The Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows

I understand why families keep coming back here generation after generation. We met multiple families/couples who have been visiting the Mauna Lani for decades, and now that our first trip is complete, we can’t wait to return. Incredible stay from start to finish. From Jamie and team at the concierge desk, to Monica/jaymie and team at kids club, to Pono at the surf shack, we had an unforgettable stay. Property itself very well maintained from the pool to the beach. Kiddie pool is great - zero entry and sandy. Just adds to the fun. Entrance of the bigger pool has a long wide bench / shelf great for kids as well. We did not check out the adults only pool, unfortunately. Lobby is gorgeous and sets a perfect tone for the trip. Wide with expansive views. Airy, breezy. Nothing feels too far away / inconvenient to access. The beach and surrounding area are truly magical. Reefs abundant with life. Aqua blue waters, literally. Sea turtles sunbathing along the coast. It’s beyond picture perfect. We spent most of our days exploring the tide pools and wading around the beach. Water temperature is perfect. If it gets a little cold, just grab a mai tai (but watch out for that hypothermia)! On that note, the restaurants / dining experiences were fantastic - surf shack a pleasant place to grab refreshments and CanoeHouse just perfect for sunset dinners. Skinny Mai tais - let’s keep those going! Easy access to local shops in the resort area as well. Barely 0.6 miles from the front door to the local Foodland and Tommy Bahama. Great location for running/cycling as well. About 1.7 miles from the resort to the highway. Easy 4-5 mile loops if you make it to the villas or to the Fairmont Orchid on the other side. I will say, seeing those sunrises while wrapping up the morning runs - chef’s kiss. We are looking forward to coming back, and bringing more along for the ride!

My family has stayed at Mauna Lani three times over the years, and each visit has been memorable in its own way. What has consistently stood out is the warmth, hospitality, and sense of place that make Hawai‘i special. From the moment we arrived, we experienced that spirit of aloha. A Hawaiian concierge generously spent time with us discussing local manta ray tours and sharing a beautiful photo book, "Mauna Lani: Then and Now," as we reminisced about earlier visits to the resort. Throughout our stay, we also enjoyed authentic cultural touches such as listening to an elderly Hawaiian musician sing and play traditional songs on his ukulele during dinner at HāLani. The music was soothing and helped create the warm atmosphere that makes Hawai‘i feel uniquely welcoming. The highlight of every visit, however, has been the cultural tours led by “Uncle” Danny, and on our most recent visit in 2026, by Danny and his wife Anna together. Through their stories, knowledge, and genuine love for Hawai‘i, we gained a deeper appreciation for the island’s history, culture, native plants, and marine life. They bring the spirit of aloha to life in a way that no building, amenity, or renovation can. At the conclusion of our most recent tour, Danny and Anna treated our group to a spontaneous musical performance. Danny sang and played the ukulele while Anna danced hula. It was beautiful, authentic, and deeply moving. Moments like these create lasting memories and are the reason guests return. Danny and Anna's warmth, generosity, and ability to connect with people are extraordinary. They are not simply activity leaders; they are cultural ambassadors and, in many ways, the heart and soul of the Mauna Lani experience. They make guests feel welcomed not as customers, but as family. I hope resort leadership recognizes the tremendous value they bring, because they are among the strongest reasons we continue to choose Mauna Lani. The resort has evolved over the years, and there are a few features from our earliest visits that we still miss, including the oceanfront casual dining area, the interior fish ponds, and the fish feedings that families enjoyed. Even so, Mauna Lani remains a beautiful property with a strong commitment to Hawaiian culture and hospitality. I hope management will continue to preserve and expand the authentic cultural and family-oriented experiences that make the resort special and distinguish it from other luxury destinations. Thank you to Danny, Anna, and the entire team for another memorable stay. We look forward to returning.

The most amazing experience. We had a beautiful view from the room and it was very clean and loved the decor. Great atmosphere which was so peaceful and enjoyable. Service and food at the Canoe House and Halani were fabulous. Can't go wrong at the pool either, they had an adult pool and a family pool, so take your pick. The people stood out the most, they were so friendly and accommodating. Highly, highly recommend Mauna Lani.

Our young family of five with 3 toddlers had an exceptional experience. We were well taken care of from arrival to departure. The property is stunning and very family friendly. Kids toys available to borrow, children’s utensils and plastic cups at meals, kids club and a small pool for children. Abundant activities we took advantage of. The staff was really responsive throughout to take care of any special requests in a timely manner. We would definitely visit Mauna Lani Auberge again.

Location is incredible, beautiful views all around the property. Great atmosphere, traveling with wife and kids the vibes were high with other families around and I felt if it was just my wife and I the vibes were still great. There was so much space and places for adults to unwind away from the kids. Our room was elite with ocean front views, great shower pressure, kitchen area to stock snacks. Staff did a great job cleaning anytime we needed service. We travel often and have been around to a lot of great resorts, I can honestly say the service was up there as one of the top spots. I told the staff if they can add pizza to lunch menu and allow breakfast to be ordered a little sooner, then the place would be perfect. It pretty much is already but that’s just traveling with kids they definitely want their pizza sooner than 4pm lol.