Seclusion, Sunshine & ServiceHawaii’s Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalowsby Valerie SummersHawaii, the biggest island in the most secluded archipelago in the world, is a place where stars spill from the heavens, waves fall rhythmically onto white and black sand beaches, and sea turtles and dolphins frolic in the bay. Birthed from a sea of volcanoes, Hawaii was settled by Polynesian voyagers who arrived in swift canoes from across the Pacific. They became one with the land, praising their gods and goddesses and instilling a benevolent culture that is known today as the spirit of paradise, and all who come to Hawaii’s shores feel its power to replenish their souls.
Guests arriving at the Kona International Airport are immediately whisked away by limousine for a brief 25 minute ride to the hotel. Surrounded by in incredibly diverse island, The Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows offers a private refuge to its guests. Five volcanic peaks are ringed by a lei of sandy beaches embracing verdant valleys sparked with cascading waterfalls and fertile farms rich with orchids, macadamia nut and Kona coffee plantations. Upon arrival, guests are greeted by the spirit of Aloha and the hotel’s concept of Absolute Care. The indoors of the hotel melds seamlessly with the outdoor as guests view the inviting pool area, ocean, palm trees and blue skies through the lobby’s atrium filled with trees, plants, waterfalls and ponds.
Whether a nature lover, artist, athlete or aesthete, the Mauna Lani offers its guests a plethora of options. Big Island artists feature twice-weekly watercolor demonstrations. A class in Hawaiian floral arrangement teaches techniques incorporating bouquets from island flowers and plants. Classes in Hawaiian crafts are provided throughout each week. Those actively inclined may start the day with aerobic exercises and yoga and go on to hiking through lush forests, horseback riding on the Parker Ranch, the world largest privately owned ranch or sports fishing. Any and all water sports can keep guests splashing around all day whether snorkeling, scuba diving, swimming, sailing, or windsurfing. For guests with a penchant for scuba diving, the underwater terrain offshore from the hotel consists predominantly of reefs with lava tubes, caves, canyons, coral heads, ridges and valleys. Through Mauna Lani Sea Adventures, guests can work with PADI and NAUI certified instructors to get their scuba certification. Back on land, two championship seaside golf courses deliver a world class challenge against a dramatic landscape. The Racquet Club serves tennis players on plexi-paved courts. Or…..just relax under a palm tree on the white sandy beach or do the spa thing. From Watsu to Hot Rocks, consultations on wellness and soothing seaside massages, the hotel’s spa program involves mind, body and spirit to provide just the healing touch in an already spiritual environment. For an unusual evening activity, every month when the full moon rises, the hotel offers a special treat to its guests, an enchanted evening of storytelling and entertainment on the lawn of the resort’s oceanfront Eva Parker Woods Cottage. Hotel guests, Hawaii residents and hotel employees and their families are all welcome to join Danny Akjaka, an on-staff Hawaiian Historian, for Twilight at Kalahuipua’a. Whether on a honeymoon, a family vacation, a sportsman’s holiday or seeking a much need rest, the magic of the Big Island and the attentiveness of the hotel’s staff, makes the very private, luxurious Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows a favorite getaway for guests from all over the world. For information:Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows |
|
TM
There is one very special place along the Kohala Coast known as the Mauna Lani Resort and within this 3,200 acres, adjacent to The Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows, are the ancient ponds of Kalahuipua’a. An area rich in Hawaiian history, it is the birthplace and playground of legendary kings and queens. Today, kings and queens of Hollywood including Steven Spielberg Kevin Costner, Danny DeVito and Billy Crystal often retreat to this oasis for R&R. They usually hide out in one of the five 4,000 square foot Bungalows, each with a private swimming pool, where butlers provide every imaginable service. This is not just a place for celebrities. All guests are treated with great care which begins from the moment they land in Hawaii.
Of the 350 luxury rooms, 92% feature ocean views and 27 guest accommodations view Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. There is not a bad view anywhere on the premises. The beautifully appointed rooms are decorated in cool tones of white and beige and are more than 600 square feet in size including a private lanai. Guests are provided with every amenity imaginable.
Home of the annual Cuisines of the Sun, a gastronomic festival, the Mauna Lani offers a choice of five restaurants including the open air, gourmet CanoeHouse. This oceanfront signature dining venue features the Pacific Rim cuisine of Chef Pat Saito and has been touted as the island’s finest restaurant. The other restaurants include the al fresco Bay Terrace with its American regional cuisine, the informal Ocean Grill, the oceanfront Beach Club, The Gallery Restaurant and Knickers Bar and Lounge at the golf clubhouse. There is also in-room dining and the after-hours Honu Bar where fine whiskies and fine cigars mix with table games and good conversation into the wee hours.