fitness center has Peloton bikes and modern equipment.

Activities and entertainment

The Kainalu watersports team runs paddleboarding, surfing, outrigger canoeing and snorkeling trips, including reef outings on the resort’s 42-foot boat. Tennis and pickleball are available, and two 18-hole championship golf courses overlook the Pacific.

Cultural activities include lei-making, guided history tours and visits to the sea turtle pond.

The resort leans into Hawaiian culture and the natural setting. It sits on lava fields along the coast, and activities such as outrigger canoe outings and guided history walks help guests learn about the area. The sea turtle pond is a favorite with children, and snorkel trips on the resort boat visit nearby reefs when the ocean is calm. There is also an on-site Goop store for shopping.

Beyond the resort, the Big Island is the place to see active volcanic landscapes at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, snorkel with manta rays at night off the Kona coast, and drive up toward the summit area of Mauna Kea for stargazing. The small town of Kailua-Kona has shops, coffee farms nearby and a waterfront promenade.

Who it’s best for

• Best for: couples and families who want a stylish, modern resort with Hawaiian cultural activities, and golfers.
• Consider another resort if: you need an all-inclusive plan or a kids club with set hours, as the resort focuses more on family activities than a dedicated club.

Getting there from Kona International Airport

Mauna Lani is on the Kohala Coast north of Kona International Airport (KOA). Expect a drive of roughly 30 to 40 minutes along Queen Ka’ahumanu Highway, depending on traffic.

The drive passes through open lava fields with ocean views most of the way, and the Waikoloa shops and restaurants are a short drive from the resort.

A rental car is the most practical way to get around the Big Island, since resorts on the Kohala and Kona coasts are spread out and many highlights are a long drive away. Taxis and ride-share cars are available at the airport if you prefer not to drive.

Good to know

• Not all-inclusive; meals and drinks are paid separately
• There is a separate Adult Pool
• Reopened in 2020 after a full renovation
• Bookings and questions: +1 855 201 3179