This week is something unique for us, a posh trip for our ‘ohana’ to Auberge Mauna Lani - on the dramatic Kohala Coast on the island of Hawaii. We’ll gather at the Hālau, the open-air village center that serves as the vibrant heart of the resort, we’ll see the luscious guest rooms and bungalows, we’ll hang ten at the Surf Shack, and we’ll even have a luau. Wha?!?
That’s right! Thank the tiki gods and let the fun begin, darlings, as we all ‘get lei’d.’ Get into the theme this week and you could win a 3-night stay at the resort! You are attending a traditional luau, so be ‘poi-sed’ to break out your Hawaiian shirts, your straw hats, your Don Ho or Elvis or hula girl best as we take the beach!
As an added bonus, each week we’ll award a planner who goes ‘all in’ a special gift from Kelly McAlister of Maui Jim... so there’s extra incentive (pun intended) to dust off your grass skirt and join us this week!
And as always, the first five after 3:55 (no earlier than 3:55pm, please) to log in will receive a special gift from the resort, and believe us, this is nothing to sneeze about. ;)
68-1400 Mauna Lani Drive
Kohala Coast HI 96743
P: +1.808.633.6366
E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
aubergeresorts.com
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My love of the hospitality industry spans 28+ years… with 25 of those years in Hawaii. I have held positions in sales, conference services/events and destination management.
In 2018 I left a 20+ year career with Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts to join the Auberge Resorts Collection leadership team heading up the sales efforts to launch of the $200+ million transformation of what was the iconic Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows into Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection.
My Personal Motto: Kindness is Free!
Coming to the table in partnership to discover the ideal outcome for everyone is always my goal.
I spend my free time with my family and playing with our two French bulldogs at the beach, hiking and doing yoga. I have a daughter who is a junior in high school and a son in college on the mainland. My life is full and I am truly blessed!
Mauna Lani’s secluded beaches, coral reefs, and ancient fishponds set the stage for transformative experiences. E ola mau ka Mo`olelo - ‘let the stories live on,’ so goes the saying. Auberge is known for bringing authentic experiences to their guests, and Mauna Lani is no exception. You’ll have plenty of your own stories when you get a taste of this resort.
Auberge has built its reputation around creating one-of-a-kind properties and experiences that capture the soul of each destination. Their holistic spas are known for all-natural treatments, inspired by local traditions, that nourish and soothe body, mind and soul.
From twilight at Kalahuipua’a to whale watching, Mauna Kea sunrise paddling to ukulele lessons, waterman performance training to the Malama Honu turtle program... you and your guests will have ample choices of activities that go well beyond the typical golf and spa time... although both of those are fantastic as well!
Click here to enjoy a welcoming video from Mauna Lani, so that when our virtual tours are over, we can look forward to the real thing!
From welcome drinks to farewell brunch, Auberge resorts give each corporate retreat or meeting special meaning in a distinctive setting. At Mauna Lani, be prepared to bring the WOW factor to meetings small or large, with the bespoke touches that Auberge promises.
Take this beautiful hospitality suite, for example, that feels more like a friend’s living room. (Granted, a very wealthy friend who lives in Hawaii. But still...) This is the Francis L’i Brown Suite, an interactive space with outdoor lounge that features a spacious deck and firepit as well as stunning ocean views. Plus, the property has a 10k+ square foot pavilion for group gatherings of all kinds.
As part of the Hale‘I‘ike, the resort’s ‘house of knowledge,’ guests are invited to connect and ‘talk story’ with cultural practitioners and engage in immersive programming.
Countless outdoor activities are available. Check out this video for more.
Feel the authenticity of native experiences
Sunset at the historic music venue, twilight at Kalahuipua’a
Clapping the mint really adds aroma to the drink. Try side by side with unclapped mint to see the difference!
Of the 292 rooms and 36 suites, 90% of them have an ocean view! Plus, the 2-room bungalows (pictured above) are to die for, darlings.
As if we had to get you in the mood to visit Hawaii... but nevertheless, here are some things that might blow your grass skirt up:
Have an extra 30 minutes to spare in the kitchen? Why not make some poi to accompany your Lani Tai? Or spackle your bathtub?
The best ukulele player in the world - Jake Shimabukuro. This ain’t your grandma’s ukulele player.
Also, this blast from the past. You’re welcome.
How to make a grass skirt. The payoff here is watching the almost comatose man come to life at the end.
Not sure what to do with that old can of Coleman lantern fuel? Kick off a new hobby! Learn how to twirl fire batons. ;)
Kelly McAlister of Maui Jim will be with us on the calls each week as judge and jury to see which planner really goes all-in with the theme. So engage, be creative, and have fun... and you may be the winner!
She’ll be doing some gifting that will surely lift your shelter-in-place spirits!
Pittsboro, NC | Greenville, SC
Carol Owen: (919) 259-9051
Whitney Bradley: (864) 420-5986
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All photos by Kelli Price Photography