Best for
Mauna Lani suits multigenerational trips: the family-friendly beach encourages time together, while adults have a separate pool for quieter hours.
Best for
Mauna Lani suits multigenerational trips: the family-friendly beach encourages time together, while adults have a separate pool for quieter hours.
What makes it special
Historic fishponds and the Living Culture team's stories give the Kohala Coast setting meaning beyond its beach; allow time to explore the grounds.
Room to consider
Consider an Oceanfront Two-Bedroom Suite when traveling together: separate bedrooms and a private lanai make shared time easier without sacrificing privacy.
Insider tip
Reserve CanoeHouse before arrival if oceanfront dining matters to your stay; the resort strongly recommends advance reservations for its signature restaurant.
Free membership gives you access to preferred rates, exclusive benefits and current promotions for your stay.
At Mauna Lani Resort, the day is shaped as much by the water as by the hotel. The Great Lawn runs toward a sandy Kohala Coast beach, with the Surf Shack at the edge of both; behind it are the pools, open-air dining and the rooms of this Auberge property. Historic fishponds and lava fields give the setting a character that a beach alone could not provide. This is a resort for guests who want to move between those places, not spend the whole stay beside one pool.
Floor-to-ceiling glazing frames an open-plan interior on floors three through six. Wood and natural fabrics give the bedroom texture. Local materials shape its modern design.
A woven panel above the bed gives one layout a textured backdrop. A low wood bedside table stands below a reading light. Pale upholstery and patterned cushions soften the bed. Across the room, woven-front cupboard doors sit beside an open niche. An armchair with an orange cushion stands by the curtains, warming the neutral palette.
Floor-to-ceiling glazing frames an open-plan interior on floors three through six. Wood and natural fabrics give the bedroom texture. Local materials shape its modern design....
Warm wood tones and refined furnishings draw on the natural beauty of Hawai‘i. On floors two through four, the room’s open arrangement reflects the style of the Kohala Coast. Natural fabrics and textures continue through the bedroom, following the resort’s contemporary guestroom design.
A curved sofa sits beside the bed in one arrangement, with a round table on a broad wood pedestal. Pale cushions carry leaf patterns, and a green circular print hangs above the seating. A textured woven panel stands behind the headboard. Small bedside reading lights and a tall wood lamp give the bedroom and sitting corner their own lighting.
Warm wood tones and refined furnishings draw on the natural beauty of Hawai‘i. On floors two through four, the room’s open arrangement reflects the style...
Some king rooms with a sofa bed are on the second or third floor.
An open-plan bedroom sits behind floor-to-ceiling window walls. Hardwood and natural fabrics give the interior a contemporary island character, with textures drawn from the resort’s Hawaiian setting. The main room layouts are on floors three through six.
In one interior, a cream sofa wraps around a small pedestal table beside the bed. Patterned cushions pick up the greens of the framed artwork, with a woven wall panel above the upholstered headboard. A wood-framed reading chair sits nearer the doors. Long grey curtains border the glazing, and a ceiling fan hangs over the bedroom.
An open-plan bedroom sits behind floor-to-ceiling window walls. Hardwood and natural fabrics give the interior a contemporary island character, with textures drawn from the resort’s...
The ground-floor setting places the room among tropical landscaping. Wood and natural fabrics run through its open floor plan, with local materials shaping the modern island design. Outdoor furniture extends the space beyond the bedroom.
One layout combines pale bedding with a woven panel above the headboard. A wood-framed armchair has an orange cushion, and long grey curtains line the sliding doors. Beside the bed, a small sofa and round table form a sitting corner. A tall wood lamp carries a white shade over the seats. Framed circular artwork adds a green accent to the wall.
The ground-floor setting places the room among tropical landscaping. Wood and natural fabrics run through its open floor plan, with local materials shaping the modern...
On floors four through six, the room has an open layout framed by floor-to-ceiling window walls. Hardwood and natural textiles reflect the modern island style, with local materials throughout the interior. The outdoor area is furnished.
In one King bedroom layout, a cream sofa sits beside a round pedestal table. A tall wood lamp reaches over the seats with a white shade. Above the sofa, a framed circular print adds a green accent. The bed rests against a pale upholstered headboard beneath a woven wall panel. Leaf-patterned cushions and long grey curtains soften the wood furnishings.
On floors four through six, the room has an open layout framed by floor-to-ceiling window walls. Hardwood and natural textiles reflect the modern island style,...
Floor-to-ceiling window walls line the room, bringing light into an open-plan interior. Local materials shape the bedroom’s modern Hawaiian style. Hardwood and natural fabrics add texture. These rooms span the first through sixth floors.
A pale upholstered headboard and woven wall panel anchor one bedroom layout. Wood bedside tables sit beneath small reading lights. An orange-accent armchair stands near the glazing. In another layout, a curved sofa follows the wall beside a round wood table. Cushions have leaf patterns, and a white lampshade hangs over the seating corner.
Floor-to-ceiling window walls line the room, bringing light into an open-plan interior. Local materials shape the bedroom’s modern Hawaiian style. Hardwood and natural fabrics add...
Floor-to-ceiling window walls frame this indoor-outdoor room. Hardwood and natural fabrics run through the open layout. Island textures give the room its modern Hawaiian character. The king Lanai layouts occupy upper floors.
In one Lanai layout, a curved cream sofa sits beside a round wood table. Leaf-patterned cushions sit against the upholstery, with framed circular artwork on the wall. A white lampshade hangs from a tall wood frame beside the curtains. The sliding-door opening connects the sitting corner with the outdoor furnishings.
Floor-to-ceiling window walls frame this indoor-outdoor room. Hardwood and natural fabrics run through the open layout. Island textures give the room its modern Hawaiian character....
The sixth-floor suite has a separate living area and a generous bedroom. Floor-to-ceiling window walls surround the open reception spaces. The design draws on the region, with either hardwood floors or carpet underfoot.
One interior has dark wood partitions carved with diagonal patterns behind the bed. A long cream sofa stands along the living-room wall, facing a low wood table with a decorative bowl. A round dining table sits nearer the glazing with wood chairs around it. Louvered doors and pendant shades continue through the bedroom and lounge. Framed artwork picks up the wood-and-neutral palette.
The sixth-floor suite has a separate living area and a generous bedroom. Floor-to-ceiling window walls surround the open reception spaces. The design draws on the...
A separate living area gives the suite a reception space beyond the bedroom. Oversized window walls reach from floor to ceiling, while regional design elements draw on the natural character of the Kohala Coast. The suite is on floors four through six.
One living room has a broad upholstered sofa with blue-green cushions and a wood-framed armchair. A small dining table sits nearer the sliding doors, beneath a white shade on a tall wood lamp. In the bedroom, a full-length mirror leans beside the headboard. A wood sliding partition marks the opening between the sleeping and reception spaces.
A separate living area gives the suite a reception space beyond the bedroom. Oversized window walls reach from floor to ceiling, while regional design elements...
An accessible layout has a bathtub. Other suites have walk-in showers.
The bedroom sits apart from a generous living area. Floor-to-ceiling window walls frame the reception spaces, where the design draws on the character of the Kohala Coast. The suite is located on floors four through six.
In one layout, a grey sofa has blue-green cushions. Beside it stands a wood-framed armchair with an orange accent. A small table and chairs sit near the doors, beneath a tall wood lamp. The bedroom pairs a pale headboard with a woven panel above it. Wood sliding doors mark the opening to the living space, with woven-front cupboards continuing the natural textures.
The bedroom sits apart from a generous living area. Floor-to-ceiling window walls frame the reception spaces, where the design draws on the character of the...
Each bedroom has a lounge area and its own ensuite bathroom. A separate living area forms the shared reception space. Its open plan draws on the resort’s modern, regional design. The two-bedroom layouts are on floors one through five.
One reception layout centres on a green sectional sofa and a low wood coffee table. A geometric woven hanging fills the wall above the seats. Patterned coral cushions add colour, while a cream armchair stands near the bedroom’s sliding doors. Pale upholstery, wood bedside tables and long curtains surround the bed, with a broad woven panel behind the headboard.
Each bedroom has a lounge area and its own ensuite bathroom. A separate living area forms the shared reception space. Its open plan draws on...
The suite includes a separate living area on the sixth floor. Oversized window walls frame the open floor plan. Regional design elements continue through the indoor reception spaces.
In one living-room corner, a green sectional sofa sits below a geometric woven hanging. A low wood chest serves as the coffee table, with books stored in the open shelf beside the sofa. Patterned cushions add coral and green accents. The bedroom has woven wall panels above a pale upholstered headboard. Wood bedside tables and long curtains surround the bed.
The suite includes a separate living area on the sixth floor. Oversized window walls frame the open floor plan. Regional design elements continue through the...
The master bedrooms have their own bathrooms, each with a standalone bathtub. A living room and dining space form the shared reception areas, which open onto a generous patio. Tropical gardens surround the residence, and the beach is just steps away. A gated driveway leads towards the private entrance. A half bathroom serves the reception areas.
In one residence interior, cream sofas sit with woven armchairs around a low coffee table. Exposed beams cross the ceiling above woven panels. Large wood shutters frame the broad openings, and stone paving runs into the covered dining area. Upholstered chairs surround its wood table.
The master bedrooms have their own bathrooms, each with a standalone bathtub. A living room and dining space form the shared reception areas, which open...
A separate arrival and gated driveway lead to this residence near the beach. The main bedrooms have their own bathrooms. A broad living room and dining area form the shared interior, with a half bathroom serving these spaces. Tropical planting surrounds the patio.
In one residence layout, pale upholstered sofas face a long, low table beneath exposed timber beams. Woven panels cover the ceiling, while broad wood shutters frame the walls. A wide doorway opens from the living room to the outdoor dining area. Here, a wood table stands on stone paving.
A separate arrival and gated driveway lead to this residence near the beach. The main bedrooms have their own bathrooms. A broad living room and...
Mauna Lani sits on Hawaii Island's Kohala Coast, north of Kona. The hotel occupies an oceanfront site within the much larger Mauna Lani resort area. That distinction matters when planning a stay: the beach, Great Lawn, Surf Shack, dining and hotel pools form the immediate guest experience, while the golf courses and other recreation facilities extend across the wider property. The hotel's scale brings choice and activity, though travelers looking for a tiny, secluded retreat may prefer a different setting.
The grounds make it easy to divide the day without constantly leaving the property. A swim can lead to lunch on the lawn, an ocean outing, time at the spa and dinner beside the water. There is also room simply to walk. Rather than treating the fishponds and lava as scenery, the hotel uses its cultural program to connect guests with the history of Kalāhuipuaʻa and the surrounding landscape. That is a more compelling reason to stay here than a list of facilities alone.
Guestrooms have furnished lanais and a bright, natural interior of wood and textured fabrics. Views vary from mountain-facing to direct oceanfront, so the category is worth examining rather than assuming every room delivers the same outlook. An Oceanfront Guestroom places the Pacific squarely in view; a mountain-facing room keeps the outdoor space but offers a different perspective on the coast. Rooms above the adult pool may suit couples who would rather be near the quieter part of the hotel.
Suites provide more space and a wider choice of layouts. The Oceanfront One Bedroom Suite has a separate living area and two private lanais, useful when a couple wants room to spend time indoors as well as outside. The oceanfront suite collection includes one- and two-bedroom arrangements with generous indoor-outdoor living. For a family, the value lies less in an imposing suite label than in whether the bedrooms and shared space give everyone a workable routine.
The two-bedroom residences are a distinct option, not simply larger guestrooms. Set a short walk from the hotel with a separate arrival, they have kitchens, private pools and substantially more indoor-outdoor space. They suit families or friends who want to gather at home while remaining close to Mauna Lani's dining and beach. A residence stay will feel more self-contained than a room in the main hotel; guests who want to step directly from their corridor into the resort's social areas should weigh that difference.
The beach beside the Surf Shack is one of Mauna Lani's practical strengths. It links directly to the Great Lawn and the hotel's ocean program, so a beach day need not mean choosing between a lounger and an activity. Kainalu Ocean Sports operates from the Surf Shack, with gear for snorkeling and paddleboarding and guided pursuits on the water. Conditions and individual activities naturally vary; the constant is that the ocean is central to the stay, rather than an incidental view beyond the grounds.
The Surf Shack also has food and a deck where guests can pause between the water and the lawn. Its relaxed role differs from a conventional pool bar. It is an easy meeting point for families whose days split between swimming, lessons and beach time, and it helps the shoreline feel connected to the rest of the hotel.
Back toward the main buildings, the oceanfront Resort Pool works for a broad mix of guests, while the Adult Pool offers a calmer alternative overlooking the fishponds. Families with very young children also have a sandy-bottom keiki pool shaded by sails. These are hotel pool areas, separate from the additional lap pool at the wider Sports Club and Tennis Garden. Knowing the distinction helps guests choose where to spend a morning without treating every water feature across Mauna Lani as part of one pool deck.
CanoeHouse deserves time rather than a hurried reservation. The oceanfront restaurant draws on Japanese-inspired cooking and Hawaii-grown ingredients, and its setting gives dinner a clear sense of place. The name recalls its earlier life as a working canoe house; photographs and the basalt bar keep that history in view. Guests staying several nights may find it the natural choice for an evening centered on the coast, rather than simply the formal dinner on a resort itinerary.
HāLani has a different pace. Beside the Great Lawn and Resort Pool, it serves breakfast and a Mediterranean-influenced dinner in an open-air setting. Hā Bar offers lighter food and drinks near the pools, while The Market covers coffee, pastries, sandwiches and provisions for a day out. Together with the Surf Shack, these places allow a family to eat according to the day's plans instead of organizing every meal around one dining room. The contrast between CanoeHouse and the more casual venues is central to the hotel.
Mauna Lani has enough structure for children without asking adults to plan every hour around a kids' program. Holoholo Kids Crew is aimed at ages five to twelve and uses activities such as tidepooling and gardening to introduce the island's environment. Younger children can use the keiki pool, while older ones may be ready for ocean sports, golf or time on the lawn. Families should choose an accommodation layout that fits the whole stay, then let the activities follow their interests.
The cultural landscape deserves the same attention as the beach. The fishponds are part of Kalāhuipuaʻa's history, and the hotel's Living Culture program gives guests a route into local stories and practices. It is worth making space for that alongside the water activities. Even a short stay feels more grounded when the lava fields, fishponds and coastline are understood as more than a backdrop to a resort.
Golf belongs to the wider Mauna Lani property rather than the hotel's immediate beachfront. Its North and South courses are two separate 18-hole rounds: the North winds through kiawe trees, while the South opens onto lava terrain and ocean views. There is also the shorter, nine-hole Wikiwiki Course. This variety gives golfers a reason to base themselves at the hotel, but a tee time is an outing in its own right, not an amenity just beyond the room. Non-golfers can spend those hours at the beach, pool or spa without feeling that they have missed the point of the resort.
Auberge Spa draws on locally sourced botanicals and Hawaiian treatment traditions. Its menu includes Lomi Lomi massage and facials, giving guests a quieter counterpoint to the activity on the coast. The fitness center has weight training and an open-air terrace; the broader sports facilities add tennis, pickleball and a lap pool. These choices work best when used selectively. Mauna Lani can support an active daily routine, but it does not require one.
Mauna Lani Resort makes the most sense for travelers who want their Hawaii Island stay to have several rhythms: time in the water, family space, a serious dinner, a round of golf or a morning devoted to local culture. Its breadth is its advantage, provided guests choose the right room and allow time to explore beyond the main pool. Those who prize near-total seclusion may find the resort too social. For a multigenerational trip or an active couple, the combination of beach, dining and place-specific experiences is the stronger argument.
We value the contrast between Mauna Lani's two 18-hole golf courses and nine-hole Wikiwiki course, giving different players a sensible choice of rounds.
Surf Shack brings casual dining and Kainalu Ocean Sports together where the Great Lawn meets the beach, keeping water-focused days pleasantly uncomplicated.
Auberge Spa draws on Hawaiian wellness practices and locally sourced botanicals, adding a grounded restorative option to a resort otherwise rich in outdoor pursuits.
68-1400 Mauna Lani Dr, Waimea, HI 96743, United States
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Yes. Mauna Lani Resort is a strong choice for travelers who want a polished Kohala Coast beach stay. The resort blends modern Hawaiian design, oceanfront rooms, calm pools, strong dining, golf access, wellness, and a deep sense of place.
Mauna Lani Resort is located on Hawaii Island's Kohala Coast, within the historic Mauna Lani resort area. The location is useful for beach time, golf, snorkeling, coastal walks, Waimea visits, Kona arrivals, and quiet Big Island days.
Mauna Lani stands out for its oceanfront setting, Hawaiian cultural focus, open-air spaces, and Auberge-style service. Guests choose it for a relaxed luxury feeling that suits families, couples, golfers, wellness travelers, and repeat Hawaii visitors.
Mauna Lani Resort is widely listed with 333 rooms, suites, and private residences. The mix gives guests choices from ocean view rooms to larger suites and residential-style stays with more privacy.
Rooms have a clean island style, private lanais, natural textures, soft tones, and views of gardens, mountains, or ocean. They work well for guests who want comfort, light, outdoor space, and an easy base for beach and pool days.
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