A Reset at Mauna Lani on the Big Island

Getting there

The main airport on the island is Kona International Airport, which is about a 25-minute drive from the resort. The airport itself is entirely open-air, so don’t be surprised if you’re greeted with a bit of rain, but good to keep in mind as you’re navigating luggage or transportation.

Ubers were easy to find when we arrived, and the ride to Mauna Lani was quick and seamless. If you prefer extra peace of mind, you can always schedule one ahead of time.

Location

The resort sits along the west coast of the island, which means you’re perfectly positioned for truly remarkable sunsets. Being right on the coast, you can wander along the beach in either direction, though the paths only stretch about a mile or two.

Accommodations

The ocean view room on the west side of the property was nothing short of excellent. The room was incredibly spacious, and the balcony views were truly breathtaking.

The resort is large, but multiple staircases and elevators make it easy to get down to the pool and beach quickly from your room.

The property

The gym is worth calling out. It’s fully equipped, incredibly spacious, and includes a large outdoor training area that’s perfect for everything from strength workouts to yoga sessions in the Hawaiian breeze.

The resort also has a full-service spa available for guests, though I didn’t have the chance to try it during my stay. The property itself is large and offers many different areas to relax. There are two pools on the property, including an adults-only pool that sits far enough from the main family pool to feel peaceful and secluded.

Down by the beach, you’ll find plenty of comfortable spots to lounge and take in the view. Chairs at both the pools and the beach are first-come, first-served; no reservations needed.

Activities

The resort offers a wide range of outdoor activities, many of which are included with your stay. Bikes, snorkel gear, and paddleboards are available to rent daily at no charge, making it easy to enjoy the water whenever you want.

They also provide a full activity calendar, and you can sign up in advance for anything that catches your eye, some activities are complimentary, while others come with a small fee.

Dining

There are several great dining options on the property. HaLani serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with consistently delicious food.

• The open-air bar and the full-service restaurant are perfect for casual bites and drinks throughout the day.

• Canoe House is a standout dinner option and definitely worth booking in advance.

• For something quick and easy by the water, the Surf Shack offers a relaxed lunch right off the beach.

There are several off-property food options if you’re in the mood to explore beyond the resort. A complimentary shuttle runs to the Shops at Mauna Lani, a nearby center with a grocery store, a handful of restaurants, and places to grab drinks or snacks. If you’d prefer something closer to the water, Napua at Mauna Lani Beach Club is just a short 10-minute walk from the hotel and offers a beautiful setting for a meal right on the beach.

One of my favorite parts of the stay was the resort’s surprise pop-up events. We happened to be there for a fresh coconut experience, where a staff member cracked and prepped coconuts right in front of us so we could sip the coconut water straight from the shell while lying on the beach. There was a small fee added to our bill if you chose to participate in it, but it was such a fun and memorable moment that it felt completely worth it.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Big Island page.