A spirit of aloha is palpable at Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection. From the moment of my orchid lei-greeting arrival and my entrance into the stunning open air lobby, I felt the welcoming and harmonious vibe. The Big Island icon, nestled on the sun-kissed shores of the Kohala Coast, has been completely refreshed, while its original spirit remains. For more than 40 years the resort has been a cherished destination, though the story of Mauna Lani began long before its debut as a resort. The land here holds deep cultural significance as the former site of Hawaiian royalty’s summer residences. Home to ancient fishponds, petroglyphs, and sacred grounds preserved for centuries, the region provides an exceedingly authentic connection to Hawaii’s deep-rooted traditions. The resort honors that history, and when combined with Auberge’s brand of casual sophistication and elegance, the result is “hana mana,” or, magic.
Mauna Lani’s enduring legacy is reflected not only in its reimagined spaces, but in the loyalty of the team that has helped it flourish. Many employees have been with the resort from the very beginning, a testament to the exceptional experiences and lasting relationships that have defined its history. Such continuity speaks to an unwavering commitment to tradition and excellence, hallmarks of the Auberge brand. The beloved resort’s new architectural design evokes the timeless Hawaiian traditions of open, flowing spaces that invite the beauty of the outdoors in. The use of local materials—volcanic stone, koa wood, and woven thatch—creates an authentic aesthetic. Large windows, open lanai spaces, and tropical gardens enrich the sensory experience, offering guests both privacy and breathtaking vistas of the Pacific Ocean and nearby mountains.
The resort celebrates its spirit of “mana,” or spiritual energy, through its variety of cultural classes, from lei-making workshops to hula lessons. Participatory traditions invite both guests and community locals to celebrate the richness of the Hawaiian islands in meaningful ways, such as with the annual Turtle Independence Day event in partnership with Oahu’s Sea Life Park, by which attendees are invited to help release Hawaiian green sea turtles, or “honu,” into the Pacific Ocean. Another of the resort’s signature programs is its iconic Sunrise Canoe Paddle—an ode to ancient Polynesian navigation methods and an exhilarating excursion that takes guests on a canoe ride across the crystal-clear waters of Mauna Lani Bay as the sun rises, guides “talk story,” and whales frolic at close range.
Additional activities include water sports like snorkeling (equipment is complimentary to resort guests), stand-up paddleboarding, hiking, biking (grab a cruiser bike from the resort’s complimentary fleet and explore the whole of the scenic Mauna Lani development), and golf within the stunningly scenic Mauna Lani courses, designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. Set against a dramatic lava field backdrop, both the North and South courses offer incredible views of the Pacific. (My son, an ardent golfer, actually utilizes a photo of the South Course’s over-the-water hole #15 as his LinkedIn banner, so stunning is the visual.)
A resort standout is its goop Mauna Lani boutique. Mauna Lani is one of the few resorts in the world to host the wellness brand. You’ll find a curated selection of the goop’s products, including skincare, supplements, and lifestyle items that reflect the resort’s theme of elevated self-care. You’ll also find selections from goop’s luxurious clothing line G. Label—classic, elevated, capsule wardrobe basics. The adjacent Mauna Lani Spa is one of the few places in the world to offer goop’s signature treatments. Try the goop Glow Facial, which utilizes the brand’s line of skincare products. It was the perfect treatment for my snorkeling induced, sun parched skin; I left feeling plumped and moisturized.
Mauna Lani’s culinary offerings are just as exceptional as its luxe accommodations. The resort is home to two signature dining experiences—CanoeHouse and HāLani—both of which are favored by resort guests and locals (who generously receive a 15% discount on all food and beverage). Sophisticated, oceanfront CanoeHouse is one of the island’s most renowned and elegant dining destinations offering sweeping views of the Pacific. The space features an open-air design, where gentle trade winds and the sound of lapping waves serve as a backdrop to the delicious Pacific Rim-inspired cuisine. This is the ideal spot at which to enjoy an always stunning sunset, crafted cocktail in hand.
HāLani (meaning “breath of heaven”) features a recently revamped Mediterranean-themed menu at dinner (try the wood fired balloon bread with the house made hummus) and at breakfast, a bountiful buffet invites culinary exploration. Don’t miss the banana bread, an island specialty. Every restaurant features their own version, and HāLani’s is outstanding. The lovely dining room opens to a bar-adjacent terrace, with views of the resort pool and the ocean beyond.
The heart of the resort is its Mauna Lani Beach Club—the perfect playground for sun-kissed days in the sand and ocean adventures led by a dedicated team of water sports pros. Find your place in the pristine ocean water and tide pools, or on a cushy chaise lounge, or within a private cabana or daybed where you can enjoy indulgent, beachfront service. And if toes-in-the-sand is not your thing, the resort’s two sparkling swimming pools are just steps away.
Yet, Mauna Lani’s luxury experience extends beyond these wonderful resort amenities to encompass the cultural heartbeat of the island. The resort offers a singular, unparalleled experience—one that marries the essence of Hawaii’s profound history with the world-class luxury and adventure for which Auberge is renowned. The resort’s blend of natural beauty, rich culture, and sophisticated amenities ensure that every guest leaves with unforgettable memories.
Since 1981, the Big Island has been ground zero for the annual IRONMAN triathlon competition, one of the most prestigious and grueling endurance contests in the world. So it makes sense that in the months leading up to the October event, competitors converge on the island for bespoke training. At Mauna Lani, triathletes can train this March (Sunday, March 9 – Friday, March 14, 2025) with 3X Hawaiian IRONMAN World Champion Craig “Crowie” Alexander. Swim, bike and run in triathlon’s most famous destination, guided by the sport’s most humble champion at the site of his greatest victories. Designed for athletes of all abilities, the camp’s emphasis is on learning critical triathlon skills. Whether you dream of qualifying for the Kona championship or simply want to immerse yourself in the spiritual center of triathlon, this camp is for you. Click here for details.
Photos by Nicole Franzen, courtesy of Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection