Fairmont Orchid and Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection on the Big Island of Hawaii, are luxurious properties with unique offerings and beautiful settings. Below, we have outlined which is best for various attributes.
Both hotels are luxurious and offer exceptional service and beautiful settings. Your choice might come down to the cost, which will change throughout the year. Other great hotel options on Hawaii’s Big Island include Four Seasons Hualalai and Rosewood Kona Village. Our luxury travel concierge offers free benefits at all of these hotels, so please do drop us an email, and we should be able to offer you a brilliant deal.
1. Location
Fairmont Orchid and Mauna Lani are luxurious resorts on the Kohala Coast of Hawaii’s Big Island, known for its beautiful beaches and upscale resorts. Each offers a slightly different experience due to its respective location and surroundings, but since both hotels are next door to each other on the same coastline, there is little to choose between their locations.
Fairmont Orchid is situated on the Kohala Coast. It enjoys 32 acres of oceanfront, with lush tropical gardens and a picturesque white sand lagoon. The hotel fronts a small, protected sandy beach, which is great for swimming and snorkeling. The waters here are generally calm, making it family-friendly.
Review: Fairmont Orchid
The Fairmont Orchid is your Accor choice on Hawaii's Big Island and one of a limited number of luxury hotels you can choose from on the coastline of this volcanic idyll. We have compared the Fairmont Orchid to Mauna Lani, the next-door hotel which is just up the coast. Other great hotels in Big Island include Four Seasons Hualalai and Rosewood Kona Village. The Fairmont Orchid is ideally situated on the Kohala Coast of Hawaii's Big Island, offering guests a stunning oceanfront setting amidst 32 acres of lush tropical gardens.
Mauna Lani is also located on the Kohala Coast. Mauna Lani is known for its historic park and fishponds, which offer a deeply cultural Hawaiian experience. It sits on land considered sacred by ancient Hawaiians and is rich in historical significance.
Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection, is also located within the broader Mauna Lani resort area, slightly north of the Fairmont Orchid. It sits on a larger land area and often feels more spread out. Mauna Lani benefits from access to some of the coast’s best beaches, including a private beach club at Makaiwa Bay, known for excellent snorkeling and more substantial ocean activities.
Like the Fairmont Orchid, Mauna Lani is near cultural sites and within reasonable distance of local shops and restaurants. However, it tends to feel more secluded, offering a private and exclusive vibe.
Which has the Best Location? If your priority is a secluded resort-focused stay that emphasizes wellness, privacy, and an integration of local culture directly through the resort’s amenities and activities, Mauna Lani might be the better choice.
For a family-friendly experience with accessible beach activities, cultural sites, and a comfortable yet luxurious setting, the Fairmont Orchid might be preferable.
Review: Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection
Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection on Big Island, Hawaii, is plonked on the most beautiful pristine white-sand beach on the sun-kissed Kohala Coast of Hawaii. Remember to book your stay at Mauna Lani with our luxury travel concierge for perks like free breakfasts and room upgrades. We should be able to offer you a brilliant deal. Mauna Lani Resort is located on the sunny Kohala Coast of the Big Island of Hawaii, approximately 23 miles (37 kilometers) north of the Kona International Airport (KOA). The drive from the airport to the resort takes approximately 30-40 minutes.
2. Accommodations
Fairmont Orchid offers a range of rooms and suites, many with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean or the resort’s tropical gardens. The spacious rooms feature a blend of contemporary and traditional Hawaiian decor.
The Fairmont Orchid offers a variety of room types, including standard rooms, suites, and specialty rooms like oceanfront or garden view options. The rooms at Fairmont Orchid are spacious and well-appointed, with sizes ranging from around 500 to 1,000 ft² for standard rooms and larger for suites.
Rooms at Fairmont Orchid feature upscale amenities such as luxurious bedding, large marble bathrooms (usually larger than the bathrooms at the Mauna Lani, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and private lanais (balconies) with views of either the ocean, garden, or resort grounds.
The décor in rooms tends to be elegant and traditional Hawaiian-inspired, with rich wood furnishings, earthy tones, and tropical accents creating a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere.
The Mauna Lani recently underwent a major renovation, updating its rooms and public spaces to reflect a modern, high-end aesthetic that incorporates elements of native Hawaiian culture. It offers a range of accommodations, including rooms, suites, and private villas, providing options for different preferences and group sizes.
The rooms at Mauna Lani are generally spacious, with sizes similar to those at Fairmont Orchid, offering ample space for relaxation and comfort. They are well-equipped with modern amenities, including plush bedding, marble bathrooms, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and private lanais or balconies. We like the outdoor lava rock showers at Mauna Lani.
Mauna Lani’s room décor often reflects a contemporary Hawaiian design aesthetic, with clean lines, light colors, and natural materials creating a modern and sophisticated atmosphere. They have used natural products like koa wood and neutral colors to create a Hawaiian feeling. The ambiance feels more sleek and minimalistic than the traditional Hawaiian elegance of Fairmont Orchid.
If you prefer a classic Hawaiian ambiance with lush tropical surroundings and traditional décor, Fairmont Orchid’s rooms might be more appealing. Mauna Lani’s rooms could be a better fit if you lean towards a more contemporary and upscale design with sleek furnishings and modern amenities.
3. Club Lounge
If you book a Gold Club room at the Fairmont Orchid, you will be whisked off to a separate check-in area. The Gold Lounge has juice, soft drinks, water, coffee, and tea throughout the day. In the evenings, they offer wine, champagne, and spirits in the honor system. You simply note down what you have drunk, which will be charged to your room accordingly.
Evening appetizers are provided free of charge and usually include good cheeses, sushi rolls, olives, crackers, and fruit. In this lounge, there is one hot appetizer on offer, too. In the morning, there’s a complimentary continental breakfast with pastries, a hot entree, fruit, yogurt, granola, cheese and fruit.
What is really special about this club lounge is that you are not restricted to staying inside. This lounge offers balcony seating out in the sunshine with views over the resort. This is one of the best club lounges in Hawaii.
The other Fairmont in Hawaii, the Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui, does not have a Gold Club lounge and neither does Mauna Lani.
Best Hotel Executive Club Lounge In Hawaii
Which hotels in Hawaii offer the best executive club level lounges? We review lounges across Oahu, including Waikiki, Maui, Kaanapali, Kapalua, Wailea, Kauai, Poipu, and Hanalei, and the Big Island's picturesque Kona-Kohala coast. I have compiled a list below containing the best club lounges available across the best luxury hotels in Hawaii. I list the ones I consider to be the best at the top. I review each of these hotel club lounges in detail so you know what you will get if you book a room with club lounge access.
4. Beach
While both properties offer stunning coastal settings, the Fairmont Orchid boasts a picturesque white sand lagoon and 32 acres of oceanfront beauty along the Kohala Coast. This beachfront expanse provides ample opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing in a serene tropical paradise.
The Mauna Lani, also situated along the Kohala Coast, is renowned for its historic park and fishponds, offering a more culturally immersive beach experience. The beach at the Mauna Lani probably has the edge over the Fairmont and is easy to walk to.
While both resorts provide access to beautiful beaches, the Fairmont Orchid’s expansive white sand lagoon may appeal more to those seeking traditional beach activities. At the same time, Mauna Lani’s coastal setting offers a deeper connection to Hawaiian culture and history and has the edge on the beach.
5. Pool
If your top priority is a pool, the Fairmont Orchid is the clear choice. While Mauna Lani offers only a small, more generic, rectangular pool, the Fairmont Orchid boasts a spacious, inviting freestyle pool. The beautiful Fairmont pool area has lava-rock jacuzzis and a thatched-roof poolside bar. It is really pretty and backed by tropical grounds, making this pool area stand out.
4. Grounds
The Fairmont Orchid, nestled along the Kohala Coast, spans 32 acres of meticulously landscaped gardens featuring cascading waterfalls, tranquil ponds, and vibrant tropical flora. Its sprawling grounds create a serene oasis for guests to explore, offering a blend of manicured lawns and natural beauty that seamlessly blends with the coastal landscape.
Conversely, Mauna Lani, also situated on the Kohala Coast, boasts a unique cultural heritage. Its expansive grounds include ancient fishponds and historic parklands, which reflect Hawaii’s rich history and traditions and provide guests with a deeper connection to the island’s indigenous culture and natural environment.
The grounds at the Mauna Lani feel more tropical, and the ancient fishponds are magical.
While both resorts offer stunning grounds, the Fairmont Orchid’s grounds feel smaller as everyone congregates in the main area, while Mauna Lani’s grounds feel more spread out and offer a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural significance.
6. Dining
Fairmont Orchid offers multiple dining options, including a sushi bar, a beachside grill, and a fine-dining restaurant serving local Hawaiian cuisine.
The Mauna Lani is known for its farm-to-table approach to dining. It has several restaurants that use fresh, local ingredients to craft innovative dishes.
These resorts aren’t far from each other so you can visit the other for dinner, whichever resort you decide to stay in.
7. Spa
At Fairmont Orchid’s Spa Without Walls, guests are treated to an immersive wellness experience set amidst the stunning natural landscape of Hawaii’s Big Island. Tucked away within lush tropical gardens and offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, this acclaimed spa serves as a tranquil retreat for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Drawing inspiration from traditional Hawaiian healing techniques and incorporating locally sourced ingredients like volcanic ash and mineral-rich seaweed, the spa offers a diverse array of massages, facials, and body treatments designed to promote holistic well-being. Its unique allure lies in the outdoor treatment huts nestled among cascading waterfalls and serene ponds, which allow guests to reconnect with nature while indulging in therapeutic treatments.
8. Staff
The staff at the Mauna Lani feel more warm and Hawaiian and seem to genuinely care. The staff at the Fairmont are more “big luxury hotel efficient,” but they generally lack the charm and warmth of those at the Mauna Lani.
9. Which Is Best?
Fairmont Orchid might be the best choice if you’re looking for a more traditional luxury resort experience, an especially good Spa without walls, and a pretty tropical freeform pool. The Fairmont pool is probably the better, prettier pool when comparing these two hotels. The Fairmont is well-suited for those who enjoy lounging by a large pool or indulging in high-end spa treatments, as the pool is wonderful and the beach is great.
Mauna Lani offers a slightly more contemporary feel and a deeper connection to Hawaii’s cultural and natural elements via the historic fish ponds, as well as a slightly more Hawaiian ambiance. The pool is less interesting but the hotel is more connected to golf, history, and the beach at Mauna Lani is marginally better.
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