10 Reasons to Stay at the Mauna Lani in Hawaii
Tucked away on a gorgeous stretch of the sunny Kohala Coast on Hawaii Island, the Mauna Lani Auberge Resorts Collection promises visitors sumptuous accommodation, first-class service, and the kind of experience that will live on in memory for years to come. Whether you enjoy spending your vacation learning about the local culture, practicing your golf swing, soaking up the sun on a beach, or floating around a pool with a cocktail in hand, the Mauna Lani won’t disappoint. Here are ten very good reasons to stay at the Mauna Lani in Hawaii.
1. It’s been gorgeously renovated
No matter how good a hotel starts off as, the shine starts to rub off after a while. Considering the Mauna Lani first opened in 1983 and has been through numerous owners’ hands and seen hundreds of thousands of guests pass through its doors in the years since, you’d expect to see a few signs of wear and tear by now. The good news? You won’t. After Auberge Resorts Collection bought the resort in 2018, they set about giving it a major, $200 million makeover, finally reopening for business in 2020. According to MSN, the renovations have worked miracles, especially in the wide-open lobby areas with its outrigger canoe centerpiece.
2. The ocean views are breathtaking
Who can resist a room with a view? At the Mauna Lani, at least 90 percent of its 300 plus rooms and suites come with sweeping views over the sparkling ocean. Aside from the views, guests can expect a superb level of comfort and convenience from the accommodation. Although the rooms aren’t huge, they’re incredibly light and airy, with premium bedding, cloud-like mattresses, air conditioning, and all the mod cons and conveniences you’d expect. The marble-finished bathrooms with their deep soaking tubs, walk-in rainfall showers, and Malin & Goetz soaps and lotions are equally superb.
3. It offers a cultural education
If you want to learn more about the culture and traditions of Hawaii, you’re going to love the extensive range of experience offering available to guests at the Mauna Lani. According to inviatotravel.com, just a few of the activities you can participate in include Lei making, conch blowing, ukulele making, storytelling, and artisan workshops, all of which offer a huge enjoyable insight into Hawaiian art and culture.
4. The food is fabulous
If there’s one thing you can count on at the Mauna Lani, it’s never going hungry. Foodies will be pleased to learn the hotel boasts three restaurants, two lounges, and a market-style deli, all of which serve up hearty portions of locally sourced food. There’s also a surf shack and food truck by the pool for light bites and beverages. The primary restaurants, the CanoeHouse and HāLani, are both open-air, letting you enjoy the sunshine as you eat. For an epic fruit-infused cocktail (the Melon Signature Cocktail (a combination of Grey Goose vodka, Koloa coconut, melon and pineapple infusion) is particularly divine) and causal fare like sliders, salad, poke bowls, and lettuce wraps, make your way over to the Hā Bar.
5. It has two world-class golf courses
If you’re the kind of person who sees golf as an essential part of every vacation, the Mauna Lani has just what you need. As paradiseinhawaii.com notes, the resort is home to two world-class golf courses that have been beautifully designed to showcase the natural beauty of the Big Island. As you enjoy a round, you’ll be treated to spectacular views over the ocean, black lava rock fields, and lush green hills under the canopy of an endless blue sky. Number 15 on the South Course has the distinction of being one of the most photographed over-the-water golf course holes in the world – once you get there, you’ll see why.
6. It offers the ultimate in R&R
After the past two years, we’re all in need of a little extra pampering, and at the Mauna Lani Spa, you’ll enjoy a ton of it. With five treatment rooms (including a couples room for honeymooners and other love-struck vacationers), and a full menu of indulgent treatments, massages, facials, and wraps to pick from, it’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy some deep pampering at the hands of the spa’s team of highly qualified therapists.
7. The fitness facilities are fantastic
If you’re a dedicated gym bunny who doesn’t like to be away from the treadmill for too long, even on vacation, you’ll love the Mauna Lani’s extensive range of fitness offerings. Along with a state-of-the-art workout room and lap pool, the resort offers guests the chance to participate in one of the wide variety of fitness classes held at the Mauna Lani fitness center. You’re also free to make use of the yoga, flo-yo (yoga on stand-up paddleboards), personal training, and daily fitness classes at The Spa Without Walls.
8. It’s great for a retail therapy fix
The Mauna Lani resort offers a lot more than just accommodation. Everything you need for a fun-packed, enjoyable vacation is here, including a vast selection of stores in which to enjoy a few happy hours of retail therapy. Located right at the heart of the resort, The Shops at Mauna Lani is the perfect place to pick up some unique gifts from local craftspeople, designer fashions, sunglasses, Island-style aloha wear, and a whole lot more besides. Just some of the shops on offer include Hawaiian Island Creations, Tommy Bahama, Oasis Lifestyle, Jourabchi, Jams World, Dewitt Luxury Jewelers and Hawaiian Tiki.
9. It’s a paradise for beach bums
At the Mauna Lani, you’re just a short walk away from some of the best beaches in Hawaii. Explore tide pools, take a relaxing stroll along the white sand, watch the sea turtles at sunset, rent a private cabana, or simply settle down in the sand with a cocktail to enjoy the magical views.
10. The service is exceptional
Staff can make or break a hotel, not to mention a vacation. Fortunately, the team at the Mauna Lani is one of the resort’s chief attractions, offering a highly efficient service that manages to straddle the divide between friendly and professional with ease. Whether you need some advice about the best places to eat, the most unmissable attractions on the island, or simply need more water for your minibar, they’ll be only too happy to help.
