The Islands at Mauna Lani

The Islands is my favorite complex in Mauna Lani, and I think Mauna Lani is the best resort area on the island. The units are very well built, but owners choose their own interior finishes, so pay close attention to the photos. These are individually owned, village-style homes that owners rent through different managers or Airbnb. Coral Tree manages only a few homes, so it would be misleading to think they own The Islands.

We chose D4 for its location near the pool and the care put into the furnishings. It feels like living in an art gallery, with original pieces by Gary Paul Stutler, not reproductions. The upper master suite is especially striking, with hand-painted ceiling designs, streaming services, and a private balcony overlooking a beautifully kept yard. You can hear native Hawaiian songbirds and other wildlife there. The second master has its own balcony and full bathroom, and there’s also a tucked-away trundle bed upstairs. The large main bathroom has a bath, shower, and long two-sink vanity. It’s lovely to look at and useful, too. Downstairs, the spacious family room, indoor dining area, and modern kitchen have everything we needed. Both patios have room for two families, with tables, seating, and a BBQ grill. There’s also a half bath and washer and dryer. The pool is just steps away, with a waterfall, a large hot tub with jacuzzi jets, sauna, and a BBQ area with plenty of seats, grills, and an indoor kitchen with a stove, oven, and fridge. We also got a pass to the Mauna Lani Beach club down the road. There’s plenty of room in the master bedroom and across the rest of the place. The upper floor has a second master suite, and the art and furnishings have clearly been arranged with care. We checked prices in several places and D4 was the best deal we found on the island, even before counting the amenities. We had a great stay with our family.

The pool was really nice, and having a washer and dryer was handy. Getting to the beach wasn’t too bad, though we had to drive, and Kona was a bit far but manageable. The condo had plenty of space, but felt dated. The carpets were stained, the couches were uncomfortable, and the fridge broke twice.

We rented E4 through KBM Resorts, and they were great about helping us settle in on the Big Island after we had been meant to go to Maui just after the fire. The unit was spotless and huge, maybe too big. There’s no water view. It’s around a 3-5 minute drive to the beach and a little farther to the beach club.