I’m scripting this from my Oceanfront King Room at Mauna Lani, reflecting on a number of days which have gone far past a typical resort keep.
I used to be on an academic go to with Cadence Journey advisors, designed to higher perceive what defines this property and who it’s a match for. Time spent touring lodging, speaking with the management staff, and watching the culinary staff at work made it clear how a lot care goes into each element company expertise—particularly the meals.
Mauna Lani isn’t luxurious in a flashy sense. It’s a spot the place Hawaiian tradition, considerate design, heat service, and wonderful eating come collectively in a means that feels grounded and real.
In case you arrive anticipating five-star facilities, you’ll discover them. However I believe the actual worth lies in how this resort makes you really feel.
E book with Virtuoso Facilities
Our pals on the lodge will take excellent care of you. Plus, you’ll obtain Virtuoso facilities that embrace:
68-1400 Mauna Lani Drive, Kohala Coast, HI 96743
What I really like
Good to Know
Location and Why Mauna Lani Was Constructed Right here
Mauna Lani is situated on the Kohala Coast on the northwest aspect of Hawaii Island, about half-hour north of Kona Worldwide Airport, in one of many island’s driest and sunniest microclimates. This stretch of shoreline blends lava fields, protected coves, and traditionally vital landforms.
Lengthy earlier than it grew to become a resort, this space was a part of Kalāhuipua‘a, an historical Hawaiian aquaculture system centered round fishponds that sustained native communities and royalty. These ponds, together with close by petroglyphs, stay preserved throughout the resort grounds right now, which I believe provides you far more of a way of place at Mauna Lani than at different resorts. In case you take the e-bike tour, additionally, you will see these websites and truly study why they matter.
Rooms & Format — What to E book and Why
The resort’s primary constructing types a broad arrow form pointing towards the ocean. In actuality, it was designed by its unique proprietor to level towards Japan!
Spacious Visitor Room Choices
It’s actually the view and site that differentiates every room selection.
- Oceanfront rooms sit on the arrow’s tip with unobstructed views of the Pacific.
- Ocean View rooms line the higher flooring on all sides of the arrow, with much less full ocean views.
- Partial Ocean View rooms have angled ocean views.
- Backyard View rooms face tranquil lawns and tropical landscaping.
- Mountain View rooms face the again of the resort and are the lowest-priced.
(I really like an ocean view, however I additionally love resort eating, so I at all times suggest leaving sufficient within the funds to completely discover the resort. Right here, you’ll need to take the excursions and eat!)
My Oceanfront King on the third flooring is spacious and breezy, with a settee, lounge chair, and a large lanai overlooking the water.
The toilet design is intelligent, with two separate vainness areas on reverse sides, so there’s no bumping elbows at adjoining sinks. There’s additionally a walk-in bathe, with a non-public water closet, however no tub.
Considerate touches embrace refillable glass water bottles, an empty mini fridge, a Nespresso setup, a ceiling fan, and a seaside bag to be used throughout your keep. It isn’t overdone with a heaving minibar or a number of dishes and devices, but it surely has sufficient for a snug keep.
In case you’re touring with youngsters, I extremely suggest ground-floor Backyard View rooms. They’re widespread with purchasers as a result of the sliding doorways open onto grassy areas close to the pool or dealing with CanoeHouse, permitting mother and father to loosen up whereas kids tumble round close by.
These don’t have a lot of an ocean view, however I’ve seen they’re generally priced larger than rooms with an ocean view as a result of they’re so in demand for this ground-floor characteristic.
Some Oceanfront Kings connect with Two Queen rooms, which is a well-liked household room mixture. An Oceanfront Suite also can connect with an Oceanfront Two Queen room to create a two-bedroom suite.
As a result of I’ve toured rooms and requested many inquiries to the reservations and guest-experience groups, I understand how to match vacationers to the rooms that work for them, whether or not you’re a pair who values privateness or a household that wants connecting rooms. Simply ask.
Beautiful Suites
We toured fairly just a few suites and specialty suites, do you have to require a full kitchen or a number of bedrooms in your group. The very best factor to do is to let me know what number of adults and children there are, your funds, and any must-haves. I can work with the staff to see what they will put collectively! Some bigger lodging are created by connecting rooms and suites collectively, such because the Oceanfront two-bedroom I discussed above.
Seashore Membership & Swimming pools
You do want to decide on your Massive Island resort rigorously if swimming is a precedence. The center of Mauna Lani is the Seashore Membership, a protected, reef-sheltered cove with calm, swimmable water. That is uncommon on the Massive Island, the place situations will be tough or rocky.
A Swimmable Seashore
Mauna Lani was constructed round a swimmable part of the coast. The seaside is nice for:
- Informal swimming
- Floating and enjoyable
- Households with younger youngsters
- Newbie snorkeling
- Stand-up paddleboarding
- Canoe launches for resort actions
A small nuance: The seabed is a mixture of sand and lava rock, relying on the place you enter. I discovered the entry alright, however some areas are sandier than others. Even with that nuance, this is without doubt one of the greatest swimmable seashores on the Kohala Coast. Chances are you’ll need to pack water sneakers for the youngsters.
Fairly Swimming Swimming pools
The resort affords a number of pool areas, every with a unique vibe:
- Essential Pool: Household-friendly, energetic however not loud, with ocean views
- Adults-Solely Pool: Overlooks the historic fishponds; quiet and peaceable
- Keiki Pool: A shallow, sandy-bottom pool good for little ones
- Lap Pool on the Athletic Advanced: Nice for exercises or quiet swimming
Cabanas and hālaus at each the pool and seaside are restricted, so reserve early if shade issues to you. We used each on sunny days they usually had been very nice upgrades.
In case you’re questioning in the event you can see marine life close to the resort, the reply is sure. We noticed a sea turtle on the seaside, which is seemingly not too unusual.
Actions & Experiences — Connecting with the Island
Mauna Lani rewards company who take part. You possibly can definitely loosen up underneath an umbrella all day, however the actual magic unfolds while you be part of the individuals who name this coast house.
Dawn Canoe (Very Fashionable)
Early one morning, I joined the Dawn Canoe expertise from the Surf Shack. Regardless of the title, it wasn’t darkish once we launched, simply that luminous Massive Island daybreak golden mild. After a brief paddling lesson, our guides led us a few mile offshore to greet the rising solar over Mauna Kea.
They defined how Hawaiians start the day by honoring the dawn, setting intentions, and connecting to the ocean that sustains them. It was non secular with out feeling staged and likewise quiet, shifting, and deeply grounding. Some company swam whereas others stayed within the canoe, watching the sunshine change. We paddled again in silence, absolutely awake in each sense, able to greet the day.
It’s some of the widespread excursions they provide, regardless of the early begin. Simply put on solar safety, perhaps shorts or water leggings, and a washing swimsuit in the event you plan to leap in.
Snorkeling by Canoe
The subsequent day, I returned to the water for a guided snorkeling tour, once more launching in an outrigger canoe. The whole lot you deliver will get moist, so depart valuables behind and put on a UV shirt, swimwear, and a hat you don’t thoughts soaking. We noticed sea turtles, octopus, rays, and tons of reef fish.
Our guides, Ben and Keanu, dove effortlessly to level out octopuses and eels whereas preserving the group collectively. On the return journey, a pod of dolphins rode the wake beside us, which was 100% the form of second you often solely see in nature documentaries. Even in the event you spot solely reef fish, it’s value it, however we occurred to see so, a lot.
E-Bike Tour & Cultural Websites
That afternoon, we switched gears for an e-bike tour to discover the resort’s historical fishponds, lava-tube cave, and close by petroglyphs.
The journey is simple and scenic, revealing how expansive the property actually is. Our guides shared tales about how these websites tie to native historical past and every day island life — a dwelling classroom in movement. I saved my bike on the bottom electrical setting as a result of I used to be grateful for some train with all of the excellent meals we had been consuming all day lengthy.
Lei Making and Every day Workshops
Contained in the resort, every day actions vary from lei-making to hula courses. Throughout my session, we realized how you can string orchids utilizing lengthy hooked needles and heard about the place the flowers are grown. It’s easy, meditative, and surprisingly satisfying, and one of many complimentary resort actions for company!
The Actually Wonderful Eating
I used to be critically unprepared for a way good the meals on the resort is. Mauna Lani is a superb place for foodies.
CanoeHouse
The resort’s signature restaurant, CanoeHouse, is broadly thought to be one of many Massive Island’s greatest eating experiences (if not one of the best). We feasted on Japanese-inspired coastal delicacies ready by Chef Rhoda. It is best to order the Shokupan bread (fluffy Japanese milk bread), corn ribs, daikon salad, lamb chops, and fish.
The menu modifications usually, however each dish honors Hawaii’s substances and sense of place. The good thing about being in a big group is that we had been in a position to attempt the entire widespread menu gadgets.
Tip: Mother and father with fidgety youngsters ought to request a desk alongside the grassy space the place they will play whereas ready for meals to reach.
In case you are staying on the adjoining Fairmont Orchid or Rosewood Kona Village, make a reservation to eat right here. You possibly can stroll!
HaLani
We ate right here fairly a bit for the excellent breakfast buffet and likewise twice for dinner.
Let’s begin with breakfast. You possibly can select between an à la carte menu and a plentiful buffet. The latter affords an omelet station, a baked items part (attempt the mochi donuts and malasadas), some gluten-free and salad choices, boxed cereals for teenagers, a lot of tropical fruit, native favorites like hamachi and ube hash, eggs, and a rotating home specialty pancake or French toast.
The à la carte menu has one thing you must order not less than as soon as or share with the desk: ube pancakes. I couldn’t get them to {photograph} nicely, however the mixture of the fluffy ube pancake with the ube syrup is simply particular. I’ve since tried just a few variations close to my home, they usually’re not the identical, not even shut.
Our company obtain a every day buffet breakfast for 2 per bed room, included with their Virtuoso reservations.
For informal dinners, HaLani turns right into a Mediterranean menu. Order the Wooden-Fired Bread Balloon and not less than one dip (ideally a trio) to go along with it. Once you pop the air out of the balloon, it collapses right into a moist, thicker, pita-like bread that’s so scrumptious.
We additionally tried the kanpachi, hen tagine, roasted cauliflower, zucchini chips (extremely suggest), kebabs, and mainly the entire desserts (I like to recommend the s’mores dessert we ate).
Ha Bar
The lodge bar is adjoining to HaLani. It’s actually a beautiful place to deliver your laptop computer and work (sure, I had to do this) or pull as much as the bar for a enjoyable drink. It serves small plates, a burger, and pizza, however you can too order from the complete restaurant menu.
Room Service & Informal Eats
One morning, I ordered room service earlier than heading out for the day. The muesli, topped with ube, diced apple, and dried figs, was extra like in a single day oats—so good I ordered it twice.
The attendant was at all times cheerful and environment friendly, and whereas I did signal the invoice (a small procedural distinction from 4 Seasons breakfast service), every part felt polished and pleasant.
Downstairs, The Market is without doubt one of the greatest resort grab-and-go retailers I’ve seen. It’s enormous with a espresso bar, fridges filled with probiotic sodas, vegan yogurt, and even native presents like honey and lava salt.
The adjoining deli prepares sandwiches, poke bowls, and sushi-to-order, good for a seaside day or early departure. It had a pleasant choice of gluten-free choices and different dietary wants. If I had one criticism of the resort eating, it’s that my poke was oversauced, however nonetheless good. I’d name {that a} win for a way lengthy we had been there, consuming each meal in-house.
Surf Shack
Steps from the seaside, Surf Shack embodies Mauna Lani’s understated sophistication, with coastal dishes which can be relaxed however fantastically executed. Lunch right here is good for recent fish tacos, salads, and tropical cocktails underneath the palms. They serve dinner right here, too.
Culinary Creativity & Lessons
Throughout my keep, the resort hosted a non-public dinner for our Cadence group — a artistic, off-menu showcase that highlighted the resort’s dedication to taste and artistry. Whereas company gained’t discover this actual dinner on the menu, that very same inventiveness runs by way of each outlet.
Even the Mai Tai-making class ties into the resort’s meals philosophy. I realized they serve about 498 Mai Tais per day throughout the property, every crafted with native spirits and house-made mixers. Now I understand how to make a correct one — although I doubt it should ever style fairly the identical with out the ocean breeze.
Wellness, Health & Golf
You’ll need to keep lively with the entire wonderful eating to make the most of.
Spa & Wellness
The spa inside the primary constructing has 4 therapy rooms and a small boutique stocked with skincare and presents. It’s intimate fairly than sprawling. Therapies are of top of the range, however avid spa-goers ought to know there’s no massive lounge space with a steam room or sauna but.
One other spa house close to the off-site athletic complicated hosts group occasions or mini-treatments for conferences, fairly than conventional day spa providers.
Health & Sports activities
Two health zones serve totally different functions. The principle constructing gymnasium affords cardio machines, free weights, and even out of doors TRX rigs.
About ten minutes away by foot or resort bike is a bigger athletic complicated with tennis and pickleball courts, a lap pool, and devoted studios for group courses. You’ll additionally discover extra intensive cardio tools and weights right here. It feels extra like a non-public athletic membership than a lodge gymnasium.
Oceanfront Golf
We took golf carts out to see probably the most picturesque holes. Golfers can select between two championship programs:
- The South Course attracts probably the most images due to its oceanfront holes.
- The North Course earns reward from severe gamers for its design and problem.
Each are open to the general public, and the clubhouse bar and professional store are value a cease, even in the event you by no means swing a membership.
The Folks & the Spirit of Ohana
If Mauna Lani has a defining high quality, it’s the folks. Many have labored right here for many years. They know the land, the tides, the fishponds, and the cultural historical past that offers this place which means.
After our bike tour, it was enjoyable to purchase a recent coconut to rehydrate. This little stand isn’t there on a regular basis, however not solely did we drink some wonderful coconut water, we realized the distinction in the way it tastes whether or not you select an outdated or a younger coconut. I really like this sort of factor.
You’ll possible meet Auntie Anne and Uncle Dave, longtime cultural stewards who play a central position within the resort’s storytelling and cultural programming. Everybody in my business who is aware of the lodge is aware of them, they usually handled us to a particular hula and ukulele efficiency throughout our go to.
This sense of continuity and satisfaction runs by way of the complete workers from the water-sports staff to the culinary program to the management behind the scenes.
And, There’s a Resort Canine
Her title is Mika, and he or she’s simply beautiful. Visiting youngsters clearly love her.
Who Is Mauna Lani a Match For?
What’s superior in regards to the Massive Island is that there’s a resort for practically everybody. They’re all totally different in their very own fabulous methods.
Mauna Lani tends to resonate with vacationers who need luxurious that feels relaxed, grounded, and genuinely Hawaiian, fairly than extremely choreographed or overly formal. I’ve booked it efficiently for {couples}, multigenerational households, and smaller household teams who worth consolation, house, and cultural depth over flash. Folks in my private community and household give Mauna Lani glowing critiques, too.
I’m going to deal with some FAQ right here that I obtain on a regular basis that can assist you determine which Massive Island resort is perhaps a match for you. As a disclaimer, I gladly guide all 4, however every has its professionals and cons.
- Friends who’re additionally contemplating 4 Seasons Hualalai select Mauna Lani for a extra approachable value level and fewer ultra-luxury.
- For these evaluating Rosewood Kona Village, Mauna Lani usually works higher for households. We love Rosewood, and it has youngsters’ actions, however really feel it’s extra suited to {couples}.
- Mauna Kea is extra of a contender these days, due to its renovation and incredible seaside, however I’ve booked Mauna Lani as an alternative for {couples} who didn’t see the worth in paying extra and resonated extra with Mauna Lani’s spirit.
- Fairmont Orchid is subsequent door, with a extra typical resort footprint and often a lower cost level. Folks select Mauna Lani for the stronger culinary program and sense of place when funds permits.
The Greatest Method to Make Mauna Lani Reservations
Along with our connections on the resort, we will improve your stick with Virtuoso facilities. These embrace:
- Improve on arrival, topic to availability
- Every day Buffet Breakfast for as much as two company per bed room, served within the lodge restaurant
- $100 USD equal Resort or Lodge credit score to be utilized throughout keep (not combinable, not legitimate on room fee, no money worth if not redeemed in full)
- Early Verify-In / Late Verify-Out, topic to availability
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
Be happy so as to add a remark with any questions, and I’ll reply them!
