What has been key to Mauna Lani’s success as an independent hotel?
Independent hotels such as Mauna Lani Bay have never been in a better position to create a sense of place specific to the local community. Our services are designed to share this special place with our guests by anticipating their needs and helping them make lasting memories.
Long-term partnerships in the industry are essential for successfully expanding the reach of the Mauna Lani brand. Taking the initiative to study trends and quickly implement them into our action plans has also added to our success.
We strive to be a leader in the industry while staying true to our culture, and we always consider how our messaging will impact future guests. Be truthful, fluid and relevant. And have fun!
What sets Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows apart from other hotels?
Mauna Lani is recognized for being a dedicated steward of the land. Our commitment to sustainability, cultural education and genuine hospitality has been a mainstay since the hotel opened in 1983. Being an independent hotel has allowed Mauna Lani to be creative as we develop services and activities for our guests. As we enter our 35th year, we are also fortunate to have had only two owners. This continuity is a value to our guests, and our new owners are committed to continuing Mauna Lani’s legacy.
More and more travelers are seeking authentic, localized experiences. How has Mauna Lani met this growing demand?
We were one of the first resorts to acknowledge the benefits of solar, and we continue to look toward sustainable solutions. Today’s travelers are also drawn to our hands-on honu program, initiatives in sustainable aquaculture and dedication to sharing the property’s deep Hawaiian roots and cultural practices.
Mauna Lani offers more than just guest rooms—we offer an experience.
Have alternative accommodation services like Airbnb affected business?
Services such as VBRO and Airbnb can affect demand for larger suite-type accommodations, but fortunately our pace of business remains quite strong. Mauna Lani offers more than just guest rooms—we offer an experience, from cultural and recreational activities to hospitality services rooted in the aloha spirit.
What other trends and industry dynamics have you observed?
The increase in air lift and alternative accommodation services has allowed for even greater access to Hawai‘i Island and enabled us to engage travelers that previously were only drawn to O‘ahu and Maui.
There is a lot of noise in the travel industry over social media, so it’s important that Mauna Lani’s reputation is positive on travel platforms such as TripAdvisor. Our associates are focused on engaging with our guests to enhance their visit and quickly resolve any obstacles that may arise. High tech and high touch is necessary to ensure all guests leave with fond memories of their time at Mauna Lani.
