When you hear the words “Auberge” and “summer restaurant residency,” you might imagine a fancy, over-the-top experience. But in go-with-the-flow Hawaii, the waves—and everything else—hit differently.

The Mauna Lani, Auberge Collection blends contemporary island design with Hawaiian heritage—plus access to the Big Island’s most scenic landscapes. Read our full review.

“Hut hoe!” the steerman bellowed, so I switched sides, gripping the T-end of the paddle and digging into the glassy blue beneath me. The only sounds: water splashes as the canoe cut forward, and the ...