Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about Mauna Lani? It’s not trying to be Hawaii – it actually *is* Hawaii, if that makes sense. I mean, a lot of these Big Island resorts feel like they could be anywhere tropical, but this place… well, it sits right on the Kohala Coast where you can actually feel the mana of the land. The property sprawls across ancient lava fields and fishponds that Native Hawaiians built centuries ago, and honestly, they’ve done something pretty special by weaving that history into the experience rather than just bulldozing over it.

The rooms are what you’d expect from Auberge – that sort of understated luxury where everything’s perfectly appointed but doesn’t scream “look how expensive I am.” What I didn’t expect was how the trade winds actually work here. My oceanfront room stayed naturally cool most of the day, which is rare on the leeward side of the island. The staff mentioned that the resort’s design channels those winds on purpose, and you can feel it when you’re walking the grounds. Speaking of the grounds – they’re massive. I’m talking about two championship golf courses (the South Course is where they used to hold the Senior Skins Game), multiple pools, and beach access that doesn’t require a death-defying scramble down rocky cliffs like some places around here.

Here’s the thing though – and this is important if you’re planning a trip – Mauna Lani sits in that weird weather pocket where it can be perfectly sunny while Kona’s getting hammered with vog or rain. I was there during one of those typical Big Island afternoons where the weather changes every five miles, and we had crystal clear skies while friends staying in Waikoloa were dealing with overcast conditions. The concierge actually knows this stuff and will steer you toward activities based on microclimates, which saved our snorkeling plans more than once. Also, pro tip: the ancient fishponds are incredible at sunset, but hardly anyone goes there because they’re tucked away from the main resort areas. It’s like having your own private piece of Hawaiian history, complete with green sea turtles that cruise through like they own the place (which, honestly, they kind of do). The 9.1 rating makes sense when you add it all up – it’s one of those places that gets the big things right while nailing the small details that actually matter when you’re trying to unwind.

Rooms

• Partial Oceanview King with 1 extra-large double bed for 3 adults, 2 children
• Ocean View King with 1 extra-large double bed for 3 adults, 2 children
• Ocean View Two Queen with 2 large double beds for 3 adults, 2 children
• Ocean Front King with 1 extra-large double bed for 3 adults, 2 children
• Ocean View Suite with 2 × 1 extra-large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 3 adults, 3 children
• Ocean Front One Bedroom Suite with extra-large double bed, 1 extra-large double bed, sofa bed and 1 sofa bed for 3 adults, 2 children
• Garden View King with 1 extra-large double bed for 3 adults, 2 children
• Garden View Two Queen with 2 large double beds for 3 adults, 3 children
• Garden View King with Sofa Bed with 1 extra-large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 3 adults, 2 children
• Garden View Two Queen Mobility/Hearing Accessible with 2 large double beds for 4 adults, 3 children
• Ocean View King Hearing Accessible with 1 extra-large double bed for 3 adults, 2 children
• Ocean View Two Queen Hearing Accessible with 2 large double beds for 4 adults, 3 children
• Oceanfront King Hearing Accessible with 1 extra-large double bed for 3 adults, 2 children
• Oceanfront King Mobility/Hearing Accessible w/Roll-In Shower with 1 extra-large double bed for 3 adults, 2 children
• Ocean Front Two Queen Mobility/Hearing Accessible with 1 single bed for 4 adults, 3 children
• Ocean View King Suite Mobility/Hearing Accessible with 1 extra-large double bed for 3 adults, 2 children
• Ocean View King Suite Hearing Accessible with extra-large double bed, 1 extra-large double bed, sofa bed and 1 sofa bed for 3 adults, 2 children
• Ocean View Deluxe Suite with extra-large double bed, 1 extra-large double bed, sofa bed and 1 sofa bed for 4 adults, 2 children
• Ocean View Premium One Bedroom Suite with extra-large double bed, 1 extra-large double bed, sofa bed and 1 sofa bed for 3 adults, 3 children
• Ocean View Premium One Bedroom Suite Mobility/Hearing Accessible with extra-large double bed, 1 extra-large double bed, sofa bed and 1 sofa bed for 3 adults, 3 children
• Signature Oceanfront One Bedroom Suite with extra-large double bed, 1 extra-large double bed, sofa bed and 1 sofa bed for 3 adults, 3 children
• Ocean View Two Bedroom Residence with 4 × 1 extra-large double bed, sofa bed and 1 sofa bed for 6 adults, 4 children
• Ocean View Two Bedroom Residence with 4 × 1 extra-large double bed, sofa bed and 1 sofa bed for 6 adults, 4 children
• Suite with 1 extra-large double bed for 6 adults, 1 child
• Ocean View Two Queens Mobility/Hearing Accessible w/Tub with 2 large double beds for 4 adults, 3 children
• Partial Ocean View King with Sofa Bed with 1 extra-large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 3 adults, 2 children
• Garden View King Hearing Accessible with 1 extra-large double bed for 3 adults
• Ocean View Two Queen Mobility/Hearing Accessible with 2 large double beds for 4 adults
• Partial Oceanview Two Queen with 2 large double beds for 4 adults
• Partial Ocean View Two Queen Hearing Accessible with 2 large double beds for 4 adults
• Partial Oceanview King Hearing Accessible Room with 1 extra-large double bed for 3 adults
• Partial Ocean View King Hearing Accessible with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Mountain View King with 1 extra-large double bed for 3 adults
• Mountain View Two Queens with 2 large double beds for 4 adults
• Quadruple Room with 2 large double beds for 3 adults

Reviews

• Nia from Colombia (10/10)

  Beautiful landing and spaces!

• Jeni from Australia (10/10)

  Loved everything about this hotel, it was simply breathtaking. The facilities are excellent as is the food and service. We did the sunrise outrigger activity and it was a highlight of our trip.

• Mitch from United States (10/10)

  Location was great. Facility was beautiful. Everybody, there was friendly and helpful. Was a wonderful trip.

• Ajtene from United States (10/10)

  Everything was amazing!

• Mal from Australia (9/10)

  As pictures show right on the beach, free Wiki Wiki (short par 3 nine holes), restaurants were great.
  
  Would need a car to get around and that cost an extra US$40 plus tips.

• Joseph from Mexico (9/10)

  One of the best hotels I’ve ever stayed at. The facilities where amazing and the food was sooo good. We ate at canoe house and it was delicious, the lobster roll in the beach restaurant is the best I’ve ever eaten and the market has an incredible selection of snacks

• Vicki from United Kingdom (8/10)

  Location and the property was clean and beautiful

• Dori from Canada (9/10)

  a stunning property with a beautiful speciality restaurant-Canoe House. Napua at their local beach club was great for lunch as was their pool bar restaurant.

• Carl from Belgium (10/10)

  1. Beach/ Lagoon; swimming with turtles
  2. Golf courses: expensive but beautiful/ worth the price
  3. Friendliness of all staff
  4. Beautiful location; like being in Paradise

• Ashley from United States (9/10)

  Beautiful resort, beautiful weather and nature, onsite cultural experts, friendly service, quiet and comfortable rooms, an attention to authentic Hawaiian culture, and more.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities