By: Julie Means

Photo courtesy of Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection

Sacred spaces, ancient stories and modern memories entwine at the Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection, on Hawaii's Big Island. This magical spot along the Kohala Coast offers sophisticated and soulful relaxation, nestled in a landscape once ruled by Hawaiian royalty.

Upon arrival, the sense of peace and Aloha (love) is immediate. Orchid leis welcome guests, and the island's natural beauty surrounds you. The resort's guest rooms and suites provide breathtaking mountain or ocean views. Our room offered a private lanai, a perfect spot to relax and soak in the scenery. The design reflects Hawaii's ancient practices, blended with modern touches, making it a true escape.

My daughter, Jess, and I spent four unforgettable days here, an early celebration of her 21st birthday. We immersed ourselves in the magic of Mauna Lani, creating our own stories while learning about Hawaii's rich culture.

This was our first visit to the island, and the contrast between the black lava, green hills and sparkling blue sea was mesmerizing.

Our adventure began with a tour of the resort, where we discovered tranquil spaces like the meditation path and Hale 'I' Ike, the House of Knowledge, where guests can learn Hawaiian traditions like playing the ukulele and crafting leis. The resort offers plenty of activities, including snorkeling, paddleboarding and lounging by the beachside pool with endless ocean views. For those seeking more active pursuits, tennis and pickleball courts, a golf course and a fully equipped gym are available, while the spa offers relaxation and recovery. Shopping is elevated with gifts, resort wear, wellness items, artisan goods, accessories, logo items and more at Milo, the Market, Piko and Hawai'i's only Goop store.

Dining at Mauna Lani was a culinary adventure. At CanoeHouse, we savored dishes like hay-smoked seared wagyu and Kona kanpachi, while watching a breathtaking sunset over the ocean. The resort's casual Surf Shack also served refreshing island fare, including Mauka BBQ pizza and tacos, which were perfect after a day of swimming and sunbathing

Our first full day on the island began with an exhilarating hike up Hualalai, led by a native guide from Hawaii Forest and Trails. We ascended to the summit, reaching 6,100 feet, where we were treated to panoramic views of Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa and even the neighboring island of Maui. We explored craters, descended into a lava tube, saw legendary Ōhi'a lehua trees and felt the spiritual significance of this sacred land.

That evening, we dined under the stars at HāLani, where twinkling lights and ocean breezes set the scene. The food was exquisite—furikake Parker House rolls, fresh catch of the day and a decadent Valrhona chocolate dessert to finish.

The following day brought more adventure as we boarded an outrigger canoe and paddled beyond the reef to the Kalama Kai, the resort's 42-foot Yellowfin powerboat for a private snorkeling tour. The trip's highlight was encountering a sea turtle, a magical moment that fulfilled a wish. Our first foray into deep sea fishing was a success, as we caught an ahi, a sign of good luck. Snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters revealed an underwater world of colorful coral, tropical fish and amazing sea creatures, adding another layer of beauty to the island experience.

On our final day, we returned to the water at sunrise, paddling out in an outrigger canoe while our Hawaiian guides shared ancient Polynesian navigation stories. As the sun rose, rain sprinkled down, reminding us that even in paradise, rain is a part of the natural cycle that brings rainbows and renewal.

Throughout our stay, we were captivated by the island's stories, past and present, and grateful for the chance to create our own memories at Mauna Lani. Each day offered something new—whether it was a hike up a mountain, a culinary experience by the sea, or a moment of quiet reflection. This trip was more than a vacation; it was a journey into the heart of Hawaii's spirit, a reminder that these stories live on in us, waiting to be shared and cherished.

As we departed, we felt refreshed, renewed and ready to continue our stories, forever intertwined with the mystical magic of Mauna Lani.

INSIDER TIPS:

Whale Watching (November - April) - Humpback whales can be seen just off the coast, but for a more up close and personal adventure, book a boat tour on the Kalama Kai.

Explore the Island - If you just need a car short term, they’re available via the concierge and Go Rentals. We drove for a day through the island's multiple climate zones to see Akaka Falls, Rainbow Falls and a double rainbow in the crater of Kilauea at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Stop at Just Cruisin Coffee in Hilo for a frappuccino/banana shake for a refreshing Hawaiian treat.

Stargaze! - Hawaii is a dark sky zone and the Kohala Coast is a perfect place to see constellations.

Turtle Foster Program - Turtle Independence Day - The resort fosters sea turtles, releasing them every year on July 2, Turtle Independence Day.

Count How Many Animals You Can Spot - We saw mongoose, goats, cows, horses, feral cats, dogs, birds, fish and the funniest thing - wild boars galloping alongside the road.

Dining at Pueo’s Osteria - A recommendation from our boat captain. We enjoyed incredible Italian food. This was our only dinner off property, and well worth the trip. pueososteria.com

https://aubergeresorts.com/maunalani/ 855-201-3179

IG @maunalaniauberge