Best Area to Stay in Mauna Lani and the Kohala Coast in a Vacation Rental

There is no single best choice; it depends on your trip. KBM Resorts rents homes at two Mauna Lani communities, listed alphabetically rather than ranked: Islands at Mauna Lani and One Ocean Estates. Choose Islands at Mauna Lani for spacious two-story villas in a relaxed gated community set on the golf course, or One Ocean Estates for a gated oceanfront community of contemporary residences. Each description comes from KBM's own resort pages. For the wider coast, see KBM's Kohala Coast page.

KBM describes Islands at Mauna Lani as a relaxed, gated resort community along the Kohala Coast, with tropical landscaping, water features and a peaceful atmosphere. Its two-story villas offer over 2,100 square feet and a private lanai. KBM's resort page lists multiple resort-style pools with waterfalls and a hot tub, BBQ grills and pergola seating, and a setting right on the golf course, with the Mauna Lani Beach Club described as a perk of staying there.

KBM describes One Ocean Estates as an exclusive, gated oceanfront retreat within the Mauna Lani Resort, with contemporary residences built around open layouts, floor-to-ceiling glass and spacious lanais with views of the ocean, golf fairways and lava landscapes. Guests have access to the community's private oceanfront club with an infinity-edge pool and a nearby fitness and wellness facility.

KBM's Islands at Mauna Lani page highlights Mauna Lani Beach and the Mauna Lani Beach Club, a walk along ancient Hawaiian fishponds to the beach, and world-class oceanfront golf courses with lava cliffs and sea views. KBM's One Ocean Estates page describes nearby beaches, championship golf, spa treatments, cultural sites and scenic trails. KBM's Kohala Coast page adds that the coast is known for calm, sheltered beaches carved into black lava rock; see the best beaches on the Big Island guide for snorkeling spots near Mauna Lani.

KBM's guide describes Kailua-Kona as a walkable harbor town with casual dining and a local pace, and the Kohala Coast, including Mauna Lani and Waikoloa, as the Big Island's resort corridor of golf courses and calmer, reef-protected coves. Kailua-Kona sits closer to Kona International Airport. Read the Kona vs. Kohala guide and the guide on which side of the Big Island is best for the full comparison.

For golfers, KBM describes Islands at Mauna Lani as set right on the golf course and One Ocean Estates as offering views over golf fairways. For families, KBM's resort page for Islands at Mauna Lani lists several resort-style pools. For a quiet, private stay, KBM describes both communities as gated. To compare Waikoloa instead, see where to stay in Waikoloa.

KBM's Kohala Coast dining and activities FAQ lists restaurants and activities along the Kohala Coast, including Brown's Beach House at Fairmont Orchid. KBM's guide on whether you need a rental car on the Big Island explains why a car helps on this island. Back to the best area to stay on the Big Island.

Open any resort page linked above, enter your dates and guests, and book online, or call 808-568-3270 to talk with the reservations team. Booking direct with KBM Resorts means no booking-site fees and free 24-hour cancellation on direct bookings, plus a free 4-door rental car on Hawaii stays of 6+ nights, excludes Festive Weeks. See Book Direct and Save and all Big Island vacation rentals.