Located about 45 minutes north of the Kona International Airport in Keahole, The Mauna Lani Bay Hotel was a great group hotel! It’s a quick, easy drive from the airport on the same road as the Iron Man competition takes place. The road is not quite what you would expect of Hawaii; it’s all black lava rock but scattered with white coral. A lot of people write messages or logos with the coral; a fun way to literally leave your mark in Hawaii. But remember, don’t take the lava rock from the island; it will bring you bad luck, according to legend. So after 35 minutes of driving through what looked like desert, and 10 minutes on the road beyond the Shops at Mauna Lani, I arrived at the beautiful green landscaping of the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel.
Top 10 reasons I liked the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows:
- The large circular driveway and entrance is very welcoming; not to mention the super hospitable doormen. Some of the best I have met and worked with so far this year!
- The hotel runs a shuttle service: the spa is about a half mile away, the golf course is about 1 mile away and the shops, as I mentioned previously, are about 10 minutes away. I noticed there was never a wait time longer than 5 minutes, which is great for guests; they are very reliable.
- Hotel check-in was a breeze as well – concierge style. A member of the front desk staff sits down and explains to you the map of the property, fitness classes offered, as well as restaurants and any special events happening throughout the week. One downfall: it’s a very large hotel, with several elevator banks – therefore finding my room was a little more difficult.
- Once I found my room, I was pleasantly surprised. It was a nice size with a king bed, sitting area and outdoor patio. It was a nice home away from home for 10 days. Also in the room, a mini fridge – it’s the little things in life that make me happy when traveling for several days.
- An area which needs improvement: the dining options. Each of the hotel outlets serves the same thing, which gets pretty boring after about two days. The food is great, they just need more options!
- The fitness facilities – located just under a half mile from the hotel – are a nice place to work out. The staff is attentive and interested in your fitness level, capabilities and needs. Each cardio machine has an individual television screen, and the gym offers earphones if you didn’t bring your own. Overall a nice place to work out, a little humid, and a little far – but the distance only makes for a great warm up and cool down.
- Bicycles! Yep, welcome back to childhood. The hotel rents (and by rent I mean give them your name and bike number) bikes for free. The property was a great place to ride.
- The hotel staff is super accommodating – Many of their team knew me by name, which is really nice and made me feel more comfortable and welcomed.
- The Shops at Mauna Lani – less than a mile away from the hotel, a great walk or the shuttle will run you up there at a moment’s notice! Great places to eat, fun shops and a nice grocery store (offering fresh sushi and poke YUM!) Totally recommend making a trip to the grocery store – if only to pick up macadamia nuts to take home.
- Great beach! Although the beach is narrow, it’s long. And the lounge chairs are comfortable and if you’re feeling like a local, take a nap in one of the hammocks tied between two trees – so relaxing and very shaded.
