The Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows

Simply amazing. Wonderful property. Very relaxed and open architecture with great flow to the whole place. Beautiful snorkeling right off the beach. Seriously fabulous food. Very nice rooms. Because it is only somewhat more expensive than other resorts on the island it is by far the best deal in terms of the experience you get. The service is truly excellent and thoughtful, the facilities look and feel luxurious and the vibe is everything you want in a relaxing and fun vacation.

Second stay at this property; returned because they offer extremely accessible casual and guided snorkeling options as well as beautiful grounds and historic fish ponds to explore. We stayed for 7 days. We spent the majority of our stay in an ocean front suite which was perfect, with a soaking tub overlooking the beach and soothing sounds of the ocean. I didn’t want ever want to leave! The resort grounds and design are gorgeous. Extremely dreamy and thoughtful atmosphere. The food is executed very well at HaLani, the Surf Shack, and of course at the adjacent Canoe House. The pools are beautifully designed. The addition of the swim up bar at the adults pool is fantastic. Drinks are creative and delicious. The price point is elevated which is reflected everywhere at this resort except in the consistency and disposition of the staff. We had some less than stellar interactions. That being said, there are plenty of extremely helpful and joyful individuals. I need to note that I deeply enjoyed my conversations with Kaz and Angel at the front desk, Jason in the spa, and Jingle and Rio at HaLani, among countless others whose names I am disappointed to not remember.

Mauna Lani is a beautiful location and lush setting. The rooms were clean and a good size. The staff was friendly and helpful. The location is ideal for families (there were a lot of young children around, which is not for everyone). We appreciated the available experiences on site, the large pool, and the ease of the Market for food, snacks and drinks. The main issue we had was noise - we were woken up multiple times due to talking and television in the neighboring room even though the occupant was not loud. You feel the proximity of other people. Overall, we would consider returning for a family trip.

Overall...great stay. Rooms are well appointed and renovated. Great resort for families. Would have been nice to take our adult kids to the adult pool for more serenity. The kids pool wad very loud. Canoe House was ok and very pricey, but that’s Hawaii. Land of the $24 drink.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ An Exceptional Experience Unlike Any Other Resort in Hawaii Our stay at Mauna Lani was truly unforgettable and, without question, one of the most special experiences we’ve ever had in Hawaii. We travel to Hawaii regularly and have stayed at many beautiful resorts over the years, but this was the first time we’ve ever felt such a genuine sense of community, warmth, and love throughout an entire property. From the moment we arrived, it was clear that Mauna Lani is something truly special. What impressed us most was the culture among the staff. Time and time again, we witnessed employees greeting each other with hugs, checking in on one another, and interacting like family rather than coworkers. You could genuinely feel how much they enjoyed their jobs, and that positivity radiated throughout the entire resort. It’s impossible to fake that kind of environment, and it elevated every aspect of our stay. The property itself is absolutely stunning. Every detail feels intentional, from the beautifully landscaped grounds to the open-air design that perfectly embraces the natural beauty of the Big Island. The resort somehow feels both luxurious and relaxed at the same time. It never felt crowded, rushed, or overly commercialized. Instead, it felt peaceful, authentic, and welcoming. The beach was another highlight, especially for families. The protected cove was ideal for snorkeling, with calm waters that allowed us to comfortably explore the incredible marine life. We saw colorful fish right from shore, and the conditions were perfect for both adults and children. It was one of those rare beaches that feels equally exciting and safe for everyone. For families with kids, Mauna Lani truly shines. There were so many activities available that our children were constantly entertained without feeling like they were participating in overly scheduled “resort programs.” The entire environment encourages families to unplug, explore, and simply enjoy being together. One of the things we appreciated most was how easy it was to slow down and be present. Whether we were enjoying coffee in the morning, walking the property, snorkeling at the beach, or simply relaxing and taking in the scenery, every moment felt intentional and restorative. Luxury properties are easy to find, but finding one with a true heart and soul is incredibly rare. Mauna Lani has mastered both. It delivers exceptional service and beautiful accommodations while also creating an atmosphere that feels deeply personal and connected. What sets Mauna Lani apart isn’t just the stunning setting or the amenities—it’s the people. The culture they’ve created is something other resorts should aspire to. By the end of our stay, we didn’t just feel like guests; we felt genuinely cared for. We will absolutely return, and without hesitation, this has become one of our favorite places in all of Hawaii. Thank you to every team member who made our family feel so welcome. You have created something truly extraordinary.