3 Best Hotels in Mauna Lani, Big Island

This first-rate resort overflows with tropical gardens, cascading waterfalls, a sandy beach cove, a meandering pool, a lagoon for the kids, and all the luxury amenities. All guest rooms have private lanai, and many have partial or full ocean views. Excellent on-site restaurants include the flagship Brown's Beach House, The Orchid Court, Hale Kai, Brown's Deli, and the outstanding Binchotan Bar and Grill. Guests enjoy the tennis center, the Spa Without Walls with private massage hales (houses) set amid waterfalls or on the oceanfront, and the largest and most impressive swimming pool among the resorts. The lavish Hawaii Loa luau is followed by a show that combines modern and Polynesian dance. There's lots of beach equipment to rent, plus rental bikes if you want to pedal to the nearby Shops at Mauna Lani. The beach has a protected cove ideal for swimming and wading, and the fitness center comes fully equipped.

Popular with honeymooners and anniversary couples for decades, this elegant Kohala Coast classic is still one of the island's most beautiful resorts, highlighted by a breathtaking, open-air lobby with cathedral-like ceilings, Zen-like koi ponds, and illuminated sheets of cascading water. Free cultural and educational programs include tours of the ancient petroglyph fields with the on-site cultural historian and enjoying an evening "Talk Story" session with a Hawaiian kupuna (elder). The hotel, recently renovated, also offers experiences for active guests, such as outrigger canoe paddling, beachside yoga, local mountain bike tours, and stand-up paddleboarding. Decorated in warm, contemporary organic tones reflecting the spirit of the island, the spacious guest rooms have ceiling fans, dimmer lights, and expansive private lanai; many have ocean views. The flagship CanoeHouse restaurant offers romantic dining by the sea, the Ha Bar and Grill serves light bites and cocktails, and Surf Shack dishes casual fare by the beach. Mauna Lani is known for its two golf courses (check out the iconic South 15th hole over the ocean) and award-winning spa.

Surrounded by the emerald greens of a world-class oceanside golf course, the private, independent, luxury condominiums at Islands at Mauna Lani offer spacious two-story suites, while Mauna Lani Point's villas are closer to the beach. In the former, the privately owned units, individually decorated according to the owners' tastes, have European cabinets and oversize soaking tubs in the main bedrooms. The latter are smaller but have better views and are steps away from the water. Both properties are a short distance from the shopping, dining, and gourmet groceries at the Shops at Mauna Lani.