Ranked as one of the top hotels in the world, Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows is a large hotel, located on Mauna Lani Resort and nestled among condos and homes along the Kohala Coast of Hawaii’s Big Island. The more than 30-year-old resort takes pride in its Hawaiian culture, as evident in how it showcases the Hawaiian elements and wildlife at every turn — waterfalls and fish ponds in the lobby, an outrigger canoe built over the course of two years with guests helping to carve every inch of it, and even a dedicated culture and history guide to point out the caves, petroglyphs and lava formations on the property.

All-inclusive is not found in the Hawaiian islands, but Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows attempts to include as much as possible in a stay, offering free cultural activities, beach fun and sports. The resort even has its own sailboat to provide excursions right from the beach.

Guests of Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows can elect to stay in the hotel, where oversized rooms provide views of the ocean or the mountains, or in one of five bungalows offering two bedrooms, full kitchens, private pools and all of the amenities of home — and then some. At the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows, luxury is at every turn, but families with all budgets can find a price point that suits them.

Mauna Lani Bay opened in 1983 and received a second renovation that took the rooms from traditional Hawaiian decor with dark woods to more of a Coastal Living magazine look, with light, airy colors.

Guestrooms and Suites
Guestrooms and suites mainly feature king beds. For larger families, a suite with a sofa bed may be more suitable, and they provide sitting areas to have more room. There are a limited number of rooms offering two queen beds, and rollaway beds and cribs are available. Guestrooms feature wet bars, refrigerators, flat-screen TV's and private decks with views of the ocean or the mountain. All rooms receive Wi-Fi, included in the resort fee.

Bungalows
If expense is not an issue, choose to stay in one of five bungalows on the resort. These large, two-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom homes can accommodate large families with a dining room, living room, private pool and extra large patio with dining and lounging space and a grill. The bedrooms are outfitted with large bathrooms with tubs and inside and outside showers. The master features a king bed, while the secondary room features two queen beds, with a maximum eight-person occupancy. A full kitchen with a dishwasher, stove, refrigerator and all glassware, flatware and dinnerware can be helpful in cooking meals for the family. But if you don't feel like cooking, a chef will come and cook for you. The resort will also pre-stock the kitchen with groceries of your choice before your arrival.

Villas
Villas are also available through Mauna Lani Bay, which manages homes on the larger property for rentals. Guests will have full use of the resort while staying in one- to three-bedroom units.

Beach
Like any resort along the Kohala Coast, the ocean is the main draw and Mauna Lani's beachfront access extends the length of the resort (larger than other neighboring resorts that may have a small section of beach nestled between a rocky shoreline). Snorkeling equipment and beach cabanas are provided at no additional cost.

Pool
A lap pool overlooks the beach with adult and children's hot tubs -- the children's hot tub is kept at 98 degrees so it is safe for young children.

Cultural Center
Through the cultural center, free programs that connect both adults and children to Hawaiian culture are offered on a daily basis, and include hula lessons, lei making classes, and bowl weaving classes. Join the center's leader on a historical tour of the resort, where you will learn about Hawaiian canoes, fishponds, and petroglyphs and lava caves. Educational fish and turtle feeding programs are also free, where kids will learn about local wildlife. The resort's sea turtle program is an island favorite, as staff members raise sea turtles from infancy until they are large enough to release into the ocean on the 4th of July -- Turtle Independence Day -- where hundreds of people from around the island come to witness and celebrate the release.

Recreation
The resort also provides complimentary bicycles to explore the resort, complimentary tennis, volleyball and golf clinics.

The resort offer three onsite restaurants and is located near several shopping and restaurant options.

CanoeHouse
The resort's signature restaurant is the Canoehouse, where reservations are recommended. This farm-to-table restaurant is only open for dinner. The restaurant provides ocean views and an open-air lounge, as well as a Captain's Table on weekend evenings.

Bay Terrace
The Bay Terrace is an open-air restaurant providing a bountiful breakfast buffet daily, as well as an a la carte menu.

Ocean Bar & Grill
Ocean Bar & Grill is open for lunch and sunset cocktails.

Since Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows is located on Mauna Lani Resort, you're also within walking distance to several other eateries, include Huli Sue's, situated in a golf clubhouse. Coffee and pastries, as well as sandwiches and snacks are available at the Honu Bar.

All About the Extras
Guests will be greeted with a welcome lei upon arrival, along with a tropical beverage.

Resort Fee
A daily, per room fee covers parking and Wi-Fi during your stay.

The Art of Smart Timing
The Kohala Coast features warm climates and little rain throughout the year, making it perfect for year-round travel. Holidays are the resort's busiest season, and prices will be higher during these periods.

Getting There
Kona International Airport is the closest airport to Mauna Lani Bay, about a 30-minute drive north on the Kohala Coast. Rental cars, shuttles, taxis and limos can be arranged through concierge.

Getting Around
A shuttle service is available to take guests throughout the resort.

For Mom and Dad
The Mauna Lani Spa, which resembles a Hawaiian village, is located a short walk from the hotel. Escape to the spa to enjoy a treatment, the natural lava sauna, meditation hale and Watsu pool. The spa also houses a full-service salon, and you might like the Mauna Lani Fitness Club as well. Here, you'll find a wide array of equipment, fitness classes, a lap pool and a team of personal trainers.