If you’ve been researching hotels or condos for a vacation in Hawaii, you may have come across the word lanai and wondered what that means.  A lanai is the Hawaiian word for patio or balcony.  Most hotel lanais are equipped with at least two chairs and a small table. The photo on the left is of the lanai from a room at the Turtle Bay Resort on Oahu. 

We tend to spend a lot of time on our lanais in Hawaii, especially in the mornings and evenings. So, for us, finding a nice lanai an important choice when making our hotel or condo selection.

Your lanai is a great place to start the day with a cup of coffee or tea.  If you have a nice lanai, here’s a little money saving tip for you couples  Order one continental breakfast and share it on your lanai.  Most continental breakfasts are actually big enough to share.  You’ll save money and have more privacy on your lanai as compared to getting an expensive ($20 plus per person) buffet breakfast in the hotel’s restaurant.  Alternatively, pick up a few breakfast items and fruit in a grocery store for your breakfasts, you’ll save even more then.  Breakfast items tend to be easier to find and store, but you might also want to consider having other meals on your lanai.

Many restaurants have lanais as well.  When possible, I always like to ask for seating on the lanai.

Here are links to other photos of lanais from a few of our stays in Hawaii:

• Very small lanai at Kaanapali Hyatt on Maui
• A view out to the lanai from a Kapalua Condo on Maui
• A very nice lanai at a Princeville condo lanai on Kauai