By: Amanda Huntsman, Photo Credit: Amanda Huntsman and Kelly Hulbert

Adventure awaits the entire family at Mauna Lani on the Big Island of Hawai’i

Come away and explore a sacred oasis where generations of families and friends have made memories on soulful lands once cherished by the greatest Hawaiian royalty.

The Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection, the all-new luxury lifestyle resort that debuted in January 2020, is redefining a new era of experiential luxury on the Island of Hawai’i. Ideally located on 32 expansive oceanfront acres marked by royal fish ponds, natural lava plains, lush tropical gardens, and bordered by alluring beaches.

Mauna Lani—meaning “mountain reaching heaven”—is an inspiring spiritual haven deeply rooted in rich cultural traditions that seamlessly blends a modern tomorrow. Nowhere in the Hawaiian archipelago is the land more powerful, sacred, and alive than this storied, natural place of wonder.

Transformational experiences, enriching cultural immersion, unrivaled amenities, and curated moments await guests at Mauna Lani. This is centered around the piko, an infinite circle reflecting the area’s distinct eternal spirit anchored by Hawaii’s five great Mountains. From this singular locale, the mountains of Hualālai, Mauna Loa, Mauna Kea, Kohala, and Maui’s Haleakalā are all visible in the distance. It is here at the piko that Mauna Lani intrinsically links the people, the culture, and the land to a deeply woven sense of place cultivated by extraordinary core values and experience—where friendships are fostered, families reconnect, and curiosities unfold.

Our adventure unfolded from the moment we arrived on the Island. I received a text welcoming my family to the Mauna Lani from Marketing & Communications Assistant Manager Megan Bomgardner. She told us we were a quick 20-25 minutes away from the resort and that she would meet us at the grand entrance. We stepped out of our car, and there was a palatable feeling of what I can only describe as “good vibes”; had we found true Aloha? Aloha, although a greeting, is also the Hawaiian word for love, affection, and peace.

The staff warmly introduced themselves, gathered our luggage, and ushered us to the grand entrance to adorn us with traditional Hawaiian leis. I was most impressed by everyone welcoming us by name. It was my daughter’s 4th birthday, and Megan presented her with a unique lei of the most beautiful white flowers. One staff member noticed my daughter holding tight to her carebear and rushed over with a tiny kukui nut lei for grumpy bear. The lei is a tangible aloha symbol representing connectivity, love, and celebration. Megan informed us we will learn to make leis after lunch with “Uncle Danny.”

After check-in, Megan escorted us to our rooms. Everything was clean, understated, and modern. We had adjoining ocean-view rooms. Each had a beautifully furnished lanai balcony with stunning views. Rooms have an understated, natural décor that’s bright and refined, with great hardwood, natural fabrics, and textures embodying the essence of the soulful Hawaiian escape. Rooms are spacious, with nearly 640 square feet to spread out, ideal for families. Awaiting us were stuffed lab dog animals with Mauna Lani scarfs (we later find that they represent the property’s golden lab Mika) and a birthday present for my daughter. On our lanai, we found a bottle of champagne (for the adults, of course), a birthday cake, and the most beautiful fruit platter. Birthday cards and welcome notes were spread throughout the room, making us feel welcomed; like we were visiting family. We soon discovered that these generous customer service touches are part of why so many return to the Mauna Lani year after year.

After settling in, we were escorted to lunch at HāLani. Along the way, we learned that HāLani means breath of heaven in Hawaiian. The open-air restaurant sits alongside the pool with a view of the expansive lawn overlooking the Pacific Ocean. During the day, HāLani offers an idyllic gathering place for family and friends to savor breakfast and lunch. In the evenings, the restaurant transforms into a modern artisanal coastal grille featuring globally inspired coastal cuisine. Rooted in craftsmanship and technique, HāLani is led by a collection of master chefs that infuse their local sensibility into each cuisine, including local plants, herbs, flowers, and flavors.

Lunch was incredible. On the menu are family-style options. We ordered the ‘Ohana Huli Huli Style Chicken served with butter lettuce cups, corn tortillas, chipotle crema, and pickled onion radish. We were also encouraged to try the Ube Coladas. Insider Tip: a must-try!

We then proceeded to the Eva Parker Woods cottage with full bellies to meet the resort’s “keeper of knowledge,” Kahu Hānai, Uncle Danny Akaka. He runs the Hale ‘I’ike (House of Knowledge), the resort’s in-depth cultural center. He gave us a historical overview of the property. He instantly felt like ‘ohana;' He has a way about him that makes you feel like you’ve known him your whole life. While he “talks story,” you cannot help but lean in and hold on to each word. He told us about the “mana,” or spiritual energy, that first captivated legends like King Kamehameha I and Francis H. I’i Brown on the property where the resort is now. This spiritual energy is the same that ancient Hawaiians felt and revered along these very shores hundreds of years ago. He told stories of Hawaiian royalty fishing in the sacred fishponds we sat beside while stringing our leis. It is here where ancient islanders mastered the art of aquaculture, where mythological tales spoke of kupua or supernatural beings, and where the Hawaiian ali‘i (royalty), such as King Kamehameha the Great, was said to pursue the noble sport of he‘enalu or surfing. Our time with “Uncle Danny” was memorable and magical! We will never forget learning how to hula dance, lessons on the ukulele, and making leis. At the same time, Uncle Danny serenaded us with Hawaiian classics and humored us with requests like “Tiny Bubbles.” Insider Tip: call ahead and schedule at least a few, if not all, of the many offerings with Uncle Danny - you will not regret it.

Day one wrapped up with dinner at HāLani, listening to live music, and watching children running and playing on the lawn alongside couples romantically dancing while the sun sets in vibrant shades of orange and pink … the guests were notably happy!

The next few days encompassed activities from sunrise to sunset, our preferred mode on vacation. With very busy kids, we were more than pleased by all the activities the Mauna Lani offers. One of the best ocean experiences to date was the sunrise paddle in an outrigger with Big Island Local, Josiah, sharing his Hawaiian culture and sunrise ceremony with us. He sounded the pū (conch shell) to let the sea know we were coming in. After paddling our way through the calm water for a couple of miles, we arrived at the piko (center) of the five majestic mountains, four on Hawai’i Island and one on Maui. He sounded the pū again and spoke about the important historical culture, the true meaning of aloha (love and positivity), setting our intentions & goals for the day, connecting with loved ones, and ridding ourselves of negativity. We quietly watched the sunrise, a perfect way to start the day.

We followed that up by paddle boarding in the warm waters of the Kohala Coast. Our instructor educated us about the sea life that surrounds the Mauna Lani property. For the last part of the lesson, we leashed our boards together, paddling out past the break for an invigorating swim and a breathtaking view of the reef below us. Turtles swam past, and brightly colored fish and other marine life surrounded us.

Holoholo Kids Crew provided the adults in our group with much-needed downtime in a private Halau. We lounged luxuriously in our daybed and lounge chairs situated steps from the sparkling oceanfront. It was equipped with all the essentials - towels, a cooler, wifi, sunscreen, and more. We ordered a light lunch and mimosas directly from the poolside servers. We relaxed while the kids hunted for crabs in the tidepools and went fishing with the kids' crew team. They also learned about Hawaiian culture and made arts and Crafts.

As a family, we enjoyed playing pickleball and lawn tennis. My son loved the daily pickleball clinics. Jordan and Simon, the instructors, encouraged him to continue the sport back home. We also played Mauna Lani’s Wikiwiki 9-hole walking course. It can be played in about one hour, leaving ample time to enjoy other activities. It is the only golf course of its kind on the Island of Hawai’i.

Later in the week, my husband had the opportunity to check off Mauna Lani’s South Course from his bucket list. Mauna Lani’s South Course, a Homer Flint, Raymond Cain, and Robin Nelson design, was built on a 16th-century Kaniku lava flow snaking through stark, rugged a‘a lava. A pair of par-threes – the 7th and 15th holes – are Mauna Lani South’s signature holes and two of the most photographed in the world. Golfweek magazine rates it as one of the “Best Courses to Play in Hawai‘i.” For ten years, this was the host venue for the annual Senior Skins Game from 1990 - 2000. This memorable experience for him should not be overlooked by golf lovers.

The recently renovated spa is another treat for guests. The Auberge Spa & Fitness Center offers all-natural indulgences based on lokahi—harmony and balance— designed to provide guests with a pleasant journey toward a sense of inner peace and revitalization. State-of-the-art gym equipment, including Peloton bikes and Precor exercise machines, are available. I took advantage of the Lāʻau Facial, which uses fresh botanicals to nourish the skin with antioxidants, phytonutrients, minerals, and Vitamins A, C, and E. The treatment was incredibly relaxing and left my face glowing.

For our final serenade, we experienced dinner at the infamous CanoeHouse. Paying homage to Mauna Lani’s storied location, CanoeHouse, the resort’s iconic beachfront restaurant, boasts dramatic views of the Pacific Ocean. CanoeHouse celebrates Hawaii’s connection to the land and sea while infusing artfully prepared island-inspired cuisine in a reimagined contemporary setting. Executive Chef Mark Libunao runs the kitchen, while Yuka Raso, the General Manager of CanoeHouse, manages the venue. Both indoor and outdoor seating is available. Insider Tip: make your reservations early. They book out months in advance and order CanoeHouse’s “MY” Menu. Their nightly tasting menu draws on inspiration from the local ingredients of the Big Island of Hawai’i. It’s a memorable experience that captures the cuisine and hospitality of Mauna Lani’s storied signature restaurant.

Mauna Lani truly embodies ‘ohana.' The attentive staff and excellent touches throughout the resort make families like my own with young children feel comfortable and welcomed. Many hotels promise to be family-friendly but miss the mark. Mauna Lani has ample spaces for kids to run out of steam, some thoughtfully located near dining, a dedicated children’s pool and beach, kid and family-style menus, a curated kids club offering educational and fun activities, and so much more. We look forward to returning again soon.

INSIDER TIPS

+ If you’re keen on catching waves, visit Hawai’i Island during the winter - swells tend to be more powerful and consistent due to storms in the Pacific, making surf conditions prime.

+ The months between winter and spring mark the return of the Humpback whale (koholā). As the warm waters off the Kohala Coast provide a safe place for sealife to care for their young, whale season is one of the most special times to visit Hawai’i.

+ Hawai’i Island is home to a robust and unique culinary scene, which is inextricably linked to locally sourced ingredients. For tropical fruits, fun desserts, 100% Kona coffee, and more, stroll through one of many farmer’s markets from Waimea to Hilo.

+ March 12 - 16, 2023, the Mauna Lani will grow its epic Kainalu Ocean Sports program by partnering with pro water photographer and Canon Explorer of Light, Zak Noyle, to introduce Liquid Lens, an exciting four-day photography residency. The experience package is priced at $1,200 per person, including pre-excursion training, the intimate half-day photography session at sea with Zak, breakfast, lunch, and all equipment. Contact the resort for more information.

Learn more about the Mauna Lani here.