By Paul Rubio
The Beach Club at Mauna Lani, Auberge Collection.
PAST MEETS PRESENT
Spread across 34 coastal acres in Kalāhuipua’a—a sacred landscape of broad beaches, ancient fishponds, and lush gardens once reserved for Hawaiian royalty—Mauna Lani, Auberge Collection balances reverence with reinvention. Since a $200-million reimagining in 2020, the 1980s-era resort has reemerged as a modern icon that honors its past. Zoom out to see a zhuzhed-up take on its bold, modernist foundation—complete with an arrowhead-like blueprint that points toward the distant, northwesterly archipelago of Japan. Zoom in to find swinging sofas, meaningful murals, and sculptural woodwork, all anchored by a soaring atrium, a tranquil reflection pond, and even walls adorned with traditional outrigger canoes. Earth-toned rooms open to sweeping sea or mountain views, while native flora envelops tucked-away nooks that read more garden than hotel. Everything feels intentional—as if the land always knew exactly what travelers would one day be looking for.
A mural depicting some of the local flora and fauna adorns one of the lobby walls.
CULTURE BY LAND & SEA
Cultural immersion isn’t a property gimmick; it’s Mauna Lani’s core. Join Uncle Danny, the resort’s resident historian and knowledge keeper, for storytelling walks through Kalāhuipua’a’s sacred fishponds or Makahiki (Olympic style) games on the Great Lawn. At sunrise, paddle an outrigger canoe alongside guides who share ancestral traditions drawn from lived experience, not a hospitality script. “We are tomorrow’s ancestors,” says Keanu Ramos, a member of the Kainalu Pro team that oversees all of the myriad water-based activities. “We don’t own this place. We care for it. That’s our kuleana [privilege and responsibility]. And when we paddle out here each morning, we remember where we come from. This is how we carry our culture forward.” From this highly spiritual and moving experience at dawn to palm-weaving and hula dancing at the Surf Shack to ukulele performances at sunset, the stories of Hawai’i are always within reach.
The main pool offers endless ocean views, as well as plenty of space to play.
LAVA & LOUNGE CHAIRS
Set on one of the island’s most swimmable coves, the Mauna Lani Beach Club, reimagined in late 2025, is the property’s newest centerpiece. With nearly 200 seats, including shaded family pods, clamshell loungers, and halaus (cabana-style lounges), it’s built for all-day oceanfront living. A game zone with cornhole, a sand-toy library, and a roaming shaved ice truck gives kids space to play, while new food and beverage stations keep drink service snappy (and adults happy). Inspired by the island’s original beach clubs, this gathering place pulses as the resort’s heartbeat. The views ain’t bad either.
A taste of CanoeHouse, one of Mauna Lani’s five dining options.
MODERN CREATURE COMFORTS
Mauna Lani’s version of luxury skews ease over excess. Three pools, including a serene adults-only option, and a spa rooted in Hawaiian botanicals offer space to reset. The Goop store adds a dose of wellness retail, while seasonal programming keeps things fresh—look out for a Blue Ribbon Sushi pop-up at the Surf Shack this December. By day, sip Lani Tais (a spin on the classic Mai Tai) at Hā Bar and munch on sammies and salads packed with local greens. By night, let the ocean and sky take over. CanoeHouse sets the culinary tone with front-row sunset views and refined island cuisine like gochujang-basted grilled Keahole lobster and Kauai shrimp in garlic butter ponzu. Or opt for HāLani, whose Coastal Mediterranean menu rounds out the hotel’s culinary offerings.
Hire an outrigger for an ocean adventure you’ll never forget.
SPACE FOR EVERYONE
Romantic retreat or family affair? Mauna Lani makes space for both without compromise. The complimentary kids club (yes, you read correctly), Holoholo Kids Crew, is as enriching as it is fun, with tide pool explorations and hands-on crafts rooted in Hawaiian ecology and folklore. Families gravitate toward shaded beach pods and the nearby game zone, while couples carve out quiet corners across the property. Whether you’re seeking connection, solitude, or something in between, Mauna Lani offers space for everyone—never prescriptive, always personal, with the Big Island’s big energy pulsing through it all.
WHAT TO PACK
Heading to Hawaii this winter? We’ve gathered a few classic island essentials to take you from surf to suite.
Images courtesy of Mauna Lani, Auberge Collection
