Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection

June 9, 2022 | By Nick & Brandon Cosinteno

Welcome to Mauna Lani. Nestled along the dramatic Kohala Coast and in the piko, or center, of five great mountains, Mauna Lani is a sacred oasis where generations of families and friends have made memories together on soulful lands once cherished by the greatest of Hawaiian royalty. Mauna Lani, an Auberge Collection Resort offers 333 guest rooms including suites and 5 private residences. Mauna Lani feels very luxurious, intimate, and boutique.

Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection is a luxury resort on the Big Island of Hawaii and is approximately 23 miles north of the Kona International Airport. The resort is just a short 25-minute drive from the airport.

Mauna Lani offers luxurious accommodations, dramatic views of the Pacific Ocean, an Auberge Spa, a wellness center & tennis courts, an incredible indoor/outdoor fitness center, a boutique, a grab & go market, and world-class culinary experiences, and more.

Mauna Lani is the perfect place to experience true Hawaiian culture, hospitality, and traditions while enjoying the high-tech amenities the modern traveler expects. Auberge resort’s collection properties are all about giving visitors a local, authentic and meaningful experience. Your Hawaiian adventures start and end at Mauna Lani.

This review is based on our personal stay in May of 2021. If you are planning to stay at Mauna Lani, book through Live Luxe Travel Co. to take advantage of exclusive Virtuoso benefits like a room upgrade (if available at check-in), $100 resort credit, daily breakfast, and a welcome amenity

Our Room

During our journey to Mauna Lani, we stayed in a one Bedroom Oceanfront Suite. Experience extraordinary oceanfront living with one of the resort’s largest one-bedroom suites spread over 1,140 square feet with a separate living area and two spacious lanais, all overlooking sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean.

The Ocean View Suites are true one-bedroom suites with a door that separates the bedroom from the living area. The living area features a full bathroom with a walk-in shower, a small dining table, a coffee bar, and a small living area. The bedroom features a small sitting area and a king-size bed.

All of the rooms at Mauna Lani feature master control light switches next to the bed that allows you to turn everything on and off. And as many hotels and resorts we stay at, this one small feature is such a modern convenience that we appreciate.

Auberge Resorts are known to be luxurious while still approachable and relaxed. At Mauna Lani, you’ll find an understated, natural décor that’s bright and refined, with ample hardwood, natural fabrics, and textures that embody the essence of the soulful Hawaiian escape.

As mentioned, the one Bedroom Oceanview Suites feature two full bathrooms with dual vanities and walk-in showers. The bathroom in the bedroom was very spacious and also featured a large freestanding tub.

Amenities

Whether you’re a beach goer or like to spend your days in the sun at the pool, Mauna Lani has something for everyone. The resort offers an adults-only pool, a large family pool, and plenty of chairs on the beach.

Mauna Lani features an Auberge Spa which is a true farm-to-spa experience. Treatments at Mauna Lani’s Auberge Spa feature the revitalizing benefits of local oils, herbs, honey, and flowers that canvas the Island of Hawai’i.

During our stay, we enjoyed massages which were incredible. We opted for the Lomi Lomi Massage. Open your heart, mind, body, and soul with this signature Hawaiian healing massage passed down from generation to generation. An exclusive herbal oil blend melts away tension in this ancient technique, which utilizes Hawaiian ti leaves and rhythmic forearm strokes, allowing you to experience the expansive feeling of Mohala (a heart-opening experience).

Is fitness a big part of your life? Do you enjoy getting your sweat on while on vacation? Well, Mauna Lani features an amazing fitness center that is both indoors and outdoors. The indoor and outdoor sections of the fitness center are separated by a wall of sliding doors. When the weather is nice, the sliding doors are left open so guests can freely move between the indoors and outdoors.

The indoor part of the gym features plenty of cardio equipment including Peloton bikes, treadmills, elliptical machines, a stair master, free weights, and a few cable machines.

The outdoor area of the gym features a couple more Peloton bikes during the day and it also features weight benches, more free weights, a squat rack, a weight training sled, and more.

Mauna Lani features a surf shack near the beach where you can begin your adventure. They have snorkel gear, paddle boards, outrigger canoes, and bikes.

Dining

The meals you will experience at Mauna Lani will nourish your mind, body, and soul. Whether it’s breakfast at HāLani, afternoon happy hour at Hā Bar and Grill, or an amazing sunset dinner at CanoeHouse, your senses are sure to be satisfied.

Welcome to CanoeHouse, your connection between land and sea. Only open for dinner, CanoeHouse boasts an assortment of farm-fresh and dynamic dishes showcasing ingredients sourced mere minutes from Mauna Lani. When you dine at CanoeHouse, you’ve welcomed into the Mauna Lani ‘ohana (family).

HāLani is Mauna Lani”s main restaurant that is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This is where Virtuoso breakfast is served. And if you’ve got breakfast included through Virtuoso, this is about a $50 value per person, per day. The food at HāLani features local ingredients and locally inspired dishes.

One evening for a more casual dinner we had fish tacos at Hā Bar and Grill which were incredible. Hā Bar and Grill is the place to go for all of the action. The acoustic hum of live music coupled with prime views of the sunset makes for the perfect ambiance to cap off another day in paradise.

And if you’re in the mood for a sweet treat, this ice cream sundae with brownies, caramel, and bananas is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Mauna Lani also features The Market which is inspired by NYC’s delis. The Market has snacks, a coffee bar, plenty of adult beverages, and a deli counter with sandwiches, pizza, and more. And lastly, The Market has essentials like personal care items such as hygiene products and sunscreen.

Service

Mauna Lani truly makes you feel like you’re at a five-star boutique resort from the moment you arrive at the moment you depart. All of the staff that encountered were friendly, made an effort to get to know the guests, and really made the service personal. By the last day of our stay at breakfast each day, they knew our coffee order.

Overall Impression

Just like any other Auberge Resorts Collection property, your stay at Mauna Lani is a journey. This oceanfront haven is filled with Hawaiian culture through the food, the activities, the spa treatments, and more. This luxury resort is the perfect spot for a family getaway, couples getaway, honeymoon, or a friend’s trip.