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P R O F I L E | M A U N I L A N I
A S T OR I E D DE S IG N
e aesthetic equal of a resplendent view, Mauna Lani, Auberge
Resorts Collection brings a refreshing architectural rethink—with a
residential feel—to familiar shores.
W R I T T E N B Y J E N N T H O R N T O N
PHOTOGRAPHS:
MAUNA
LANI,
AUBERGE
RESORTS
COLLECTION
S
un-filled sky and cerulean seas as far as
the eyes can see, Hawaii has a lot on the
horizon. Including shore after shore of the
ubiquitously branded "luxury lifestyle resort,"
whether or not it actually qualifies for the title.
One property that does: Mauna Lani, Auberge
Resorts Collection. When the Kohala Coast
resort opens later this year—to hallelujahs far
and wide—the refined distillation of its stunning
natural environ, one with its own sandy beach, a
calmer bay nearby, and the five-star attributes of
its class, it will restore a true-to-Hawaii vibe to an
increasingly developed strand.
"We wanted a modern, residential-feeling
resort that has Auberge's signature sense of
approachable luxury and quality, but respects
Hawaiian culture and stories in every way,"
explains Kemper Hyers, chief creative officer,
Auberge Resorts Collection. e brand spared
no expense to do it, pumping $100-plus
million into the project and appointing a team
to meticulously attend to every element of the
design, ensuring that it met the scale and texture
of the island and express an authentic Hawaii
aesthetic, thanks to architecture firm Hart
Howerton and interior designer Meyer Davis.
Designing an Auberge resort in the bold
architecture of Mauna Lani required what Hyers
describes as a "perfect blend of contemporary
residential design, over-scaled West Coast
style, Hawaiian culture and palette, and an
approachable but luxurious take on what a
Hawaiian hotel can be." is meant the team
worked with large shutters and screens—some
30 feet high—lashed like canoes to make rooms
within the larger open spaces. "is delicate
wood inner 'skin' is a beautiful counterpoint to
the strong architectural presence of the original
structure," describes Hyers, noting that spaces are
focused on comfort and how guests actually live.
To this end are sofas, daybeds and roomy chairs.
Some of the rich teak architecture is original to
the hotel, but with a fresh feel courtesy of Meyer
Davis' design and art, along with custom touches.
Most Hawaii resorts are appraised as extensions
of the natural environment for which the islands
