Mauna Lani, Auberge

Without a doubt, this is one of our favorite resorts in Kohala. A $200 million renovation in 2018 took this already outstanding resort to the next level when it was acquired by Auberge Resorts Collection and reopened in 2020. As soon as you walk in, you are greeted by the magnificent atrium around which the building is centered. Palm trees and flowing pools stocked with fish create an instantly calming atmosphere. The ancient Kalahuipuaʻ fishponds are fantastic to wander through, and the Mauna Lani Auberge deserves high marks for the way they’ve incorporated the resort into the richly historic area.

The resort itself is open to the air yet shielded from the sun. Right away, you notice something different. The staff here is exceptionally accommodating, which results in a resort that goes all-out for a full experience (including making their own honey and hot sauce).

The entire resort fronts two sandy beaches—one quite protected, the other less so. The beaches aren’t as good as Mauna Kea’s beach, but the rest of the resort more than makes up for it. Watching the sunset from here (with an optional beverage) is unforgettable.

They offer a combination of guest rooms (all with lanais) and suites. Their 2-bedroom private residences all come with a private pool and spa. They also have a 5-bedroom “Lani Estate” that sleeps up to 15 people and comes with about everything you could imagine and more, including an infinity pool and complimentary golf cart usage during your stay. All rooms throughout the property use understated natural colors and décor, comfortably blending the outside with the inside.

But wait! There’s more! On property are a number of places to eat, including the fantastic CanoeHouse. They’ve also added a lu‘au, just because they really wanted to outdo themselves. On any given day you can find live music or other happenings like artisanal markets, cultural celebrations, and more. 

They have an onsite spa that has the most Hawaiian atmosphere of any spa on the island. Parts of it are outdoors with lava boulder walls surrounding thatched-roofed booths—very cool. It even includes a lava sauna, outdoor bath and unique treatments you won’t find elsewhere. You’ll also find a fitness center, sports club and tennis courts. They have an adult pool and a sandy-bottom keiki pool (in case your kids want the beach experience without the inconvenience of waves).

Speaking of kids, they also have their complimentary Holoholo Kids Crew where you can drop off your 5- to 12-year olds for tide-pooling, fishing, gardening and more while you hang out at one of the pool cabanas and order a poolside cocktail.

Guest rooms are 520–667 sq. ft., suites 1,100–4,000 sq. ft., 5-bedroom suite is 6,000 sq. ft.