Mauna Lani Media Highlights

"The 333 rooms are now full of modern, upscale touches like textured wall hangings and minimalist yet inviting decor. I'm particularly struck by the location and the rich cultural history of the land. The property is exceedingly lucky to have Kahu Hanai (knowledge keeper) Danny Akaka presiding over the grounds." ~ Modern Luxury, March 2021

"As the travel industry confronts unprecedented challenges, resorts, hotels, and safari lodges around the world are rising to meet the moment, acting as beacons of resilience and hospitality for both guests and their local communities. For this reason, we’ve decided to bring back the iconic T+L 500 — an illustrious list that recognizes the 500 best properties in the world, as chosen by you, our discerning readers." ~ Travel + Leisure, February 2021

“I see our geographic diversity every day when I drive to work, and I can't help but feel happy,” says Bullet Obra, a Big Island native who oversees the roster of aquatic activities at Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection, including snorkeling and diving trips. Here are the secret surf spots and great coffee bars he frequents—that is, when he's not teaching guests how to stand-up paddleboard in the unspoiled waters off the Kohala Coast." ~ Conde Nast Traveler, February 2021

"A destination worth the hassle: Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection, which reopened on serene Big Island last year after a $200-million renovation that brought a modern, organic feel to the property. Cultural stewardship is important here—the 32-acre property was an aquaculture site for ancient Hawaiians—and Mauna Lani offers nature walks and workshops in lei-making, ukulele, weaving, among other activities sure to outshine the more pedestrian quarantine pastimes (see: breadmaking)." ~ The Wall Street Journal, February 2021

"Take underwater exploration to the extreme with Underwater Rock Running, the newest feature from the Mauna Lani resort;s Kainalu Sports program. Sync your body to the sea’s rhythm while undergoing this hypoxic challenge, which improves endurance and increases lung capacity." ~ Diablo Magazine, February 2021

"In an effort to screw my head back on (and do some business), I ran away to Hawaii this past weekend. Mother Nature (ocean swims, lava field hikes, whale watching) worked her magic on me, as did Mauna Lani's hospitality. The newly-renovated Auberge hotel pampered with morning green juices, white sand beaches, vibrantly chic decor, sunrise paddles, shooting stars from my balcony--plus the opportunity to wear cute dresses again!" ~ Le Catch, January 2021

"The land on the western-facing stretch of Pacific was once occupied by Kalahuipua'a Kings, who worshiped the central energy vortex created from the proximity to Hawaii's five major volcanoes and ancient petroglyphs. Today the spiritual and rejuvenating energy of the property is embedded within the wide-open natural sanctuaries, royal fish ponds, expansive beachfront, open-air restaurants, and private bungalows." ~ Fathom Away, January 2021

"Checking in to paradise: In the car, driving north along the Kona-Kohala coast, through the otherworldly lava rock landscape with the glistening ocean to the west, everything I had to do and did to get to Hawaii felt immediately worth it." ~ CNN, December 2020

"Beyond the normal nods to conservation made at luxury resorts — like eschewing disposable plastics — Mauna Lani goes the extra mile by maintaining ancient fish ponds that once fed islanders and operating the Malama Honu turtle program, in conjunction with Sea Life Park, a marine and wildlife center on Oahu." ~ New York Post, December 2020

"'A $200m reimagination of the property has created a one-of-a-kind experience for guests looking for a true escape this winter and holiday season,' said vice president and general manager Sanjiv Hulugalle. The resort is brand new, having just been recognized on Architectural Digest’s Great Design Awards 2020 and Conde Nast Traveler’s 2020 Hot List." ~ Hawaii Ahe, November 2020

"Mauna Lani reopens this fall. Stay in the modern, muted tropical rooms, or get more privacy in the two-bedroom residences, which have 4,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor living space as well as their own pool and spa. And partake in Hawaiian activities like outrigger canoe excursions to making leis." ~ Forbes, July 2020

"The Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection, is one reader favorite. “The ‘old Hawaii’ feel of the hotel is what has always brought us back,” said one guest. The resort ranked No. 2 this year, as the legendary Big Island escape also celebrated the completion of a top-to-bottom renovation and rebranding. A tropical-modern aesthetic anchors the property now, though the signature restaurant, Canoe House, still has the same iconic views of the Kohala Coast that have made it a favorite for decades..." ~Travel+Leisure, July 2020

"In 24 years of putting together this compendium of the latest and greatest industry openings, we’ve never published it in a year like this. Many on this list have had to, at least temporarily, close their newly opened doors. Even still, we are proud to unveil this selection of 76 hotels and 10 ships and sailings, whittled down from over 400 prospects. We know that right now you’re probably wondering when you’ll be able to take your next trip. When you do, we encourage you to use these exceptional openings and launches as your guide..." ~ Conde Nast Traveler, June 2020

"Hawaii born Danny Akaka Jr started as a gardenerat the Mauna Lani on the Big Island when the hotel opened in 1983, and he came to know a lot about the royal fishponds used for aquaculture on the property from 1200 to 1700 and the surrounding caves. So when guests asked about the history of the area, the concierge would say, “Go talk with Danny.” Following a complete renovation, the Mauna Lani reopened in January as an Auberge Resort (auberge-beta.kingandpartners.com/ maunalani; from $495)..." ~ 805 Living, March 2020

"After a $200 million, 15-month renovation, beloved Big Island resort Mauna Lani is back as the Auberge Resorts Collection’s first Hawaiian property. In addition to 333 guest rooms remodeled in driftwood tones, the resort delivers new experiences across its 32-acre grounds, including lomilomi massages from Hawaiian elders in the spa, twilight storytelling sessions, and free-diving training. Three new, sustainably sourced dining options, including a barefoot-friendly beach grill, have opened alongside the resort’s iconic beachfront CanoeHouse, known for its island produce and seafood. Doubles from $499, including breakfast daily and a $100 resort credit." ~ Virtuoso Life, April 2020

"Although the former Mauna Lani Bay Hotel was beloved by its loyal guests, the resort — which opened in 1983 — had been looking a little tired of late. Enter Auberge Resorts Collection, which just completed a yearlong, top-to-bottom, $200 million upgrade to turn this icon into a true high-end player on the Big Island. The new look at Mauna Lani is all about clean-lined Tropical Modernism inspired by the hotel’s natural surroundings, with plenty of hardwood accents, neutral tones, and artwork that nods to the island’s ancient culture..." ~ Travel + Leisure, February 2020

"Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection, which formerly was Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows, reopened in January after a $200 million redesign and revitalization. Changes include a revamped lobby area, a refresh to its 333 guest rooms, suites and private residences, and the addition of three new pools, a fitness center and spa. The resort also introduced new dining concepts and increased its focus on cultural and outdoor programming. Vice President and General Manager Sanjiv Hulugalle said in a statement that the property is “honored” to be included in the It List..." ~ Pacific Business News, February 2020

"Although the former Mauna Lani Bay Hotel was beloved by its loyal guests, the resort — which opened in 1983 — had been looking a little tired of late. Enter Auberge Resorts Collection, which just completed a yearlong, top-to-bottom, $200 million upgrade to turn this icon into a true high-end player on the Big Island. The new look at Mauna Lani is all about clean-lined Tropical Modernism inspired by the hotel’s natural surroundings, with plenty of hardwood accents, neutral tones, and artwork that nods to the island’s ancient culture..." ~ Travel + Leisure, February 2020

"This new wellness oasis on the Kona coast incorporates fresh local ingredients into the Honua Experience ($480), a botanical infused facial featuring Hawaiian salts and a gentle papaya-and-hibiscus scrub. A must for two is the LomiLomi Couples' Massage ($450/person), a rubdown that melts away tension with rhythmic kneading. auberge-beta.kingandpartners.com/maunalani for info." ~ InStyle Magazine, February 2020

"The most luxurious and atmospheric destinations to celebrate your love on the islands. Is there a better way to start your life together than holding hands and making plans with your toes in the sand? We think not. There could be no better location for this than Hawaii." ~ Marin Magazine, January 2020

"After a 14-month closure for renovations, the Mauna Lani, part of the Auberge Resorts Collection, reopened on Jan. 15 with a sleek, contemporary design. Gone are the man- made water features in the central atrium, replaced by understated hardwood flooring and artwork by Pow! Wow! artists and living room- style gathering spaces, including a Hale ‘I‘ike, or House of Knowledge that serves as a Hawaiian cultural center led by Danny Akaka, son of Hawaii’s late congressman..." ~ Honolulu Star Advertiser, January 2020

"Set on 32 secluded acres along the northwest coast of the Big Island, the newly renovated Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection, has all the trappings of a luxury ocean retreat. But Danny Akaka, Mauna Lani’s resident kahu hanai, or knowledge keeper, is the resort’s real treasure. Akaka grew up visiting the area and now leads a team of locals who help guests understand Hawaiian culture through ukulele lessons, lei making, and interpretations of ancient petroglyphs carved in the volcanic stone found on the property..." ~ AFAR, January 2020

"The Mauna Lani reopened Wednesday following a 14-month, $200 million renovation of the South Kohala resort property. Now featuring 295 rooms, 38 suites and five private residences on 32 acres at Kalahuipua‘a, Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection, will define 'a new era of experiential luxury on the Island of Hawaii...'" ~ West Hawaii Today, January 2020

"During a recent sneak peek of Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection, I learned how the reinvented Hawaii Island resort will shine a new light on the local culture, environment, food and spirit of hospitality. At the same time, it will preserve the best of its predecessor, Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows, by continuing popular experiences such as its sea turtle awareness program and tours of ancient fishponds..." ~ Travel Age West, January 2020

"This 333-room historic property just reopened under the Auberge flag, bringing a new level of luxury to its five distinct restaurants, full-service spa, and golden-hued beaches. Just don’t expect to plop down on the sand all day when aqua adventures abound. Try your hand at everything from surfing to scuba diving, prone paddle boarding to double-hull canoeing..." ~ Jettsetter, January 2020

"Sanjiv Hulugalle leads Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection as it reopens on Jan. 15 following a $200 million renovation..." ~ Pacific Business News, January 2020

"If balmy 80-degree afternoons aren’t enough of a draw to go to Hawai‘i this winter, Auberge Resorts gave us another reason: Its first luxury hotel in the Aloha State, the Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection, opens this month on the Big Island’s rocky Kohala Coast..." ~ San Diego Magazine, January 2020

"The Mauna Lani is a stunning Auberge resort only ten minutes south of the Mauna Kea, and is definitely worth a visit to the Kohala Coast if only for its raved-about restaurant, CanoeHouse, recently coming off a major renovation. Headed by Matt Raso, previously of Nobu Restaurants, he artfully plates island-inspired cuisine, everything from local-raised abalone to Big Island hearts of palm, in a breezy beachfront ambiance..." ~ Maxim, January 2020

"One of the most hotly anticipated Hawaiian hotels in years, Mauna Lani opens this January on a prime stretch of 32 oceanside acres along the dramatic Kona coast. Its name means “mountain reaching heaven,” and the hotel will field 333 guestrooms and suites plus five private residences. The five restaurants and lounges will include a beachfront Pan-Asian outlet called Canoe House and HaLani for casual daytime meals and Mediterranean fare in the evenings..." ~ Forbes, January 2020

"For many Hawaii loyalists, the Mauna Lani resort on the “Big Island” (officially known as the island of Hawaii) has long been a beloved mainstay, a Kona-Kohala coast go-to deserving of repeat visits. It’s location in the piko (center) of the island chain’s five volcanoes makes it an important center of energy to Hawaiians—and also a convenient 40-minute drive from the Kona airport..." ~ Condé Nast Traveler, January 2020

"Similarly, Hawaii’s new Mauna Lani will offer a “pre-arrival experience” when it opens in January, such as sending guests a customized, special-edition Arlo Skye suitcase enclosed with invitations for guided, stand-up paddleboard classes..." ~ Skift, January 2020

"On Hawaii Big Island, the all-new Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection is set to debut in January following a resort-wide reimagination and renovation." ~ Travel Pulse, January 2020

"This Auberge Resorts Collection paradise in Hawaii is opening this month and is now taking bookings. Mauna Lani has a cool, contemporary design with teak wood in abundance and open spaces with comfortable, inviting spots in which to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Inside the guestrooms, suites and private residences (which include private access to the beach, and their own pools and spas) expect the epitome of laid-back luxury with balconies offering ocean and mountain views, natural textiles and hardwood furniture..." ~ Luxury Lifestyle, January 2020

"Similarly, Hawaii’s new Mauna Lani will offer a “pre-arrival experience” when it opens in January, such as sending guests a customized, special-edition Arlo Skye suitcase enclosed with invitations for guided, stand-up paddleboard classes..." ~ BNN Bloomberg, December 2019

"After a sweeping year-long, $200 million renovation, Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection on the Kohala Coast of the Island of Hawaii is preparing to welcome its first guests. Set on 32 oceanside acres approximately 30 minutes north of Kona International Airport by car, the property offers three distinct pools, five restaurants, a spa and wellness center, menu of cultural, fitness and outdoor programs and a kids' club..." ~ Travel Weekly, December 2019

"After a $200 million dollar renovation, Mauna Lani reopens in January on the Big Island as Auberge Resorts' first resort in the Hawaiian Islands. The sacred land includes royal fish ponds, natural lava plains and lush tropical gardens. Adventurous guests can try open ocean swimming or heli-biking..." ~ USA Today, December 2019

"There's a new chef at the famed Canoehouse at Mauna Lani, an Auberge Resorts Collection on Hawaii Island. Matt Raso has taken over and is offering a new, locally based menu. He hails from multiple Nobu restaurants including the one on Oahu and in Miami. It opens on January 15, 2020, the same day as the resort that has reportedly undergone a $125 million renovation..." ~ Hawaii News Now, December 2019

"Opening on the tranquil, scenic shores of the Island of Hawaii, the newly-reimagined, family-friendly Mauna Lani Auberge Resorts Collection is set to debut in January 2020—as Auberge’s first in Hawaii. Boasting contemporary guest rooms and suites, five private residences, five restaurants and lounges, three pools, a signature spa, a wellness haven, active pursuits, cultural programming and an interactive Holoholo Kids Circle, families will want for nothing as they delight in panoramic Pacific views and revel in Auberge’s gracious service..." ~ Red Tricycle, December 2019

"Despite the eruption of Kīlauea volcano in 2018 and the subsequent tourism downturn, visitors to Hawaii’s largest island were never really in danger — the volcanic activity was limited to its east side, far from the resorts on the Big Island’s western coast. But now that the lava has stopped flowing, there’s new energy in the air. The island’s biggest resort opening in years is set to debut in January 2020 — a reimagining of Mauna Lani by Auberge Resorts, the first Hawaiian venture by the Bay Area-based luxury hotel brand..." ~ MSN & Travel + Leisure, December 2019

"If you’re shopping for a significant other, gifting a getaway is pretty much the be-all, end-all present. Mauna Lani Auberge Resorts Collection—on the Island of Hawai’i—is running a special package. The experience starts at $4,800 for a four-night stay in an Ocean View King Room. Enjoy guided standup paddleboarding for two, breakfast every morning at HāLani, and two limited-edition Arlo Skye x Mauna Lani Carry-On suitcases (shipped to your home prior to departure)..." ~ Men's Journal, December 2019

"Situated on royal lands along the Kona coast, Mauna Lani is a paradise of swaying palms, fish ponds and natural lava plains occupying 13 oceanfront hectares..." ~ Quantas, November 2019

"A former royal escape gets a contemporary upgrade with the opening of this 32-acre Big Island resort. From the locally sourced seafood and Hawaiian-art-adorned accommodations to the onsite Hale‘I’ike (“House of Knowledge” cultural center), nearly every aspect of the Kona property immerses you in island life..." ~ Forbes, November 2019

"Palm trees, natural lava plains and white sand beaches await at the Mauna Lani, which translates to "mountain reaching heaven." Set on 32 oceanfront acres, this getaway will reopen as part of the Auberge Resorts Collection in early 2020, following an extensive $200 million renovation that essentially created a brand-new property..." ~ NorthStar Meeting Group, November 2019

"On Hawaii, where a major opening happens only every 30 years or so, the landmark Mauna Lani has emerged from a $200 million renovation as part of Auberge Resorts Collection..." ~ Conde Nast Traveler, November 2019

"Closed since October of last year, the former Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows will officially re-emerge on Jan. 15 as Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection, following a $200 million renovation. At 333 fully redesigned rooms (down from 368, to boost room sizes and number of suites), this will be the largest hotel managed by Auberge Resorts Collection, based in Mill Valley and famed for its Wine Country properties..." ~ SF Gate, November 2019

"For Mauna Lani, our team is committed to building the best-loved resort in Hawai‘i. To do so, it is about creating an emotional connection – to the place, to the people, to the memories, but in a very approachable and organic style. Experiential programs and events are a key strategy for engaging with guests and developing these connections through bespoke experiences. For example, our team is developing a collection of special events to showcase Hawai‘i’s diverse and thriving cultural scene..." ~ Pacific Edge Magazine, November 2019

"The all-new luxury lifestyle resort Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection is set to debut in January 2020 on the Island of Hawaii following a resort-wide reimagination and renovation. The resort will open with refreshed contemporary guest rooms and suites, five private residences, five restaurants and lounges, three distinct pools, and a signature spa and wellness haven, as well as the property’s Kainalu active-pursuits program, Living Culture program and interactive Holoholo Kids Circle, all complemented by Auberge’s “intuitive and gracious service..." ~ Travel Weekly, October 2019

"Located on 32 oceanfront acres in Hawaii, the all-new luxury lifestyle resort Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection is set to debut in early 2020. Marked by fish ponds, natural lava plains, lush tropical gardens, and alluring beaches, Mauna Lani captures a distinct sense of place deeply rooted in rich cultural traditions. It will include 333 contemporary guest rooms and suites, five private residences, five restaurants and lounges, three pools, a spa and wellness center, and an interactive Holoholo Kids Circle..." ~ Ocean Magazine, September 2019

"The all new Mauna Lani resort is situated on sacred land on the Kona Coast. It is marked by royal fish ponds, natural lava plains, lush tropical gardens and alluring beaches, and will boast contemporary rooms and suites, five private residences, five restaurants and lounges, three pools, a signature spa and wellness haven..." ~ Forbes, September 2019

"Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection on the Island of Hawaii is encouraging all guests to get sporty with its new active pursuits program, ‘Kainalu Mauka to Makai Sports. This innovative recreation program is unlike any other in Hawaii, says the resort, and draws inspiration from Hawaiians’ ancient relationship to the sea. ‘Kainalu’, the Hawaiian word for ocean wave, means learning to ride life’s waves and tides with 'strength, grace and an appetite for fun.'.." ~ Travel Week Canada, August 2019

"Meyer Davis reinvented contemporary Hawaiian décor with modern floral motifs and koa wood furniture, all the while seamlessly integrating the hotel into the outdoors. This is most notable with the removal of the hotel’s front door." ~ Forbes Travel Guide