Welcome to the Mauna Lani Resort on the Big Island of Hawaii! In this article, we will be providing you with a review of this stunning resort that is sure to captivate your interest. Our review is unbiased, as we were not paid or given any special discounts to stay here. As part of our series, we will also be offering itineraries, recommendations for accommodations, and tours and activities to make your Hawaiian vacation truly memorable. We highly recommend checking out activities like Manta Ray Night Snorkeling, Captain Cook Monument Snorkeling, and Farm Tours. Additionally, we provide free Hawaii Cheat Sheets for each Hawaiian Island. However, please note that while our content is informative and enjoyable, it is essential to be aware that engaging in these activities carries certain risks, and the user assumes all responsibility. Overall, our review of the Mauna Lani Resort is positive, highlighting its beautiful design and stunning location on the Kohala coast. The resort pays attention to every detail, ensuring that your stay is comfortable and enjoyable. It is especially family-friendly, with plenty of activities and amenities for children. While the quality of meals at the resort’s restaurants can be inconsistent, the energetic and fun atmosphere, beachfront views, and excellent service make the Mauna Lani Resort a top choice on the Big Island of Hawaii.
Reasons to Skip
1. Lack of water slides and splash pads for children
If you’re looking for a resort with exciting water slides and splash pads for your children to enjoy, the Mauna Lani Resort may not be the best choice for you. While the resort offers three main pools, including a baby pool and an adults’ pool, there are no water slides or splash pads specifically designed for children. This could be a downside if you have children who are looking for more thrilling water activities during their stay.
2. Resort fees
One drawback of staying at the Mauna Lani Resort is the presence of resort fees. Like many luxury resorts, the Mauna Lani charges nightly fees that cover various amenities and services. However, it’s important to note that only a portion of the listed activities are included in these fees. Approximately 20% of the activities offered each day are included, while the rest require additional payment. This might be a downside if you were expecting all the listed activities to be included in your resort fees.
3. Inconsistent quality of meals at hotel restaurants
While the Mauna Lani Resort offers multiple dining options, some guests have reported experiencing inconsistent quality in the meals served at the hotel restaurants. It’s worth noting that dining experiences can vary, and what one person considers exceptional, another might find underwhelming. However, if consistently high-quality meals are an important aspect of your stay, it’s worth considering this potential downside before making your decision.
Reasons to Stay
1. Beautiful design and vacation-like atmosphere
One of the standout features of the Mauna Lani Resort is its stunning design and the vacation-like atmosphere it creates. As soon as you walk into the resort’s lobby, you’ll immediately feel transported to a tropical paradise. The open and airy design, coupled with thoughtful aesthetics and attention to detail, make this resort a visual delight. Many guests have commented on the beauty of the resort and have even taken pictures and sought design inspiration for their own homes.
2. Comfortable beds, excellent linens, and practical amenities
Another reason to stay at the Mauna Lani Resort is the high level of comfort provided. The resort goes above and beyond to ensure that guests have a comfortable and enjoyable stay. The beds are reported to be extremely comfortable, allowing for a restful night’s sleep. The linens are of excellent quality, providing a luxurious touch. Additionally, the resort offers practical amenities such as laundry services and well-equipped rooms, making your stay even more convenient.
3. Convenient location on the Kohala coast with nearby beaches
The Mauna Lani Resort boasts a convenient location on the Kohala coast of the Big Island. This area is known for its beautiful beaches and luxury resorts, and the Mauna Lani is no exception. The resort is just a short drive away from stunning beaches like Hapuna Beach, allowing guests easy access to crystal-clear waters and soft sands. If beach activities are a priority for you, the Mauna Lani’s location is definitely a reason to consider staying here.
4. Super family-friendly with lawn games, green spaces, kids’ menu, and kids’ club
For families traveling with children, the Mauna Lani Resort is an excellent choice. The resort is highly regarded for its family-friendly amenities and activities. Kids can enjoy running around in the expansive green spaces, playing lawn games, and experiencing the independence of the beach entry or zero-entry pool. The resort also offers a kids’ menu at its restaurants, ensuring that young ones have plenty of options. Additionally, there is a kids’ club available for children ages 4 to 12, providing supervised activities and entertainment throughout the day.
5. Three main pools including a baby pool and adults’ pool
While the Mauna Lani may lack water slides and splash pads, it does offer three main pools for guests to enjoy. These pools cater to a variety of preferences and age groups. Families with young children can make use of the baby pool, which has a sand bottom and gentle slopes. The kids’ pool, a rectangular pool ranging from three to four and a half feet deep, offers a fun and social space for kids. The adults’ pool provides a tranquil escape for those seeking a quieter and more relaxing atmosphere.
Hotel Design and Atmosphere
1. Stunning beauty and vacation-like feeling
The design of the Mauna Lani Resort is truly stunning and creates a vacation-like feeling for guests. The resort underwent a massive renovation in 2019 and 2020, resulting in a visually captivating and luxurious atmosphere. With its open and airy spaces, guests can’t help but feel like they’ve been transported to a tropical paradise. The attention to detail and beautiful design elements throughout the resort make for a memorable and visually pleasing experience.
2. Transported to a tropical paradise
Walking into the Mauna Lani Resort, you’ll immediately feel a sense of being whisked away to a tropical paradise. The design and ambiance of the resort efficiently deliver a vacation-like feeling, emphasizing relaxation and escape from everyday life. The thoughtful selection of colors, textures, and furnishings all contribute to the overall atmosphere of tranquility and tropical bliss. It’s no wonder that guests find themselves taking photos and seeking design inspiration during their stay.
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Comfort and Amenities
1. Comfortable beds and excellent linens
A standout feature of the Mauna Lani Resort is the exceptional comfort provided to guests. The resort is dedicated to ensuring that every guest has a restful and comfortable stay. The beds are reported to be extremely comfortable, offering a perfect night’s sleep after a day of exploration or relaxation. In addition, the linens provided are of excellent quality, further enhancing the luxurious experience.
2. Practical amenities like laundry services
The Mauna Lani Resort offers practical amenities that make your stay more convenient and enjoyable. One such amenity is the availability of laundry services. Whether you need to refresh your clothes after a day at the beach or have some laundry to do during a longer stay, the resort has you covered. They also provide washers and dryers for guests to use, along with complimentary soap, making it even easier to take care of your laundry needs.
Location
1. Convenient location on the Kohala coast
The Mauna Lani Resort boasts a prime location on the Kohala coast of the Big Island. This area is renowned for its beautiful beaches and luxury resorts, making it a popular destination for travelers. With the resort’s proximity to Kailua Kona and the Kona Airport, guests have easy access to a wide range of amenities and attractions. Whether you want to explore the local area or simply relax on the beach, the Mauna Lani’s location offers a convenient base for your adventures.
2. Beautiful beaches nearby
One of the advantages of staying at the Mauna Lani Resort is its proximity to stunning beaches. The Kohala coast is known for its pristine sandy shores and crystal-clear waters, and the resort is just a short drive away from some of the best beaches on the Big Island. Hapuna Beach, in particular, is a favorite among both locals and tourists, offering a perfect spot for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the natural beauty of Hawaii’s coastline.
Family-Friendly
1. Lawn games and green spaces
The Mauna Lani Resort goes above and beyond to cater to families traveling with children. The resort features expansive green spaces that provide plenty of room for kids to run around and play. Additionally, there are various lawn games available, offering entertainment for the whole family. These family-friendly amenities create a safe and enjoyable environment, allowing children to engage in outdoor activities and make lasting memories.
2. Kids’ menu and kids’ club
Another reason why the Mauna Lani Resort is an excellent choice for families is its commitment to providing amenities specifically for children. The resort offers a kids’ menu at its restaurants, ensuring that even the pickiest eaters have something they’ll enjoy. Additionally, there is a kids’ club available, where children ages 4 to 12 can participate in supervised activities and engage in fun and interactive experiences. These family-focused amenities make the resort an ideal choice for families traveling with young ones.
Pools and Water Activities
1. Three main pools
The Mauna Lani Resort features three main pools for guests to enjoy. These pools cater to different preferences and offer a range of experiences. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing swim, a fun and social space, or a tranquil oasis, the resort has you covered. The availability of multiple pools ensures that there is something for everyone, regardless of age or swimming abilities.
2. Baby pool and adults’ pool
In addition to the three main pools, the Mauna Lani Resort also provides a baby pool and an adults’ pool. The baby pool is specifically designed for young children and features a sand bottom and gentle slopes. This makes it a safe and enjoyable space for little ones to play and explore. On the other hand, the adults’ pool offers a more peaceful and serene atmosphere, perfect for those seeking relaxation and tranquility.
Resort Fees
1. Only a portion of listed activities included
It’s worth noting that the Mauna Lani Resort charges resort fees, as is common in many luxury resorts. However, one potential drawback is that only a portion of the listed activities are included in these fees. Approximately 20% of the activities offered each day are covered by the resort fees, while the remainder require additional payment. If you were expecting all the listed activities to be included, it’s important to consider this potential downside before making your decision.
Service
1. Housekeeping going above and beyond
One aspect of the Mauna Lani Resort that guests consistently praise is the exceptional service provided by the staff. In particular, the housekeeping team is highly regarded for going above and beyond to ensure that guests have a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Guests have reported experiencing friendly and attentive service throughout their visit, creating a positive and memorable experience at the resort.
Conclusion
Overall, the Mauna Lani Resort receives a positive review and is recommended as a top choice on the Big Island of Hawaii. While there are a few reasons to consider skipping this resort, such as the lack of water slides and splash pads for children, the presence of resort fees, and the inconsistent quality of meals at the hotel restaurants, the reasons to stay far outweigh the potential drawbacks. The resort’s beautiful design and vacation-like atmosphere, comfortable beds and excellent linens, convenient location on the Kohala coast with nearby beaches, family-friendly amenities, pools and water activities, and exceptional service make it a standout choice for a memorable and enjoyable stay on the Big Island.
