Mauna Lani to be Redesigned Under new Ownership

A new pool bar will be a signature element of the re-imagined food and beverage program at the Mauna Lani. Courtesy image.

Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows is set to undergo a more than $100 million renovation after being acquired by Auburge Resorts Collection.

The Hawai‘i Island resort will see extensive changes planned by a world-class development team and rebranded as “Mauna Lani, Auburge Resorts Collection, the premier resort destination in Hawai‘i.”

Mauna Lani will close in October 2018 to begin the redesign, with a relaunch and reopening planned for late 2019. Under Auburge Resorts Collection, the resort will join a portfolio of award-winning luxury properties including hotels, residences and clubs.

“Among the many distinctive qualities of Mauna Lani are its exceptionally beautiful natural setting and iconic place in the history of Hawai‘i,” said Dan Friedkin, owner and chairman of Auberge Resorts Collection. “We are excited to elevate the great heritage of Mauna Lani with the Auberge sense of intimacy, world-class service, local adventures and a fresh contemporary aesthetic that will allow guests to experience the best that Hawai‘i has to offer.”

Renderings show the planned renovation of the atrium at Mauna Lani. Courtesy image.

The development and ownership team is DiamondHead Landa, a joint venture between San Francisco-based ProspectHill Group and Hawai‘i-based hotel executive Pat Fitzgerald, in partnership with a major investor.

“Auberge Resorts Collection shares our vision for providing a style of luxury and service that resonates with guests on a personal level,” said Pat Fitzgerald, partner, DiamondHead Land. “Auberge’s experience capturing the unique lifestyle of each destination and setting in a captivating way is what we sought for the transformation of Mauna Lani. We are thrilled to collaborate with Auberge to create a truly inspiring Hawaiian resort.”

The new designs are being orchestrated by award-winning interior designer Meyer Davis, as well as world-renowned land planning and architecture firm Hart Howerton.

Changes will reinvent public areas and guest rooms, reducing the number of accommodations while adding panoramic oceanfront views. A new pool bar will be a signature element of the re-imagined food and beverage program, in addition to adult and family pools and a variety of gathering places for play and relaxation. Auburge will also introduce a signature adventure program for all ages utilizing including stand-up paddle boarding, outrigger canoe paddling and after-hours bonfires.

Mauna Lani sits on 32 acres of oceanfront property inhabited by fishing ponds, lava plains and tropical gardens nestled against ocean horizons and white-sand beaches. A press release announcing the redesign for the luxury resort stated that respect and love of the land will “inform every aspect of the resort’s physical and experiential transformation.”