Mauna Lani Embraces the Return of Ho’okipa (hospitality) to the Island of Hawai’i

KOHALA COAST, HI. (Nov. 16, 2020) –  The newest luxury resort in Hawai’i, Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection is now welcoming back guests to its pristine beaches, awe-inspiring sunsets, sacred fishponds and restorative land once frequented by Hawaiian kings. Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection reopens on the sacred land of Kalāhuipuaʻa, a place of profound spiritual power and rejuvenation – which is more significant now than ever – with its wide open spaces, open-air restaurants, natural beauty and sense of discovery through authentic cultural experiences and outdoor activities. Guests are invited to explore the resort with a $1000 resort credit for a limited time, with the Mauna Lani Journey package.

“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.   “From dining under the stars with a warm ocean breeze at CanoeHouse to learning to surf with your children at our Surf Shack on the picturesque Mauna Lani beach, and watching the sunset on the veranda of one of our large suites or private residences, we are excited to relaunch the magic of this iconic property with safety and malama (care), celebrating the people of Hawai‘i, and connecting with our community.” 

The expansive property provides ample space for private, outdoor adventures, while five open-air restaurants offer a variety of local dining options, from locally sourced breakfast and Kona coffee from Halani to an oceanfront picnic at The Market, poolside tacos from Surf Shack and fresh catch with sunset views from CanoeHouse. Embedded within a natural sanctuary of royal fishponds, immaculate gardens, and an expansive beach, private residences, guest rooms and suites set the stage for transformative experiences.. The Great Lawn, an expansive grassy playground perfect for an impromptu picnic or vantage point for stargazing, connects the white sand beach to the resort’s three palm-fringed pools and multiple outdoor dining options. 

At the heart of the resort is the soulful Surf Shack, providing the setting for sunrise yoga through midday and freshly speared Kona kampachi tacos to the evening, where the island’s most meaningful sunset experience commences with the blowing of the conch. Home to Kainalu Ocean Adventures & Activities, Mauna Lani’s innovative approach to resort activities is a recreation program unlike any other in Hawai‘i. Guided by a team of world-class athletes and professional surfer Bullet Obra, guests embark on immersive journeys of self-discovery through paddling, diving and ocean pursuits, learning a new language for adventure and culture.

Anyone desiring to learn more about Hawai‘i’s remarkable history need only step into Hale  ‘I‘ike—the House of Knowledge in the resort lobby. Guests can pull up a chair here to “talk story” with Danny Akaka, the resort’s Kahu Hānai, or knowledge keeper. Affectionately known as Uncle Danny, he is a true kama‘āina, child of this land, who possesses a wealth of little known facts about Kalāhuipua‘a. Guests who sit down with Uncle Danny are rewarded with tales of supernatural eels, warrior kings, and his own adventurous canoe voyages.

Nourished by the Land and Sea

Mauna Lani’s culinary team works closely with local farmers, fishermen, ranchers, and food artisans to source the finest organic and sustainably harvested ingredients. At CanoeHouse, the resort’s renowned oceanfront restaurant, the talented husband and wife duo of Executive Chef Matt Raso and General Manager Yuka Raso, share their passion and welcome guests and locals to their “house.” The nightly 5-course ‘MY’ menu can be enjoyed privately on the ocean with the restaurant’s exclusive Barefoot Dinners.

 

The Auberge Spa at Mauna Lani offers a true farm-to-spa experience with all-natural treatments inspired by Lokahi (harmony and balance). The spa’s kuleana (responsibility) is to support sustainable practices, and honor the legacy of Hawai’ian farmers who care for the land. Treatments here feature authentic ingredients sourced directly from local farms, providing the best skincare and helping directly with reforest efforts and sustainable agriculture on Hawaii Island. Guests leave the Auberge Spa feeling the fulfilling impacts of an experience that gives to both your body and our island.

Late November 2020, goop, the modern lifestyle brand founded and helmed by Gwyneth Paltrow, is opening a permanent hotel retail experience at Mauna Lani – the brand’s first shop in Hawai’i. The 1,012 sq. ft. shop is located adjacent to the halau and will combine goop-approved favorites in clean beauty, wellness, athleticwear, and resort fashion with elevated beach essentials and one-of-a-kind pieces that provide an authentic connection to Hawai’i for travelers.

 

Five residences offer privacy and exclusivity 

Enjoy the ultimate privacy of one of the five exclusive Mauna Lani Residences. Spacious and sophisticated, these 4,000-square-foot residences become guests’ hale (home) away from home amidst indoor and outdoor living spaces. Each residence is named after a nearby mountain, and features two bedrooms, three baths, a private swimming pool and spa. Indulgent features like an outdoor rain shower in the private garden and a jacuzzi under the stars capture the essence of laid back, oceanside luxury.

Welcoming back guests with safety and malama (care)

Now that travelers can once again enjoy Hawai’i Island’s extraordinary natural beauty, open spaces, and signature hospitality, Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection warmly invites guests to visit safely and responsibly. “The health and safety of our community, team members and guests is of utmost importance,” says Hulugalle. “We are making it easy for our guests to get to Hawai’i so all they have to do is dream about their vacation.” The resort is the first in the state to partner with independent testing company, Vault Health. Providing guests a safe and easy pre-testing experience in the luxury of their home, this state-approved test taken within 72 hours of travels to Hawai’i provides an alternate to the 14-day quarantine.

For a detailed description of safely traveling  to Hawaii please visit gohawaii.com/travel-requirements. For more information on upgraded safety measures at Mauna Lani, please visit aubergeresorts.com/maunalani/.