Mauna Lani
Tropical modernism with genuine Hawaiian cultural grounding. Easygoing and family-friendly without ever feeling chaotic. Designed by New York firm Meyer Davis, the interiors lean into pale hardwoods, natural fabrics, and ocean-toned neutrals. Not flashy or formal — the luxury here is in the quality of the food, the depth of the activity programming, and the staff who've often worked here for decades.
Book the Sunrise Canoe Paddle in advance — it's the most popular activity and fills up quickly
Why It Matters
The first Auberge property in Hawaii. Named to the Condé Nast Traveler 2024 and 2025 Readers' Choice lists, Travel + Leisure World's Best 2025, and Forbes Travel Guide Recommended 2025. Ranked #1 Resort on the Island of Hawai'i in 2022. CanoeHouse is widely regarded as one of the best restaurants on the Big Island — it opened in 1989, predating the resort's Auberge chapter by 30 years. The cultural programming here is serious, not decorative: real aquaculture ponds, petroglyph trails, and longtime cultural stewards who shape the guest experience.
Mauna Lani means 'mountain reaching heaven' in Hawaiian — and the name does a lot of work. This is sacred land, literally. Ancient fishponds still sit on the grounds, once tended by Hawaiian royalty including King Kamehameha, and petroglyphs dating back thousands of years mark the surrounding lava plains. The original hotel opened in 1983 and Auberge poured $200 million into a full gut renovation, reopening in January 2020. What emerged is a 34-acre oceanfront resort with 333 guest rooms and suites, five private residences, three pools, a protected swimmable beach (rare on the Big Island), and one of the island's most celebrated restaurants. The building itself is shaped like a broad arrow pointing toward the ocean — originally oriented toward Japan by its founders.
Where You'll Stay
6 room types available
Guestroom
The baseline room category covers a range of view options: Oceanfront (arrow-tip position with unobstructed Pacific views), Ocean View (upper floors on either side of the building), Partial Ocean View, Garden View (ground-floor, sliding doors to grassy areas — families love these), and Mountain View (lowest priced, facing the back). Every room has a furnished lanai, pale hardwood accents, natural fabrics, Nespresso machine, refillable glass water bottles, ceiling fan, and a walk-in shower. No bathtub. Two separate vanity areas in the bathroom, so couples aren't elbow-to-elbow at one sink.
Lani Estate
The resort's estate-level accommodation, offering an elevated level of space and hospitality for those seeking the most private and expansive experience on the property.
Luxury Suite
Spacious one-bedroom suites with sweeping ocean and mountain views and up to 1,807 sq ft. Ideal for guests wanting more room to spread out or for smaller family configurations. Some one-bedroom suites connect to adjoining Two Queen rooms to create a two-bedroom setup — worth asking about when booking. All suites include private lanai and the same natural-hardwood Hawaiian aesthetic as standard rooms.
Oceanfront Suite
Refreshed and artfully redesigned, the Oceanfront Suites come in one- and two-bedroom layouts and are among the most coveted rooms in the hotel. Up to three private lanais give you multiple vantage points over the Pacific. Generous indoor-outdoor living spaces make these feel closer to a private villa than a hotel room.
Private Residence
Five standalone two-bedroom residences, each named after a nearby mountain, set a minute's walk from the main resort but reached via a separate gated driveway. At 4,000 sq ft of indoor and outdoor living, these are the most private accommodations on the property. Each has two bedrooms, three bathrooms, a private swimming pool, a private spa, full kitchen, and butler service. Beach access is private and direct. Sunrise canoe paddle for up to six guests is included for residence bookings.
2 King BedsSignature Suite
The resort's one-of-a-kind top suite at 3,625 sq ft with a king bed and large private lanai. The only suite of its type at Mauna Lani. Contact the reservations team directly to pre-book.
KingThe Property
Eat & Drink
6 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
The more technically challenging of the two 18-hole courses. Preferred by serious golfers for its design and layout. Together with the South Course, this makes 36 holes of championship play on site.
The more photogenic of Mauna Lani's two 18-hole courses, with several spectacular oceanfront holes. Open to both resort guests and the public. The Francis Brown Clubhouse bar and pro shop are worth visiting even if you're not playing.
Guided e-bike tour through the resort's expansive grounds, taking in the ancient Kalahuipua'a fishponds, a lava-tube cave, and nearby petroglyph fields. Easy ride even on the lowest electric setting. One of the best ways to understand the scale and cultural significance of this property.
Walk the Ala Kahakai trail through thousands of ancient petroglyph carvings and past the Kalahuipua'a fishponds — over 15 acres of ancient aquaculture built more than 1,000 years ago. Often self-guided; cultural guides can also lead the walk. Most guests skip this entirely, which is a mistake.
Paddle out in a traditional outrigger, then snorkel with Kainalu guides who dive to point out octopus, eels, sea turtles, and reef fish. On good days, pods of dolphins ride the wake on the return trip. Wear a UV shirt, bring nothing valuable — everything gets wet.
Billed as the most complete watersports program in Hawaii. SUP, surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, 4-man canoe surfing, whale watching, and coral reef visits aboard Kalama Kai, the resort's 42-foot Yellowfin motorboat. The Kainalu team operates out of the Surf Shack.
The most popular activity at the resort. Launch from the Surf Shack before dawn with the Kainalu guides, paddle roughly a mile offshore to greet the sunrise over Mauna Kea, then swim or observe while guides share how Hawaiians honor the morning by connecting to the ocean. It's spiritual without being staged. Offered daily — book well in advance.
On-site cultural center created in collaboration with the Bishop Museum, showcasing artifacts and stories from Kalāhuipua'a and the broader Hawaiian cultural legacy of the land.
Learn to string orchid lei using traditional long hooked needles. Hear about where the flowers are grown and the cultural meaning behind the practice. Simple, meditative, and offered complimentary for hotel guests as part of the daily activity programming.
The resort's dedicated children's program offering supervised activities, cultural learning, beach and ocean exploration, and an interactive kids club.
Learn to craft a proper Hawaiian Mai Tai using local spirits and house-made mixers — the resort serves about 498 of them per day across all outlets. Fun, relaxed, and a good excuse to keep drinking.
Courts available at the athletic complex, a short walk or bike ride from the main building. The pickleball court has a dedicated coach — guests call him one of the best parts of their stay.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
A protected, reef-sheltered cove on one of the Kohala Coast's most swimmable stretches. Private for resort guests. White sand, calm water, beach umbrellas, and the Surf Shack clubhouse. A mix of sandy and lava-rock seabed depending on entry point — pack water shoes for kids.
Business center available for guests.
Complimentary Wi-Fi included in the resort fee throughout the property.
The resort operates a sea turtle rehabilitation program in conjunction with Sea Life Park on Oahu. Guests occasionally spot sea turtles on the beach and in the water.
Cardio machines, free weights, and outdoor TRX rigs within the main hotel building.
A larger secondary fitness facility about 10 minutes from the main building by foot or resort bike. Includes tennis and pickleball courts, a lap pool, dedicated group fitness studios, expanded cardio equipment, and weights. Feels more like a private athletic club than a hotel gym.
Room service available around the clock from the resort's dining outlets.
Both valet and self-parking options available. Private ground transportation can also be arranged through the Pre-Arrival team.
Dogs welcome with amenities including dog beds and bowls. The resort also has Mika, a resident yellow Labrador retriever beloved by visiting kids.
The main family-friendly pool adjacent to the Great Lawn and Mauna Lani Beach Club. Ocean views, lively but not loud. Nearby hot tub. Cabanas and hālaus can be reserved in advance.
An intimate, quiet oasis overlooking the ancient fishponds. Rooms above this pool are especially suited to couples. No children allowed — genuinely peaceful.
A shallow, sandy-bottom pool just 1.5 feet deep, designed for young children. Complete with a grassy play area next to the Great Lawn. Steps from the Beach Club.
A 25-meter lap pool at the resort's athletic complex, a 10-minute walk or bike ride from the main building. Good for serious swimmers and morning workouts away from the crowds.
Hawaii's first and only goop retail location, on-site at the resort. Carries the season's latest wellness, beauty, and lifestyle products.
Complimentary shuttle service within the resort, included in the resort fee. Covers the main hotel, beach club, athletic complex, and surroundings.
Complimentary beach cruiser bikes available as part of the resort fee. Useful for getting around the property and to the athletic complex.
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Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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