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Bright Green
Why eco-friendly?
Named as one of the World’s Top Earth-friendly resorts by Conde Nast Traveler magazine, this resort really walks the walk. Mauna Lani opened 26 years ago and was on the case environmentally way back then. The resort has more energy generated through solar than any other luxury resort in the world, drought resistant grass is used on the golf course, gray water is used throughout the resort, and the “Epicuran 808” menu sources food harvested within a radius of 100 miles of the resort. Perhaps the most stunning eco-aspect of Mauna Lani is their green sea turtle program, where they raise juvenile turtles in the resort’s saltwater ponds until they are old enough to be released into the wild.
We love…
the fact that despite its size, Mauna Lani feels so warm and friendly that you immediately feel as though you are part of their large family. We met so many returnees – one family who was on their 30th visit! This resort is a perfect blend of luxury meets eco. Around every single corner, from staff and guests, you’ll see huge beaming smiles and no wonder!
We don’t love…
it’s really hard to find any negatives about this resort – the only downside is having to leave!
Mom’s POV:
Don’t feel you’ve got to totter around in a fancy bikini and designer sunglasses. The resort has a lovely low-key/family feel to it. You might need a couple of dresses if you decide to go to the fantastic Canoe House Restaurant, where you totally need to come off any diet you might be on! You’ll live in sandals or flip- flops most of the time, but also bring some birkenstocks (or similarly unglamorous footwear), as you’ll get a lot of great exercise walking from one bay to the other.
Great hairdryer, so no need to bring your own and they do provide really lovely shampoo/conditioner/body lotion in eco-friendly bottles in your bathroom. Fantastic shower and a super comfortable bed. Love that virtually every room has an ocean view, so you totally go to sleep with the sound of lapping waves. If you’re in need of a bit of deep healing, there’s a very unique water treatment, where you get to float in a natural lava pool, while a therapist gently stretches and massages you – The “Watsu” treatment is simply heavenly.
Dad’s POV:
On site dive shop ( Mauna Lani Sea Adventures), great Dive master and good equipment. The diving in and around the area is fantastic. Golf Course and Tennis facilities are top notch and yoga classes for beginners. The cove is the Perfect beach for teaching small children to snorkel. Snorkels, fins, and wet suits are free aat the hotel beach shack, inexpensive to hire from the dive shop. Plenty of space in and around resort so you never feel crowded. Never have to dress up, except for Canoe House Restaurant, which is not only the most romantic setting imaginable, but also has an awesome wine list.
Kid’s POV:
Breakfast buffet to die-for! Streams and ponds all around the resort make it great fun to see fish and turtles up close. The atrium of the hotel is like a large botanical garden that you can hang in all day. Loads of kids on both beaches, so there’s always someone to join in with. The juvenile turtle program is awesome!
