The hype
Guests are obsessed with the staff's warmth ('Aloha spirit is real here') and the aesthetic redesign, but value-for-money ratings take a hit due to high on-site food and amenity costs.
Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection
$850-1,200/ night
Book this if You want the ultimate 'new Hawaii' luxury vibe—think Goop-approved wellness, celebrity-grade privacy, and the best sunset dinner on the island.
Why People Love It
- CanoeHouse is legitimately one of the best dining experiences in Hawaii
- The 'Surf Shack' isn't a shack—it's a high-end activity hub with top-tier gear
- A rare swimmable beach with protected water perfect for families and snorkeling
Quick Take: It’s stunning and soulful, but be ready to pay $40 just to park your rental car on top of a $70 resort fee.
Reviewed by @vantagevisual: I usually hate jet lag, but waking up at 5 AM to watch the sunrise from my terrace at Mauna Lani was magical. It felt like I had the whole island to myself.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'Adults Only' pool is right next to the main family pool and restaurant, so don't expect dead silence—you will hear splashing and happy (or unhappy) screaming kids.
- You're a foodie who plans travel around dinner reservations (CanoeHouse)
- You want a modern, airy aesthetic rather than old-school dark wood Hawaiian decor
- You travel with active kids—the 'Holoholo Kids Crew' and calm beach are top-tier
Cleanliness & Maintenance
9
- Housekeeping: Daily service is thorough; evening turndown includes water and sometimes local treats.
- Bathroom hygiene: Immaculate stone and tile. No grout issues found in recent reports.
- Maintenance: Property feels fresh from the 2020 reno, though oceanfront salt air wears things down fast—watch for rusty lanai door tracks.
- Linens & towels: High-thread-count, crisp white linens. Beach towels are plush and plentiful.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells of fresh flowers and cedar; one isolated report of a musty shower drain in a lower-floor room.
Sleepability™
8SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Ground floor foot traffic
- Early morning bird calls (nature's alarm clock)
Before you book
Good to know
- Book CanoeHouse reservations 30+ days in advance—it sells out.
- The 'Resort Fee' includes snorkel gear, SUP boards, and laundry facilities (huge plus for families).
- You are technically in 'Kamuela' (the post office address), but physically on the sunny Kohala Coast, not the rainy upcountry town.
What to pack
- Reef-safe sunscreen (strictly enforced in Hawaii)
- A nice outfit for CanoeHouse (resort elegant, no swim trunks)
- Goggles—the snorkeling right off the beach is surprisingly good
Room Genie
Best picks
- Oceanfront Guestrooms (Top Floor) — Unbeatable sunset views and more privacy than ground floor.
- Ocean View Deluxe — often a sweet spot for views without the full 'Oceanfront' price tag.
Rooms to avoid
- Ground floor rooms near the main pool/CanoeHouse path if you value privacy—people will walk right by your lanai.
- Mountain View rooms facing the parking lot if you want to avoid car noise.
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would love a room on a higher floor (4th or above) to maximize the ocean view and privacy. Please avoid ground-floor units near the main walkways or pool deck.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the beach swimmable?
Yes, it's one of the most protected coves on the coast, making it excellent for swimming and snorkeling, unlike the rougher waves at nearby Hapuna.
How much is parking?
Self-parking is approx. $40/night. Valet is often not available or costs the same/more depending on the season. Check if your package includes it.
Is it adults-only?
No, it is very family-friendly. There is an 'adults-only' infinity pool, but it's visually close to the family areas.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, up to two dogs (max 30 lbs total) for a one-time fee of ~$250. They get a bed and bowls.
Is there a resort fee?
Yes, expect to pay around $70+ tax per night. It covers gear rentals, classes, and laundry access.
Does the room have a bathtub?
Most standard guest rooms have large walk-in showers only. You must book a Suite for a soaking tub.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Use the free guest laundry! There are clean, modern machines with detergent provided—a lifesaver for packing light.
- ✨
The 'Market' sells decent grab-and-go food if you want to skip a $200 lunch.
- ✨
Walk north along the shoreline path to reach the Fairmont Orchid if you want to mix up your dining scenery.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'Adults Pool' is beautiful but lacks a true sound barrier from the screaming kids at the main pool 50 feet away.
💡The in-room coffee is Nespresso, but the pods are sometimes stingily restocked.
💡You can spot sea turtles resting on the sand right at the hotel beach—give them 10 feet of space!
💡The drive to the actual town of Kamuela (Waimea) for 'local food' is 25-30 minutes uphill.
💡Day passes for the spa might not include extensive hydrotherapy circuits (sauna/steam) like other mega-resorts.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection is located and what's nearby.