6 Reasons to Plan a Summer Escape to Mauna Lani on the Kohala Coast of Hawai’i

Cultural Traditions and a Laid-Back Luxe Aesthetic Shine at This Big Island Retreat

With its five volcanoes, black-sand Punaluʻu Beach and verdant Waipi’o Valley, the Big Island of Hawai’i is considered an adventure-lover’s paradise. Families adore it too, and Mauna Lani on the Kona-Kohala coast is a dreamy destination for summer travels. From educational activities with the HoloHolo Kids Crew and talking story at Hale’ ‘I’ike cultural hub to its sparkling swimming pools, plush beachside daybeds and local cuisine, the resort, whose name means “mountain reaching heaven,” is a special place to make new memories together.

Connect With Nature on Land and Sea

Credit: Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection

Best Trip to the Kohala Coast of Hawaii — Credit: Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection

Back-to-nature experiences continue to top multigenerational vacation activity lists, and Mauna Lani is debuting a series of environmentally focused programs inspired by the land and sea this summer that allow the whole family to connect with nature. Meet pro watermen and women (plus sweet four-pawed host Mika) at the Surf Shack for guided outrigger sunrise canoe rides, snorkel trips, surf lessons, beachside yoga and underwater rock running with Kainalu Ocean Sports. Back on dry land, trendy pickleball is a resort highlight—improve technique with a clinic or join the Thursday-night league dedicated to America’s fastest-growing sport. Anyone age 4 and up can sign up for classes to hone their pickle skills at the award-winning Wellness Center & Tennis Club.

Get Into the Swing on a Championship Course

Credit: Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection

Touted as “one of the best golf courses to play in Hawaii” by Golfweek, Mauna Lani is home to two award-winning 18-hole fairways. Surrounded by mesquite forests and a natural lava amphitheater, goats keep grass on the North Course tightly cropped while the equally scenic South Course was rated No.1 in the U.S. by NBC GolfPass; its 7th and 15th holes are two of the most photographed in the world. Sign up for a morning lesson, then stop for lunch at The Clubhouse Bar before ending the day with a sunset golf tour. Families might prefer the nine-hole Wikiwiki course (wiki means “quick” in Hawaiian), which also enjoys spectacular Kohala Coast views.

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Cruise Mauna Lani’s Legendary Coastline

Credit: Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection

Anyone keen to learn about traditional navigation methods and the relationship between the ocean and native Hawaiian culture, a trip on Kalama Kai with Captain Ikaika Vivas—a Kaimū local who grew up sailing the Big Island’s coastline—is a must. Named for Queen Kalama Hakaleleponi Kapakuhaili and meaning “light of the sea,” the 42-foot powerboat can be chartered for bespoke snorkeling and offshore fishing trips. Set up the rods and cast for marlin and mahi-mahi or explore reef formations to spot moray eels, manta rays, colorful fish and green sea turtles while Captain Vivas shares tales of aloha and his sailing adventures. For larger marine life sightings, humpback whales and spinner dolphins migrate to Hawai’i during the winter months.

Talk Story with the Living Culture Team

Credit: Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection

Set on 32 acres of ancient oceanfront land that features the royal fishponds of Kalāhuipua’a and primordial lava fields, guests are inspired to take a deeper dive into the history, culture and heritage of Hawai’i at Mauna Lani with experiences led by the Living Culture team. Look for rock carvings made by native Hawaiians on a guided hike through the Puakō Petroglyph Archaeological Preserve, learn the ‘ukulele or string a tuberose lei during one of the resort’s cultural workshops at Hale’ ‘I’ike or the “House of Knowledge.” Every full moon, the Eva Parker Woods Cottage sets the stage for Twilight at Kalāhuipua’a music and talk story sessions.

Support Native Species With the Mālama Honu Program

Credit: Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection

The Green sea turtle, or honu, isn’t just adorable—it’s essential. As a keystone species, it helps keep seagrass beds thriving. But beyond its role in the ecosystem, the honu holds deep cultural meaning in Hawai‘i. It’s seen as a symbol of good luck and mana, or spiritual energy. Legend says the honu connects man, land, and sea. And at Mauna Lani, that connection is more than just symbolic—it’s hands-on. Since 1989, the resort has teamed up with Sea Life Park to raise hundreds of these gentle creatures. Hatchlings from the O‘ahu-based wildlife center grow up in the resort’s Honu Lagoon.

Guests can meet them and dive into their story through the Turtle Talk program, led by resident expert Pi‘i La‘eha. Then comes the big day. Every July 4, turtles ready for release return to the ocean in a heartwarming event called “Turtle Independence Day.”

Taste Regional Cuisine From Across Hawai’i

Credit: Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection

Mauna Lani keeps things deliciously diverse with five unique dining spots. There’s something for every craving and every moment. You can grab a quick bite or sip something smooth at The Market, a specialty coffee shop and deli. Or head to the Surf Shack, an easygoing all-day hangout perfect for flip-flops and fresh eats. But if you’re in the mood for a dinner that lingers in your memory, CanoeHouse is the showstopper. Local ingredients take the spotlight in dishes that blend farm-to-table freshness with Japanese flair. You can go à la carte—don’t skip the Kahuku Corn “Ribs”. Or, take the scenic route with the seasonal six-course “MY” Menu.

That menu, lovingly curated by Executive Chef Mark Libunao and General Manager Yuka Raso, is a flavor-packed journey worth every bite. While HāLani serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, breezy poolside Hā Bar is where to head for cocktails and light bites. After years of teaming up with top-tier purveyors and buzzworthy restaurants, the resort is cooking up something new. This Labor Day, it’s going all in with its very first food festival. The name? The Mauna Lani Culinary Classic. It’s a debut worth savoring—and let’s be honest, what better way to spend the holiday than with great food?

Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection
68-1400 Mauna Lani Dr
Kamuela, HI 96743
855.201.3179
@maunalaniauberge

Keri Bridgwater

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Keri Bridgwater is a freelance writer covering travel and lifestyle. Her work has been featured in Fodor’s Travel, Marie Claire, Matador Network and InsideHook, among other outlets and publications.