Lanai, HI

Tiny Island With Big Adventure

Lanai, the smallest inhabited island in the Hawaiian chain, takes on two distinct personalities. One is that of the classic Hawaiian scene with warm palm tree-dotted beaches with picturesque sunsets. The other is one of untouched nature and island beauty. Lana’i offers luxury resorts with championship golfing that sit beside untouched natural wonders that can only be reached off-road in a 4-wheel-drive jeep. What’s best is that visitors can have the best of both worlds in Lana’i. Known as the “Pineapple Island”, due to its past as a pineapple plantation, Lana’i is so wonderfully undeveloped that there is just one gas station, two resorts, and most of it is covered by dirt roads. It’s Lana’i ‘s wonderfully undeveloped and secluded nature that brings guests for their first visit and keeps them coming back. In Lana’i City, the biggest town on Lanai, there are no traffic lights, shopping malls or public transportation – shuttles are supplied by the hotels.

Lanai is broken into three distinct regions – Central Lanai, North Lana’i and South Lana’i – each with its own landscape, features and pleasures. Central Lanai is where the island’s largest town of Lanai City can be found. It is the social, economic and geographic center of the island, and it is a lovely town in which to enjoy an authentic Hawaiian meal while appreciating the friendly people and leisurely pace. Central Lanai is home to some excellent hikes up Lanai’s tallest mountain, Lanaihale. North Lana’i is the rugged part of the island where many of the unpaved roads are. The land in North Lana’i ranges from perfectly empty beaches to the Martian landscape of Keahiakawelo. Known as the “Garden of the Gods,” Kaehiakawelo is a deep red rock garden that Hawaiian lore believes was the result of a battle between two kahunas or Hawaiian Priests. South Lana’i is where guests will find the serenity and opulence that Hawaii is known for. The Hulopoe Bay and Manele Bay marine sanctuaries are in South Lanai’, and both are teeming with rainbow-colored tropical fish, dolphins and migrating whales. Hopping in the jeep to see South Lanai’s incredible cliffs, Manele Harbor and Hulopoe Beach is a must-do

While Lanai may not be filled with high-rise hotels and multiple options for lodging, it does have two of the best properties in the entire Hawaiian Island chain. In South Lana’i is the Four Seasons Resort, Lana’i. Set right on Hulopoe Beach, this 5-star luxury resort is the home of Manele Golf Course, which was designed by champion golfer Jack Nicklaus. Central Lanai is where the island’s other resort, Four Seasons Resort Lana’i The Lodge at Koele can be found. Set amid lush greenery, this property maintains the level of luxury that Four Seasons is known for, but with a more rustic feel. Perfectly tended gardens, refreshing pools and private lakes all welcome guests to the beautiful property. Both properties live up to the Four Seasons name with their expert staff, opulent rooms and gourmet eateries.