The Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows

We debated between Mauna Lani and Four Seasons and are very happy we chose Mauna Lani. There’s a laid back vibe here that isn’t as evident at Four Seasons. The other guests here are friendly and the staff seems happy. Our Room (642) had a wonderful ocean view and a screened lanai that allowed the relaxing breeze to flow through. The bed was comfy and thread count was high. The adult pool was great and the service there was top notch. We did go to the Four Seasons Luau for my hubby’s bday and while it was kinda fun, I don’t think we’d do that again. Dinner at Four Seasons Uluu Restaurant one night was a highlight, however. You can take an Uber there. Complimentary bikes are a nice touch and we rode over to Black Sands Beach where there is world class snorkeling in that bay without the crowds of Captain Cooks. You can buy inexpensive snorkeling gear and water shoes at the market at the Mauna Lani Shops just a short bike ride away or you can rent at Snorkel Bob’s there. Highly recommend grabbing a smoothie at Juice 101 also in the shops. Oh, and hubby enjoyed the Pickleball Clinic. Only regret is we didn’t partake in the sunrise canoe ride. We’ll definitely have to come back and do that.

I was a hotel guest and had a deeply disappointing and disturbing experience during a snorkeling excursion with Kainalu Ocean Sports (which is Auberge's water sports program). What I witnessed went against basic marine conservation principles, and I was bullied by their staff (Nick) out in the open water during the sports activity. During our snorkel, I saw a staff member free-dove down, grabbed a coral and forcefully tried to use his mouthpiece to get something out from underneath. I asked Nick what his colleague was doing. Nick said he is trying to make the octopus release ink for guests' entertainment. When I expressed concern about stressing marine life, Nick at first said "this would not kill the octopus" and "it's just a tickle". After I told him this would stress the octopus and we should not touch marine life, Nick dismissed my concerns and became confrontational. Instead of acknowledging established guidelines about not touching or disturbing marine life (it's one of the PADI pledges), Nick said, "This is how WE do things in Hawaii" and "This is tourism." He also said, "We do this for kids so they can take a photo with an octopus." "There are farms that kill animals - don't you eat meat?" The situation escalated to the point where I felt unsafe and cornered in open water, with both the staff member and another guest becoming verbally hostile toward me. I stopped talking for my safety. For a luxury resort charging me over $1000+ per night and claiming to be committed to various conservation efforts (focusing on environmental sustainability and social responsibility), this behavior is unacceptable. The staff's actions violated basic marine life protection principles - an octopus releases ink as a stress response when it feels threatened. This practice not only harms marine life but sends the wrong message to children about our responsibility to protect ocean ecosystems. Also, guests should not be bullied by hotel staff, and they should not have to feel unsafe during a hotel activity, especially not in open water. I left the property feeling traumatized both by witnessing the harassment of marine life and experiencing hostile treatment from staff. I cannot recommend this hotel to anyone who cares about ocean conservation. Do not expect professional treatment from their sports activity team.

Great hotel! The food was great but not cost effective. Staff did an excellent job and was super friendly. Can’t wait to come back in the future.

Excellent stay; would come back again. Service, amenities, and experiences were all top-notch. Highly recommended.

If you don't mind paying $28 after gratuity for small piña coladas then you'll have a great time. The experience was A+ but the prices of food and beverages made it feel like White Lotus.