Big Island Scenic Drive Guide

Mauna Lani Drive

Mauna Lani Drive is a short South Kohala road from Queen Kaahumanu Highway to resort entrances, lava fields, palms, golf views, shore access and nearby historic places.

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Mauna Lani Drive
Mauna Lani Drive

Mauna Lani Drive, Big Island

Mauna Lani Drive is a 1.7-mile stretch of road that leads from Queen Ka'ahumanu Hwy (Hwy 19), between mile marker 73 and 74, down to the Mauna Lani resort area, including Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and the Shops at Mauna Lani. The Fairmont Orchid is also accessed from here, as are a few popular attractions, such as the Puako Petroglyphs, Pauoa Bay, Holoholokai Beach Park and Mauna Lani North Golf Course.

Key Features

Short paved drive from Queen Kaahumanu Highway into Mauna Lani
About 1.7 miles from the highway junction to the central resort roads
South Kohala setting with lava fields, palms and golf course views
Access toward the Shops at Mauna Lani and resort entrances
Nearby public shore routes include Holoholokai Beach Park and Pauoa Bay
Puako Petroglyphs and historic fishpond areas are close by
Public access signs help separate visitor routes from private resort roads
Morning visits usually make parking and photography easier
Drive slowly for pedestrians, cyclists, golf carts and resort traffic
A short scenic drive that also connects beaches, shopping, golf and cultural places

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does Mauna Lani mean?

Mauna Lani is often translated as heavenly mountain. The name is used for the resort district reached by this road, with Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa shaping the inland view on clear days.

What historic places are near Mauna Lani Drive?

The area is near old fishponds, petroglyph fields and shoreline paths that reflect long use of the South Kohala shore. Follow signs and stay on marked paths around cultural places.

Why are there lava fields around the road?

Much of this part of South Kohala was shaped by old lava flows from the island's volcanoes. Resort landscaping, palms and golf fairways now stand beside broad black-lava sections.

How does Mauna Lani Drive differ from Mauna Kea Beach Drive?

Mauna Lani Drive leads into a larger resort district with shopping, golf, shore paths and several nearby access points. Mauna Kea Beach Drive is more directly connected with Kaunaoa Beach and the Mauna Kea resort entrance.

What makes photos along Mauna Lani Drive distinctive?

The contrast is the main detail: dark lava fields, bright resort landscaping, palms, green fairways and open South Kohala sky. Clear mornings often show the inland mountains more sharply.