Mauna Lani Resort -- Hotel Review

Natural Wonder
Nature and Nurture on
the Hawaiian Islands

South Course 15th hole

It's difficult to find someone who hasn't yearned to visit the Hawaiian Islands, but not everyone wants to check into a high-rise hotel in Waikiki. For a breath of fresh—and tropical—air, consider Mauna Lani Resort on the Big Island of Hawaii. Several types of accommodations are available from guestrooms and suites to villas and private bungalows. You're sure to find a space that suits you on these 29 acres teeming with spring-fed Hawaiian fish ponds, historic parks, preserves and caves.

The main hotel faces the Mauna Lani Bay and is built in atrium style with waterfalls, trees, plants, and fish and sea creature–filled ponds. Ninety-two percent of the 435 rooms feature ocean views and some feature views of the Mauna Kea mountains. Five free-standing bungalows offer the ultimate in privacy—not to mention luxury—with individual swimming pools and 24-hour butler service. The villas come with one, two or three-bedrooms, and are equipped with full kitchens, laundry facilities and daily maid service.

Oceanview guestroom	Mauna Lani Spa shower

Inspired by the local volcano and its snow-capped crater, "Fire and Ice" is the theme of the Mauna Lani Spa, an expansive facility with 25,000 indoor and 15,000 outdoor square feet of treatment space. The architecture and services draw upon the natural wonders of the area, including a 16th-century lava flow. Signature treatments include a lava flow body treatment, Kona mocha body scrub, calming cocanilla experience and ginger-honey therapy.

Matching the luxury of the spa is the sumptuousness of the resort's top-of-the-line dining experience, which includes a restaurant that has won accolades for its stunning location and Hawaiian Regional Cuisine. CanoeHouse offers ocean sunset views and a creative blend of East-West cuisine. As for the rest of the day, breakfast can be taken at the Bay Terrace, lunch at Ocean Grill and evening cocktails at Knickers Bar.

Hale Hoaloha Pavilion	Bungalow Lanai

Play golf on one of the resort's two 18-hole courses, or take part in the many other activities Mauna Lani has to offer, including classes in lei making, watercolor painting, flower arranging and hula dancing. You can also go on a fish-feeding or historic tour, or spend a day big game fishing or horseback riding. The Big Island offers many outdoor amusements created by Mother Nature herself. And those pleasures you can't find in the great outdoors, you will surely find inside the welcoming doors of the Mauna Lani Resort. This resort will be closed in September and October of 2009 for renovations. It will reopen on November 1st.

(Updated: 07/24/09 AR)