Travel FAQs | Auberge Collection’s Mauna Lani

Before You Decide

• Before committing to a stay, it helps to sense how Mauna Lani feels beyond what appears on a booking page. The questions that follow offer an impression of the rhythm, atmosphere, and values that shape time on the Kohala Coast, and how land, culture, and pace come together in a setting that is quietly distinct within Hawaiʻi.
• What kind of resort is Mauna Lani?
  Mauna Lani is an oceanfront resort on Hawaii Island’s Kohala Coast, set on sacred Hawaiian land with ancient fishponds and petroglyph fields. The resort offers 333 rooms, suites, and private residences across a property that feels both expansive and grounded in Hawaiian culture. This is not a party resort. Mauna Lani draws its energy from the land itself, with two protected beaches, a Living Culture program woven into daily life, and a calm that is hard to find elsewhere in Hawaii. It is consistently recognized by Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler among the best resorts in the state. For guests looking for depth over flash, this is the place.
• What do first-time guests often underestimate about Mauna Lani?
  Many guests are surprised by how strongly Mauna Lani is shaped by the land itself. Ancient lava fields, preserved fishponds, and open-air design create a setting that feels deeply connected to nature and Hawaiian history. The calm, swimmable cove (often home to sea turtles) feels more like a natural sanctuary than a typical resort beach. Guests frequently say they didn’t expect Hawaiʻi to feel this quiet, expansive, or culturally grounded.
• Is Mauna Lani good for couples?
  Yes. Mauna Lani gives couples natural privacy without feeling isolated, thanks to the scale of the property. The Adult Pool offers a quieter retreat, and oceanfront suites and private residences come with private pools for true seclusion. For evenings, CanoeHouse is one of Hawaii’s most romantic dining experiences, set right on the ocean. The spa offers Hawaiian healing rituals designed for two, and the sunrise canoe paddle is the kind of shared experience guests talk about for years. Sunset spots are everywhere, from the fishponds to the beach.What couples often love most are the unprogrammed moments: morning walks through the fishponds, afternoons at the Adult Pool or Beach Club, and sunsets that linger without feeling rushed. The Sunrise Canoe Paddle, couples treatments at the spa, and private dining create connection without spectacle, which is what makes time here feel intimate.
• Is Mauna Lani family-friendly?
  Yes. Mauna Lani calls itself a resort for the generations, and it delivers. The Holoholo Kids Crew program is complimentary for ages 5 to 12, with reservations recommended. Children 18 and under stay free in their parents’ room. Three pools, children’s menus at all restaurants, and babysitting services round out the basics.What sets Mauna Lani apart for families is the cultural programming. Kids can visit ancient fishponds, learn lei making, and try hula, experiences that genuinely mean something. Kainalu Ocean Sports keeps older kids busy with snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, and surfing lessons on protected Pauoa Bay.
• What’s the difference between rooms, suites, and residences at Mauna Lani?
  Mauna Lani’s accommodations span four tiers. Guest rooms go up to 667 square feet with a furnished lanai. Suites expand to 1,807 square feet with separate living areas. Oceanfront Suites offer one or two bedrooms with up to three private lanais and direct ocean views. At the top, Residences deliver 4,000 square feet across two bedrooms and three bathrooms, with a private pool, spa, and gated driveway. The Lani Estate is the most expansive option on property. Every category includes lanai space, because in Hawaii, the outdoors is the room.
• What does the resort fee include at Mauna Lani?
  Mauna Lani charges a resort fee of approximately $60 per night. It includes daily yoga classes, snorkel and stand-up paddleboard equipment, golf club rentals, the Wikiwiki Course and driving range, tennis and pickleball courts, bicycle use, 24-hour pool and fitness center access, Living Culture activities, Holoholo Kids Crew, resort shuttle service, high-speed internet, and in-room coffee, tea, and water. The cultural activities alone, from fishpond tours to lei making, would cost extra at most resorts.
• What is there to do at Mauna Lani?
  More than most guests fit into one trip. On the water: two protected beaches, snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, surfing, a signature Sunrise Canoe Paddle, seasonal whale watching, and excursions aboard the 42-foot Kalama Kai. On land: championship golf, tennis, pickleball, cycling, and hikes to the Puʻako Petroglyph Preserve. Cultural offerings include fishpond visits, lei making, hula, and storytelling. Wellness options range from the spa and Hawaiian healing treatments to daily yoga and meditation. Dining at CanoeHouse and the Beach Club anchors most days.
• When is the best time to visit Mauna Lani?
  Any time. The Kohala Coast has remarkably consistent weather year-round, typically sunny and dry with temperatures in the 70s and 80s. Winter brings whale watching from December through March. Spring and fall offer fewer crowds, while summer delivers the calmest ocean conditions for snorkeling and paddling. Thanks to its leeward location, Mauna Lani receives more sunshine and less rain than most areas in Hawaii.
• How do I get to Mauna Lani?
  Fly into Kona International Airport (KOA). Mauna Lani is a 25 to 30 minute drive north along the Kohala Coast. The Pre-Arrival team can arrange private transportation. A rental car is helpful for exploring the Big Island but not required for enjoying the resort, as a complimentary shuttle services the Mauna Lani Resort area.
• What makes the Kohala Coast different from other parts of Hawaii?
  The Kohala Coast sits on the dry leeward side of Hawaiʻi Island, which means more sun, less rain, and a dramatically different landscape from Maui or Waikīkī. Black lava fields meet white sand beaches and bright blue water, creating a quieter, more elemental feel. Ancient royal fishponds and extensive petroglyph fields ground the experience in history, giving the region an energy that feels spacious, calm, and culturally rooted.

Before You Arrive

• The journey to Mauna Lani is intended to feel unhurried and intentional. A bit of thoughtful preparation allows arrival to feel calm and seamless, creating space to settle in fully and begin experiencing the resort without distraction.
• Should I rent a car at Mauna Lani?
  It depends on how you want to spend your time. For guests staying on the resort, a car is not necessary thanks to the complimentary shuttle that covers the resort area. For guests who want to explore Hawaii Island, a car opens up day trips: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is about 2.5 hours south, Hilo’s farmers markets are two hours east, and Kona coffee farms are 30 minutes down the coast. Book early, as rental car availability fluctuates.
• What should I pack for Mauna Lani?
  Casual resort wear for daytime, and guests live in it. The Kohala Coast is warm and dry year-round, so pack light fabrics, multiple swimsuits, and reef-safe sunscreen, which is required by Hawaii state law. Comfortable walking shoes are worth bringing for the petroglyph trails and property paths. Light layers help for evening ocean breezes, especially in winter months. CanoeHouse calls for smart casual at dinner, nothing formal but a step up from beachwear. Snorkel gear is provided through the resort fee, though bring your own if you have a preferred mask. A hat and good sunglasses are essentials, not extras.
• Can I bring my dog to Mauna Lani?
  Yes. Mauna Lani is pet-friendly. Service dogs are always welcome. For other dogs, the resort charges a $250 deep cleaning fee per stay. Pet amenities include dog beds and water bowls in your room. Dogs must remain on leash while on the property. Contact the Pre-Arrival team when booking to confirm pet arrangements and discuss any specific needs. Hawaii has strict animal import requirements, including rabies documentation, so check the state’s guidelines well ahead of your trip.
• Can I text the hotel for assistance?
  Yes. Once you’ve checked in, you can text Mauna Lani directly at 808.731.1602 for anything from restaurant reservations to extra towels. The concierge and front desk are also available around the clock by phone or in person. Housekeeping visits twice daily unless you request otherwise. For pre-arrival planning, the Pre-Arrival team handles everything from airport transfers to special occasion arrangements before you land. Reach out early, especially for private dining, bespoke experiences, or Holoholo Kids Crew reservations.
• Are there spa fees beyond treatment costs?
  A 22% service charge is added to all spa treatments and distributed to the spa team. There is no separate spa access fee when you book a treatment. The spa features Hawaiian healing rituals, a watsu pool, meditation pavilion, and outdoor treatment spaces. Popular treatments, especially couples sessions, should be booked early.

Once You’re Here

• Life at Mauna Lani unfolds gradually through daily rituals and moments of discovery. The questions ahead reflect what guests often begin to notice once they are here, and offer a sense of how days naturally take shape and what it feels like to move through this place with time and presence.
• How do the cultural experiences work at Mauna Lani?
  Hawaiian culture at Mauna Lani is woven into daily life rather than presented as a scheduled performance. Living Culture activities are included in the resort fee and run throughout the week, led by cultural practitioners with deep ties to the island. Offerings include fishpond tours, lei making, hula, and storytelling in settings that feel personal rather than theatrical. The ancient loko iʻa (fishponds) and the Puʻako Petroglyph Preserve are also open for self-guided exploration.
• Are there cultural considerations guests should be aware of?
  Yes. Cultural sites such as the fishponds and petroglyph fields are living traditions rooted in the land and cared for by the local community. Guests are encouraged to explore with respect and curiosity, viewing these places as part of an ongoing cultural legacy rather than attractions or exhibits.
• What are the best beaches at Mauna Lani?
  Pauoa Bay is Mauna Lani’s primary beach, a protected crescent of white sand where sea turtles are regular visitors. The water is calm enough for comfortable swimming and snorkeling most of the year. The Beach Club sits right here, serving food, drinks, and occasional live music, which makes it the social center of the resort during the day. The Kainalu Watersports Surf Shack is the starting point for equipment and ocean activities. A second beach area offers more seclusion for guests who prefer quiet. Both beaches benefit from the Kohala Coast’s protected position, which keeps conditions gentler than the island’s windward shores.
• What’s the kids’ program like?
  The Holoholo Kids Crew is complimentary for children ages 5 to 12 and runs scheduled sessions throughout the week. Reservations are recommended, since Hawaii state staffing ratios limit group size. Email [email protected] or call 855.550.5008 to book. There’s a 48-hour cancellation policy with a $100 fee for late cancellations. Activities are grounded in Hawaiian culture and the natural environment, giving kids more than supervised playtime. All restaurants at Mauna Lani offer children’s menus. For children outside the 5 to 12 age range, the concierge can arrange babysitting services. Families with teens will find plenty to keep them engaged through Kainalu Ocean Sports and the resort’s outdoor activities.
• Can I arrange private dining or special experiences?
  Yes, and this is one of the strengths of the property. The Pre-Arrival team and concierge can arrange private beachside dinners, bespoke cultural experiences, and custom itineraries tailored to your interests. The Kalama Kai, Mauna Lani’s 42-foot Yellowfin, is available for private boat charters along the Kohala Coast. Guests in Residences receive a dedicated Guest Experience team and a signature Sunrise Canoe Paddle for up to six guests. For celebrations, anniversaries, or proposals, reach out to the Pre-Arrival team early. The best private experiences at Mauna Lani take advantage of the setting: sunset dinners by the fishponds, sunrise on the water.

Mauna Lani as Your Travel Destination

• Taken together, these questions offer a clearer sense of Mauna Lani as it truly is. Not a checklist of amenities, but a place shaped by land, culture, and time, inviting guests to slow down and settle into a rhythm that feels both natural and rare.

Stay at Mauna Lani