The Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows

Location Great, good for families with small children, however not so much for couples! Resort needs attention and renovation even. Basic Service, Basic welcome! nothing to write home about!

Stunning resort with large rooms. The food was really good, although expensive. I gave 4 stars because we did not find out about the car and shuttle service until the last day when another guest mentioned it. The front desk hadn’t let us know when we checked in. The food prices felt exploitative, especially the beach bar that served what could only be described as hockey pucks for burger patties. I will say the breakfast is phenomenal. Loved the shackshuka but, again, pricey.

So this is my first TripAdvisor review and because of this stay at the Auberge I was so inclined to make an account and write a review. Earlier this year I stayed at the Auberge Goldener Hirsh in Deer Valley. First time with an Auberge property and I was blown away. I've stayed at many 5 star hotels in the US, Europe and Asia. The Goldener Hirsh was top level from the beginning. They knew our names, 5 star service all throughout our stay. Fast forward when we were planning summer and was excited that we would be staying at another Auberge. Already I was not really a Hawaii fan, the water color simply cannot compare to Bora Bora or Turks and Caicos where I was at in March earlier this year. Anyhow, we arrived at night and the check in lady wasn't super warm and when I asked if hotel was full she said it wasn't and I asked for an upgrade from Ocean View room to Ocean Front room (crossing my fingers to see if it would be my lucky 50th birthday). She said there was 7 of them and they're all unavailable. Oh well at least I tried. Next morning we wake up and open the windows and outside our balcony were palm trees and I see nothing else! Can barely even see the pool below us let alone the ocean. I proceeded to the front desk to asked to be moved and tried my luck again to get upgraded and was revealed there were rooms available but I had to pay. I decided against it but was taken aback that the original front desk agent wasn't telling me the truth! Throughout the stay, the staff just wasn't very warm or welcoming and seemed like we were bothering them. Especially a gentleman at concierge. He would say to me I'm very busy here when I was asking him a request to change dinner reservations. Isn't that his job to be busy? Felt like I was pestering him when I was simply asking polite questions. Everything was nickle and dimed. All the activities cost money and lots of it. I wanted to just shoreline fish with my boys and I couldn't borrow a fishing rod and had to sign up for an activity that is at $200 per person! For shoreline fishing!?!?! I saw some poor kids at the shore with a stick and fishing line so they could just fish for fun. The pool water was cloudy and dirty. I could barely see 5 feet in front of me. This is a pool!!! I also found a cockroach on the balcony one night when my wife and I were trying to relax outside and enjoy but that was cut short with that pest. We spend $800 on the luau and it was held behind the parking lot in front of a giant conference building. Super confusing at this level of hotel and the price we are paying this kind of make shift experience. I really had to shift my attitude on this trip so I wasn't picking apart everything. It finally dawned on me the hotel has over 330 rooms. The property really felt like a hilton with a Auberge name lipstick on it. The hotel is over $1200 a night, the food is super expensive, $30 drinks, dinners are $500+, activities are pay as you go, water quality isn't great, at best B+, not well trained staff, I would not rate this hotel hospital at all. I hope someone at Auberge sees this and manages a different property. Totally not worthy of the Auberge name. Save your money and go to Turks and Caicos!

Beautiful resort. So amazing and attentive. The staff was wonderful the rooms were clean and the vibes were so peaceful. The live music every night was magical. The food delicious. So wonderful.

Our time at Mauna Lani was truly one of the best experiences of both my husband’s life and mine. From the moment we arrived, every detail made us feel celebrated, valued, and genuinely cared for. Being welcomed with leis, receiving a beautiful ocean-view room, and finding champagne and a photo of Seth and me waiting inside made the beginning of our wedding stay incredibly special. Every part of our experience exceeded our expectations. Our accommodations were beautiful and comfortable, the food at both Hā Bar and HāLani was fresh and delicious, the drinks were wonderful, and the service across the entire property was exceptional. From the concierge and valet teams to the dining, pool bar, and resort staff, everyone was friendly, professional, attentive, and personable. We never once felt unseen or overlooked. Most especially, we cannot speak highly enough of Malia. She personally welcomed us upon arrival, walked us to our ceremony and reception locations, and supported us every step of the way. Her kindness, thoughtfulness, and attention to detail made us feel completely at ease during one of the most meaningful times in our lives. Mauna Lani is an extraordinary property, but it is truly the people who made our experience unforgettable. We will always be grateful for the care shown to us and for the beautiful memories we made there. We could not recommend Mauna Lani—or Malia—more highly!