What it is
The Shops at Mauna Lani is an open-air shopping, dining, and entertainment complex located within the Mauna Lani Resort on the Kohala Coast of the Big Island, Hawaii. It features a mix of national and local tenants, offering retail stores, art galleries, wellness operators, and a variety of restaurants, including fine dining and casual options. The center also includes a gourmet grocery store, Foodland Farms, providing essentials and ready-made meals.
Visitor experience
Travelers choose The Shops at Mauna Lani for its convenience, variety, and upscale open-air ambiance. It serves as a central hub for guests staying at the Mauna Lani Resort and surrounding communities, offering an easy walk or bike ride from many accommodations. Visitors can find a balance between brand-name quality and local craftsmanship, ranging from designer fashions to island-style aloha wear, unique gifts, and art.
The Shops are suitable for various visitor use cases:
- Dining: Options range from casual breakfast spots like Mauna Lani Coffee Co. and Juice 101, to lunch and dinner at places like Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar, Island Hopper Taproom, Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, and Alebrije, an authentic Mexican restaurant.
- Shopping: Boutiques offer clothing, jewelry, home decor, and specialty items. Stores include Hawaiian Island Creations (HIC), Tommy Bahama (clothing), Oasis Lifestyle, Jourabchi Boutique, and Beaches Resort Wear.
- Groceries: Foodland Farms provides gourmet groceries, local produce, deli items, and prepared foods, useful for those staying in condos or vacation rentals.
- Entertainment: The Shops regularly host live music, cultural events, hula shows, and a Polynesian Hula and Fire Show on certain evenings, often free to the public.
- Services: The center also includes services such as a salon and day spa.
Logistics
- Area: The Shops at Mauna Lani are centrally located within the Mauna Lani Resort on the Kohala Coast of the Big Island.
- Access: Easily accessible by car from Highway 19. If traveling north from Kona International Airport, turn left onto Mauna Lani Drive from HI-19, then follow signs to the shopping center at the roundabout. It is also within walking or biking distance for many within the Mauna Lani communities.
- Reservations: Generally not required for shopping. However, reservations are recommended for popular restaurants, especially during peak dining hours.
- Timing: The Shops are open daily. Individual store hours vary, so checking the official website for specific opening and closing times for desired shops or restaurants is advisable. Many shops may close earlier in the evening, while restaurants and events extend the experience later.
- Parking: Ample free parking is available in front of the shopping center, with designated north (near Foodland) and south (near Tommy Bahama's) entrances. Note that the adjacent Mauna Lani Auberge Resort charges for guest parking, but this applies to resort guests, not generally for visitors to The Shops.
- Permits: No permits are required to visit the shopping center.
- Likely duration: A visit can range from a quick stop for groceries or coffee (30-60 minutes) to a half-day or evening activity for shopping, dining, and attending events (2-4+ hours).
- Better as: A convenient stop for amenities, a casual dining destination, or an evening activity to enjoy cultural performances and live music.
Safety and cautions
The Shops at Mauna Lani is a modern, open-air commercial center, and general safety precautions applicable to any public shopping area should be observed. There are no specific unique environmental or safety hazards reported. Standard considerations include:
- Weather: Being an open-air center, visitors should dress appropriately for the prevailing weather conditions on the Kohala Coast, which is generally warm and sunny.
- Sun Protection: Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are recommended during daytime visits due to the open-air design.
- Crowds: The center can get busy, especially during evenings or when special events like hula shows are scheduled.
- Cultural: While the center hosts cultural performances, no specific cultural caveats beyond general respectful behavior in Hawaii are noted.
Editorial take
The Shops at Mauna Lani is a priority for travelers seeking convenient, upscale shopping, diverse dining options, and local entertainment within the Mauna Lani Resort area. It's particularly well-suited for resort guests and those staying in nearby accommodations who want easy access to groceries, meals, souvenirs, and a relaxed evening out without traveling far.
Travelers solely seeking authentic, non-commercial local experiences or those on a very tight budget might consider skipping it in favor of local markets or smaller, independent shops in other towns, though The Shops do feature some local craftsmanship and artists.
It should not be confused with other prominent shopping centers on the Kohala Coast, such as the Kings' Shops or Queens' Marketplace, which are located in the Waikoloa Beach Resort area. While similar in concept (open-air resort shopping), each has its own unique tenant mix and atmosphere.
Source notes
- The Shops at Mauna Lani Official Website: https://theshopsatmaunalani.com/
- The Shops at Mauna Lani - Big Island Guide: https://www.bigislandguide.com/the-shops-at-mauna-lani
- Paradise in Hawaii Luxury Vacation Rentals - Shops at Mauna Lani: https://www.paradiseinhawaii.com/shops-at-mauna-lani
- Hawaii Luxury Real Estate - What's New at The Shops in Mauna Lani Resort: https://hawaiiluxuryrealestate.com/whats-new-at-the-shops-in-mauna-lani-resort/
- SRP Management, LLC - Mauna Lani Shopping and Restaurants: https://shiwota-resorts.com/mauna-lani-shopping-and-restaurants/
- Hawaii Real Estate - The Shops at Mauna Lani: https://hawaii-realestate.org/the-shops-at-mauna-lani/
