Go Visit Hawaii » Lanai

Hawaii Vacation Deals & News: February 2, 2012

sheila — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:55:41 +0000

* Congratulations to Four Seasons Resort Lanai Lodge at Koele for making the top 10 list of US hotels by U.S. News & World Report. The Lodge secured the second highest ranking. We at Go Visit Hawaii love the Lodge at Koele as you can see from our review. Pssst! Here’s a secret – it’s one of the top luxury values in all of Hawaii. With their third night free offer, rates start at just $207 per night!

* Do you have a favorite Hawaiian Island, beach, hotel, luau or activity that you think is tops? GoHawaii.About.com wants your nominations!

* By popular demand, the folks at JetLev Hawaii contacted me to let me know they’re extending the special $199 rate for a limited time. So, if you didn’t get a chance to take advantage of the JetLev Groupon we mentioned, you can call Eric at 808-393-0153 and ask for the $199 rate.

* United Continental plans to launch nonstop service between Washington Dulles (IAD) and Honolulu (HNL) in June per this report.

* Ala Moana Hotel near Waikiki is getting into Super Bowl 46 spirit with a special offer. After the game, the folks at Ala Moana Hotel will offer a special rate that’s the combined score. That’ll make you cheer for a defensive struggle. This special rate will be valid for stays between March 1 and April 15, 2012. Read more about this special offer at www.AlaMoanaHotel.com/46.

* Aqua Aloha Surf & Spa in Waikiki is offering a great rate of $85 per night plus free daily continental breakfast. For this Book Now Save Later deal, you must book by February 16 for stays between March 12 and June 21, 2012. Note that this deal is not available between April 30 and May 4.

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Hawaii Vacation Deals & News: December 14, 2011

sheila — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 16:26:14 +0000

* Hawaiian Airlines has some nice sale fares again – like $298 roundtrip from San Jose to Maui. You need to book by December 19 for travel between January 5 – March 14, 2012.

* SpeediShuttle is now the exclusive on-demand shuttle service at Honolulu International Airport. Arriving passengers can book door-to-door service to any destination point between Kahala and Ko Olina on Oahu at designated kiosks strategically located throughout the terminals or through greeters dressed in aloha attire who can issue boarding passes using tablet PCs. For more information, or for booking online visit SpeediShuttle.com.

* Big Island visitors can now take advantage of 10 of the island’s best-known cultural, historical, and science centers at a discount. For $8, the Big Island Museum Pass provides up to a net $54 in savings on entry fees for two adults to Hawaii’s top educational attractions. Participating museums: Lyman Museum, `Imiloa Astonomy Center, Pacific Tsunami, Laupahoehoe Train, Anna Ranch, Astronaut Ellison Onizuka Space Center, Hulihe`e Palace, Kona Historical Society’s Greenwell Store and Kona Coffee Farm, and Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden. See this link for more information on this discount.

* Maui’s Kapalua Spa has some special offers and discounts.

* It’s no secret that we love Lanai, so this Civil Beat article about an uncertain future is a bit concerning.

* For more aloha reading, check out the newest blog Carnival of Aloha.

Four Seasons Resort Lanai Unveils Lanai Gingerbread City Today

sheila — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 15:34:00 +0000

I normally provide my own commentary about events, but since the folks at Four Seasons Resort Lanai have done such a great job describing their gingerbread city, I thought I’d share the press release directly from them.

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Four Seasons Resort Lana’i, The Lodge at Koele is sharing sweet tidings with the creation of the Lana’i Gingerbread City. Inspired by Lana’i City’s charming plantation-style architecture, Executive Pastry Chef Rabii Saber has created a candy-licious rendition of select boutiques, stores and art galleries in Dole Park to sweeten up the holidays.

The Lana’i Gingerbread City will be unveiled on Saturday, December 10, 2011 at 4:00 pm in the Great Hall. In addition, guests may also participate in a silent auction to sponsor a sugary version of the Lana’i Culture & Heritage Center. The other edible structures and iconic Cook Island pine trees will also be available for sponsorship, ranging in price from USD 25.00 to 250.00, through December 27, 2011. Proceeds from the auction and Gingerbread City sponsorship will benefit the Lana’i Community Association, a non-profit coalition to aid the advancement and development of Lana’i.

“This is a unique opportunity for visitors to give the gift of aloha to the community,” says Tom Roelens, general manager ofFour Seasons Resorts Lana’i. “The Lana’i Community Association will benefit from the support throughout the year and the spirit of the holidays will continue indefinitely, not just in December.”

The festivities will also include an official tree lighting ceremony, Keiki cookie decorating station, complimentary hot chocolate and hot cider station that afternoon. The decorative Lana’i Gingerbread City will be on display in the Great Hall through December 27, 2011.

Owning a piece of Hawaii real estate has never been so rewarding, or sweet.

Aloha Friday Photo: Sunset from Palawai

sheila — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 17:03:00 +0000

What a colorful sunset backdrop to the cook pines that line the Palawai Basin in the uplands of Lana’i. Mahalo to Lana’i resident and Four Seasons Lana’i General Manager, Tom Roelens for sharing his beautiful photo with us.

Hawaii Vacation Deals & News: Sept 7, 2011

sheila — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 15:44:40 +0000

Hamoa Beach near Hana in Maui

You may have thought we were napping in the Hawaii news and deals department, but we were actually spending 11 days in Maui. Well, truth be known, we did catch a catnap at beautiful Hamoa Beach one afternoon. Other than that, we were on-the-go, exploring Maui most of the time. So, we’ve got some news and deals catching up to do with today’s post.

* From TravelZoo, check out this Hawaii deal — $795 for a three-night stay at the gorgeous Four Seasons Resort Lanai at Manele Bay. That works out to only $265 per night to stay at a luxury Hawaii resort and you can extend the deal for a six-night stay at the same rate. On top of that outstanding rate, you also get to choose between one round of golf or a 50-minute massage per stay. Bonus! This resort is definitely one of our favorites. See my review of Four Seasons Lanai at Manele Bay. Andy and I will probably snag this deal for ourselves.

* Another excellent TravelZoo, the Kauai Marriott Resort is offering $199 rate for stays between September 17, 2011 and January 17, 2012 with Christmas and New Years blackout dates. We love staying at this Kauai Marriott. See this link for the deal details.

* Dinner and a show for $25? That’s a deal and you’ll find it at Oahu’s Polynesian Cultural Center. You get free dinner at the newly renovated Gateway Restaurant when you purchase a $25 ticket to see Ha: Breath of Life night show. (See my review of Ha: Breath of Life.) Along with the physical renovation of the Gateway Restaurant structure, the menu has also been improved with a brand new “Island Feast” menu including dishes such as sushi, sweet potato salad, mahimahi with teriyaki sauce, Fijian chicken curry, roast beef, Maori potato top, Samoan fa’alifu (with coconut cream) staples, and supoesi — papaya-tapioca dessert, to name just a few of the items.

* While we were on Maui, we popped into the Makena Beach & Golf Resort to check it out. We even got a peek at their newly “beautified” rooms, which look great! They’re offering some fantastic deals at the moment, including a “Room & Ride” package that starts at $199 per night including a partial ocean view room and compact rental car.

* Honua Kai Resort in the Kaanapali area of Maui is offering a fall special for stays between now and December 22, 2011, with blackout dates of November 18-27. The deal knocks off 50% plus you get a 5th night free on all studio, one bedroom and two bedroom suites. See this link for more information.

* Outrigger is offering Hawaii vacation sweepstakes, ‘Be Here Hawaii’. Two grand-prize winners will receive roundtrip flights for two on Hawaiian Airlines plus a six-night stay at an Outrigger-managed hotel or condo of their preference on Kauai orHawaii Island. This online contest runs from September 6 to October 4, 2011.

* Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel is giving away a two-night stay to a lucky facebook fan. To enter to win, follow this link and the instructions.

* The Mouse family, Mickey and Minnie, have just opened their new home in Hawaii at Oahu’s Aulani Disney Resort & Spa. See KHON’s video and article on opening day. We’ve been invited to the official grand opening and are in the process of making plans to attend this big event. We can’t want to check it out and tell you all about it!

* One of my bestest Hawaii blog pals has just published the latest edition of the blog Carnival of Aloha. This blog carnival is celebrating its 4th anniversary. That’s like ancient in blog years. Congrats to Evelyn!

Series: Hawaii in Bloom Week

sheila — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 15:00:00 +0000

This week, we’re going to take a look at some of our favorite photos from visits to gardens across Hawaii. This short series will not only highlight some lovely flowers, but also give you some see-and-do ideas for each island.

The above photo was taken in the Orchid House on the grounds of the Four Seasons Lanai Lodge at Koele. There’s not charge to pop in the Orchid House to see these exotic blooms.

Best Dining in Lanai

sheila — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 16:15:00 +0000

After three visits to Lanai, we’ve had a chance to dine at almost every restaurant on the entire island. For such a small island, Lanai’s chefs sure do cook up some great food. From local ono grindz to haute cuisine, Lanai has it all.

I’ll share our favorite places to dine in Lanai organized by meal.

BREAKFAST

Hulopoe Court at Four Seasons Manele
What a beautiful place to start the day with a yummy breakfast. We usually opt for the bountiful breakfast buffet, but their a la carte menu is a good option, too. We’ve probably had breakfast here close to a dozen times and it’s always delicious, but the view, oh the view of Hulopoe Bay beyond the colorful hedge of bougainvillea is tremendous. Hulopoe Court is located in Manele at the Four Seasons resort. They’re open for breakfast and dinner.

Terrace at Four Seasons Lodge at Koele
The Terrace offers very tasty gourmet breakfasts with views of the Lodge’s peaceful grounds. See a sample breakfast menu here. They’re open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. (We love the Terrace for dinner, too!) The Terrace is located just off the magnificent Great Hall in Koele at the Four Seasons Lodge.

Coffee Works
This little coffee and treat shop is Lanai’s version of Starbucks. It’s a great place to sip a morning cup of joe and have a pastry while soaking in the laidback Lanai vibe. Coffee Works is located in Lanai City on Ilima Avenue, just a block away from Dole Square.

Canoes
You can’t get much more local that Canoes if you’re looking for local ono grindz. Canoes is on 7th Street in Lanai City. They’re open from 6am to 1pm. Canoes serves both breakfast and lunch, but you can get breakfast anytime they’re open. Take out is available. If you need a quick, filling snack on the go, I recommend their Spam Musabi. Canoes offers indoor and outdoor seating. They serve everything from omelets and pancakes to plate lunches and hamburgers. Prices are relatively reasonable.

Saturday Farmers Market
If you’re on Lanai for a Saturday morning, make plans to go to the weekly farmers market at Dole Park. At the market, you can find homemade goodies and freshly prepared malasadas as well as fresh fruits.

LUNCH

The Challenge at Manele Clubhouse
We absolutely love having lunch at The Challenge Clubhouse. Love it! The food is always excellent and the view is even more delicious. We like to start with the homemade salt and pepper potato chips with Maui onion dip. The Prawn BLT is a favorite along with the Makai (seafood) Salad with lilikoi dressing. They always have a special fruit-flavored lemonade for the day. The Challenge Clubhouse is located at The Challenge Golf Course. An on-demand shuttle service is provided from the lobby of the Four Seasons Resort at Manele. They’re only open for lunch. See the following short video Andy took to show you the outstanding view from this restaurant. (Email subscribers: click here to access the video.) Please don’t miss this place!

Canoes
I mentioned Canoes in the breakfast section. It’s a great place for lunch with a true local flavor.

Pele’s Other Garden
If you want a deli sandwich for a picnic lunch, Pele’s is a great lunch option. They’re located on 8th Street, across from Dole Park.

Blue Ginger
This restaurant is next door to Canoes on 7th Street in Lanai City. They told me they were famous for their teriyaki chicken. I thought it was quite tasty, though it did have a bit too much fat for my liking. Blue Ginger is also known for their mahi mahi sandwich. Blue Ginger is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

DINNER

The Dining Room at Four Seasons Lodge at Koele
I think I could dine at The Dining Room every evening and never grow tired of it. Chef Junior Ulep is a culinary genius.

You can choose the ala carte menu or opt for the five-course tasting menu. We highly recommend the tasting menu, but we also liked the a la carte options, too. The staff mentioned that you can order a course from the tasting menu if you prefer not having all the other courses. See a sample dinner menu here.

We had the rare opportunity to try the brand new menu creations just before it was released. My goodness, it’s superb! Chef Ulep has incorporated locally sourced ingredients and presented them in a fresh way. We started with Waimea Heirloom Tomato Salad with Kaiwe Smoked Alaea Pink & Molokai Volcanic Salt with a Brie Cheese Croquette. The second course is a Kona Crab and Cognac Bisque with Kauai Shrimp & Kona Crab Cake. We were blown away with the third course which was a Black Pepper Crusted Hawaiian Ahi with Fingerling Potatoes, Braising Greens, Horseradish and Green Pea Coulis. (Are you hungry, yet?) The main course was outstanding – Big Island Wild Boar Loin with Morel Mushrooms, Celery root, Sautéed Pohole Ferns, with a Waialua Bittersweet Chocolate Sauce. (See what I mean about Chef Ulep being inventive?) To complete this five-course tasting menu, we had New Style Chocolate Tart with Chocolate Sable Breton, Hazelnut Crisp, Chocolate Mouse and Ice Cream.

So, from that tasting menu, you can imagine that the food is great and the atmosphere only adds to the experience. We had a centrally located table that provide lovely views of the surrounding grounds as well as the romantic fireplace.

We highly recommend the Dining Room. It’s located at the Four Seasons Lodge at Koele. See our photo collection from the Dining Room. Reservations are recommended.

Lanai City Grille at Lanai Inn
Another not-to-be-missed Lanai restaurant is Lanai City Grille in Lanai City. If you’re on Lanai on a Friday night, you must go to the Lanai City Grille as they have live music that’s very popular with locals and visitors.

Part of the Lanai City Grille menu was designed by Chef Bev Gannon. I first got a taste for her American and Pacific Rim culinary designs at Maui’s Haliimaile General Store. (Download Menu in PDF)

We have always enjoyed everything we’ve ordered at Lanai City Grille. The appetizers and entrees are excellent, but you must save room for dessert. Toasted Coconut Cream Pie or Warm Chocolate Chip Cookie with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream, anyone?

Lanai City Grille is located in Hotel Lanai in the heart of Lanai City. They’re open for dinner only, Wednesday through Sunday. Reservations are recommended.

Terrace at Four Seasons Lodge at Koele
We found ourselves going back to the Terrace twice for dinner on our recent visit. We also found ourselves cleaning our plates as everything was delish! You can take a peek at a sample dinner menu here. I fell in love with the Baby Beet Salad, Goat Cheese Mousse, Walnut Vinaigrette, Balsamic salad shown in the photo below.

Hale Ahe Ahe Lounge
When we are just in the mood for a drink and some pupus (appetizers), we love to grab an oceanview table by the railings at the Hale Ahe Ahe Lounge. Usually there’s live music playing in this relaxed, yet elegant lounge. Hale Ahe Ahe Lounge is located at the Four Seasons Resort at Manele.

OTHER DINING OPTIONS

Great Hall
I think it’s practically impossible to go to the Four Seasons Lodge at Koele and not be drawn to the Great Hall. The Great Hall features soaring ceilings, giant fireplaces and oversized seating that beacons you to soak yourself into the comfortable cushions. At the Great Hall, you can have afternoon tea, hot chocolate, or an evening cocktail while listening to live entertainment.

Lanai Ohana Poke Market
Unfortunately, the the Lanai Ohana Poke Market has been closed when we’ve visited, but we’ve certainly heard how delicious it is. Many locals recommend it highly, saying that it’s the best poke in all of Hawaii. Lanai Ohana Poke Market is located at 834 A Gay Street, just a hop, skip and a jump from Dole Park.

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If you’ve been to Lanai, please share your favorite dining experiences? What restaurants do you recommend?

This post was sponsored in part by the Lana’i Visitors Bureau.

Retreating to Four Seasons Lanai Lodge at Koele

sheila — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 14:20:48 +0000

Have you ever wondered where Hawaii residents go on staycation or to celebrate a special occasion? We’ve discovered that many residents are attracted to the Four Seasons Lanai Lodge at Koele. On our recent visit to Lanai, we shared the shuttle with a couple from Kauai. They were coming to the Four Seasons Lodge at Koele to celebrate their anniversary.

Part of the attraction to the Lodge at Koele is the perfectly cool temperature in the Lana’i highlands, with the average daytime highs in the 70s. It’s a refreshing retreat from the warmer, coastal temperatures.

Another draw to Lanai is the slower pace. Lanai is such a relaxing island to visit. I’m pretty sure there’s some sort of magic in the Lanai air that whispers, “You can relax now. You’re in Lana’i.”

Of course the Koele resort is appointed with all the luxuries you expect from a Four Seasons property, such as spacious rooms, luxury linens and L’Occitane toiletries. We were impressed from the moment we arrived as we were greeted with kukui nut leis, chilled towels and a glass of pineapple lemonade.

As I reflect back on our stay at the Lodge at Koele, I picture us walking the grounds, sitting on the lanai in the morning (See a short video of one of our peaceful morning views from the lanai.) and then relaxing in the Great Hall by the fireplace at night. Those are not your typical things-you-do in a Hawaii resorts. They’re not exciting and splashy, but surprisingly, they’re wonderful memories.

The award-winning restaurants at the Four Seasons Lodge at Koele are really outstanding. We’ve dined there many times and have always had an excellent meal.

So, yeah, I can see why Hawaii residents are drawn to the Lodge at Koele — relaxation, great food, luxury pampering and perfect temperatures. It’s a perfect retreat!

Andy created a short video tour of Four Seasons Lodge at Koele. (Email subscribers: click here to access the Lodge at Koele video tour.)

You might be wondering if this is a paid advertisement. It’s not! We never post paid advertisements. We truly enjoyed this one-of-a-kind Hawaii resort. Apparently, we’re not alone as both Travel + Leisure and Conde Nast Traveler readers rate the Four Seasons Lanai Lodge at Koele among the top 10 Hawaii resorts. For other opinions, see TripAdvisor reviews of the Four Seasons Lodge at Koele.

Have you been to the Four Seasons Lanai Lodge at Koele? How was your experience?

Video: Off Road Jeep Driving on Lanai

sheila — Thu, 26 May 2011 15:52:00 +0000

Want an off the beaten path adventure in Hawaii? Then you’ll enjoy renting a Jeep on Lanai. In the following video, Andy provides excellent clips and narration of this fun adventure.

(Email subscribers: use this link to access the Lanai 4-wheel driving video.)

For more advice for getting off the beaten path on Lanai, check out my article Adventure Time: Renting a 4-Wheel Drive on Lanai.

Excellent Hawaii Snorkeling at Lanai’s Shark Fin Cove

sheila — Thu, 19 May 2011 16:15:16 +0000

Kaunolu at Shark Fin Cove

You may have heard of Hawaii’s famous snorkeling spots like Molokini off Maui, Hanauma Bay at Oahu, and Kealakekua Bay at the Big Island. Those are all great spots to snorkel, but let me tell you that Lanai’s Shark Fin Cove at Kaunolu is definitely on par with those more well known sites.

Moorish Idols by Mila ZinKova

We went out to Shark Fin Cove with Trilogy’s Lanai Snorkel Sail during our recent visit to Lanai. The snorkeling was excellent, teaming with colorful tangs, parrot fish, and of course the Hawaii State Fish, the humuhumunukunukuapua’a. We also saw a “Nemo fish” (clown fish), a puffer fish and an octopus.

With the sea very calm the day we were there, we were able to move from the main part of the cove to a sheltered place closer to the lava rock named Shark Fin. What an interesting spot! There were dozens of Moorish idols facing the fin as if they were worshiping it. I’ve never seen anything like it.

Despite the name Shark Fin, we did not see any sharks. (I was really glad of that!) Shark Fin gets its name from the shape of the lava rock jutting from the ocean, which looks like a giant shark fin.

Our tour started southeast at Manele Bay and hovered near the south Lanai coast to Kaunolu

I was absolutely thrilled that our snorkeling excursion went to Kaunolu as this was King Kamehameha the Great’s summer fishing retreat! I have been drawn to this place like you wouldn’t believe. So, I was crushed to learn that the four-wheel drive rental didn’t allow access to Kaunolu. Earlier during our visit, we had sneaked a peek of Kaunolu on land (but I’m not going to say how) on the day we rented a Jeep. We couldn’t find the path that lead over to see Kehekili’s Leap (a 60ft tall cliff dive to the ocean) and the massively tall, sheer cliffs along the coast. This snorkel excursion filled in those empty gaps and then some!

After a nice deli lunch while floating near Shark Fin, the captain took us further along the south Lanai coast to see the tall cliffs. Then we went in search of dolphins before heading back to Manele Bay. We hear that dolphin sightings are practically an everyday occurrence, but we didn’t have any luck that day. C’est la vie. I wasn’t disappointed, though, because I had just experienced some outstanding snorkeling at such a scenic and historic site.

I really enjoyed seeing remote parts of Lanai from the catamaran. The views definitely captured our attention on the way to and from Kaunolu. (See this short video that I shot with my iPhone from the catamaran.)

View of Pu'upehe (Sweetheart Rock) as we approached Manele Bay

What to know when you go:

This five-hour snorkeling excursion is currently offered four days per week. See this link for the schedule.
Pricing is $169 plus tax. Children ages 3-12 are half off and youth 13-18 are 25% off.
To make a reservation call 1-808-TRILOGY (808-874-5649) or toll-free at 888-Maui-800.
Approximately 90% of the time, this tour goes out to Kaunolu as conditions allow.
All snorkel gear is provided.
A tasty deli lunch was provided.
Wear sun protection and reapply as necessary.
And, don’t forget your waterproof camera, like we did. Doh! (I braved bringing my iPhone along for the above water scenes, but I wasn’t about to test any underwater capabilities.)

Let’s Go Horseback Riding in Lanai

sheila — Tue, 17 May 2011 16:03:26 +0000

We thoroughly enjoyed horseback riding from the Stables at Koele on Lanai. The guided tour ($110 for 90 minutes) led us on the Paniolo Trail through groves of fragrant Christmas Berry (Brazilian Peppertree) , a forest of Ironwood Trees and to a fantastic view of the nearby islands of Molokai and Maui. Along the way, we enjoyed the sounds of the birds and some deer sightings.

We hadn’t been riding since 1999, so we were a little tentative about getting back on a horse. We had nothing to fear though as these horses were gentle and sturdy. There was a very young girl who was also on our tour. She probably didn’t weigh 50 lbs soaking wet and she was maybe 7 years old. So, I knew when I saw her pop on top of one of those beautiful horses, if she could do it, I could do it.

Leading us through the Paniolo Trail was the handsome singing cowboy, Jesse Taylor. He carefully watched us and gave us advice on how to hold the reins, lead the horses and shift our weight to make the ride go easier.

At the end of the ride Jesse treated us to a mini-private concert! He sang a new song that he’s just written called Ride. He wrote the song in Lanai. He shared that his inspiration for the song is that he’s always taking honeymooners on romantic trail rides and at the end of the day he wants to ask a girl to go trail riding with him.

Andy captured some video footage from our trail ride and has woven it together with the video of Jesse Taylor singing his new song. Please enjoy watching scenes from our trail ride along with music from the very talented singing cowboy, Jesse Taylor. (Email subscribers, please click here to access this Lanai horseback riding video.)

About Jesse Taylor:

His website: Jesse Taylor Music
His album One Chance to Win is available on iTunes
A little history about how Jesse found his way to Lanai.

This post was sponsored in part by:

Garden Tour of Four Seasons Lanai at Manele Bay

sheila — Sat, 14 May 2011 15:08:58 +0000

I love the themed gardens at Four Seasons Resort Lanai at Manele Bay. They all have wonderful water features surrounded by exotic tropical plants.

The gardens are nestled in between the guest room buildings, so every time you walk out your door, it’s like stepping into a peaceful botanical garden.

For this recent visit to Lanai, I was able to arrange an interview with the Landscaping Manager, Gloria Maker. Because words on a screen can’t do justice with how pretty the gardens are, we decided to experiment with video tour. So, now you can view our first interview on camera. (Email subscribers: please click this link to access this garden tour video.)

Thanks to Gloria Maker, Armida York and the folks at Four Seasons Lanai at Manele Bay for their help in creating this video tour!

The Allure of Lanai

sheila — Tue, 10 May 2011 16:38:28 +0000

“When can I get back to Lanai?” That was the thought I caught myself thinking very early into our recent visit to Lanai. I don’t know when we’ll be able to return, but I can’t wait.

What is it about Lanai that’s so attractive? I’ve been reflecting on that very question. I’ll attempt to explain Lanai’s allure.

Refreshingly Simple

Visiting Lanai is like going back in time. From the original tin-roofed plantation style homes to the complete absence of any sort of giant chains like Costco, Walmart and Starbucks – Lanai has retained its original roots and simpler life.

With a population of under 3,000 residents, everyone practically knows everyone else. Spend some time walking around the Dole Square and you’ll find that it’s easy to begin feeling like you’re a part of the community. Stop into any shop or restaurant in Lanai City and soon you’ll be talking story with the local residents.

I’ve heard Lanai dubbed as the Mayberry of the Pacific. It’s certainly friendly enough to be a Mayberry. With everyone knowing their neighbor and nowhere to run and hide, crime is practically non-existent. So a Barney Fife would fit in nicely on Lanai.

Sunset by Kalokahi O Ka Malamalama Church in Koele

Off-the-Beaten Path Adventures

On land, hop in a four-wheel drive to navigate to secluded beaches and surreal landscapes. Hike for miles without seeing another person. Go horseback riding through a meandering forest trail to views of Molokai and Maui. Have a blast at Lanai Pines Sporting Clays.

The dirt road leading past Keahiakawelo (Garden of the Gods) offers amazing views.

Fit for a King

King Kamehameha could pick and choose anywhere he wanted to go in Hawaii. Where did he choose as his summer retreat? That would be Kaunolu Village on Lanai’s southern coast. The king chose well with a beach nestled between tall cliffs. Kaunolu was his favorite fishing spot. Today, you can snorkel in the pristine waters near the village.

For such a small island, Lanai offers two luxurious Four Seasons Resorts. These stunningly beautiful resorts make you feel like royalty when you’re there. For example, when you’re by the pool or at Hulopoe Beach, staff offer you chilled towels, fresh pineapple slices and, get this, chilled Evian spritzes.

I can almost picture King Kamehameha having a oceanside massage then enjoying a private dinner in a romantic oceanside hale.

Private dining at an oceanside hale

Lanai Rocks!

Each of the Hawaiian Islands have their own unique features. In my mind, Lanai’s top features are in the island’s rocks – Puupehe (Sweetheart Rock) and Keahaikawelo (Garden of the Gods). Both of these sights peak your curiosity making you wonder how were they created.

Puupehe (Sweetheart Rock)

In Closing

There’s something quite infectious about Lanai and I don’t want the cure. So, I’ll circle back to my original question: “When can I get back to Lanai?” I don’t know when, but I hope it’s soon!

What about you? Have you been captured by the allure of Lanai? What attracts you to the Pineapple Isle?

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This post was sponsored in part by:

Visiting The Lanai Culture & Heritage Center

sheila — Thu, 05 May 2011 15:42:19 +0000

Rows of pineapple plants greet you as you walk to the Lanai Culture & Heritage Center. I can’t think of a more appropriate greeting considering that Lanai was once the home to the largest pineapple plantation in the world.

With pineapple also being the symbol of hospitality, those rows of pineapples became even more meaningful as we were very warmly welcomed to the center and to the island of Lanai.

The Lanai Culture & Heritage Center’s mission is “to inspire people to be informed, thoughtful and active stewards of Lanai’s heritage by preserving, interpreting and celebrating its natural history, Hawaiian traditions, diverse heritage and cultures, and ranching and plantation era histories.” From my observation, the mission is accomplished! I felt that my visit here, provided an instant connection to the Lanai.

I highly recommend that you make plans to visit the Lanai Culture and Heritage Center when you come to Lanai. In fact, I think you should arrange to go to the center very early on during your Lanai vacation as it’s a great place to learn about the island’s cultural diversity, history and attractions. Knowing the history and lure behind the scenic points you’ll see will enrich your visit to Lanai. You might also find that visiting the center will help you focus your exploration time on the island.

Though small in size, this museum uses every inch wisely, both inside and out. Inside, you’ll find displays of Lanai’s history from early Hawaiian settlements up until the end of the pineapple plantation era. I found myself drawn to the displays and memorabilia from the peak of the pineapple plantation days. I would have love to have seen Lanai back in the pineapple hay days. Seeing the Lanai Culture & Heritage Center provided that glimpse back in time.

On the exterior of this center, you’ll find a garden filled with plants that were either native to the island or has a significant history to Lanai. We saw taro, bananas, papaya, and eggplant. While we were there we got to see a hibiscus that is only found on the island of Lanai. This hibiscus was in bloom, displaying its most unique feature of hidden petals.

If you should find that you drop by the Lanai Culture & Heritage Center after hours, you’ll still have an opportunity to learn about Lanai as you will find displays in the windows of some of the top questions visitors often ask. You’ll be able to learn about humpback whales, plantation life, the water system, and Shipwreck Beach – all from the exterior window displays.

We met husband and wife team Kepa and Onaona Maly who direct the culture and heritage center. Most likely when you visit, you’ll have an opportunity to meet them, too. They’re extremely passionate about Lanai and are most gracious and happy to answer any question you have about the island.

What to know when you go:

- Lanai Culture & Heritage Center is located in Lanai City on Lanai Avenue. It’s at the northeastern end of Dole Park and “next door” to Hotel Lanai. If you are taking the shuttle, tell the shuttle driver that you want to go to the culture and heritage center (aka “the museum”) and the driver will know where to drop you off.

- Hours are Monday – Friday from 8:30am to 3:30pm and Saturday from 9am to 1pm.

- They have an excellent website: www.LanaiCHC.org

- Admission is free. Donations are accepted.

- Take a short (2 minute) video tour of Lanai Culture & Heritage Center. (Email subscribers: please click this link to find the video at the end of this post.)

Hale Bliss

sheila — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 03:25:00 +0000

Today, Andy and I indulged in a couples massage, oceanside in a private hale at The Spa at Four Seasons Resort Lanai at Manele Bay. It was a symphony for the senses! Before the experience escaped my memory, I wanted to write it all down.

After enjoying some sauna and steam room time in the main spa, we were led from the spa reception outdoors to the oceanside hale. The immediate view is stunning in a contrast of colors – green from the kiawe trees, shades of ocean and sky blue against red and black lava cliffs.

No recorded music was needed. We had nature’s sounds to provide our relaxing music. Hearing the rhythmic crashing of waves against the lava cliffs put us at immediate ease. We loved the sounds of birds chirping, reminding us that we were at the special outdoor site.

We had a choice of massage lotions. I chose a wonderful pineapple and papaya scent.

The massages were wonderful. After hiking, 4-wheel driving, and horseback riding, our muscles needed and responded to the therapeutic strokes. At the end of the 50-minute massages, we were gently refreshed back to reality with chilled towels placed on our feet.

We had a few moments to lie on the tables to stretch and soak in the experience. We looked over at each other while still on the massage tables. We didn’t say anything as our smiles said it all.

What to know when you go:

50-minute massages in the oceanside hale are priced at $185 per person. For 80 minutes, it’s $250 per person.
For best temperatures, I recommend scheduling morning or sunset massage.
Arrive at least 30 minutes early to complete a brief health history form before taking advantage of the spa amenities like the steam room, sauna, and rain showers.
Robes, slippers and a locker are provided.

Live Lana’i Updates

sheila — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 17:00:11 +0000

Koele the cat enjoys a nice nap on the veranda at the Four Seasons Lodge at Koele.

It may seem that I’ve been cat napping the past couple of days, but actually, that’s far from the case! I’ve been super active since landing on Lana’i Tuesday night. If you’d like to see what I’ve been up to, I’ve been sharing lots of photos and updates on facebook and twitter. You can check real time updates here:

- Go Visit Hawaii facebook page

- My twitter feed

I’m so very happy to be back in Lana’i. The more I’m here the more I love it!

LiveWell Network Video: Hawaii’s Lanai Island

sheila — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 14:29:23 +0000

I wanted to share this excellent video from the LiveWell Network. The video host seems to be impressed with the off-the-beaten-path adventures Lanai offers. Watching it just makes me more excited that I’ll soon be Lana’i bound.

Notes:
- This video lasts just under 22 minutes.
- Email subscribers, please go here to watch this Lanai video.

Lana’i Bound!

sheila — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 14:33:27 +0000

Polihua Beach

I’m excited to share with you that I’ve been selected as one of seven New Media Artists in Residence to share the story and experiences of visiting Lanai. I’m honored to have been chosen to participate in this innovative program sponsored by the Lanai Visitors Bureau.

It’s no secret that I love Lanai. I really look forward to revisiting some of my favorite places like Keahaikawelo (Garden of the Gods), the remote and practically private Polihua Beach, and Lanai’s iconic Puupehe (Sweetheart Rock), just to name a few.

Along with returning to favorite places, I’m also looking forward to sharing these new Lanai experiences with you:

Horseback riding at The Stables at Koele.
A guided-hike on the Munro Trail to Lana’i Hale. (I’ve been reading The Story of Lanai by George C. Munro. In his book, he talks about planting Cook Pines along this ridge trial to help generate much needed moisture for the island. I’m looking forward to tracing Mr. Munro’s footsteps along his namesake trail.)
Finding King Kamehameha’s favorite summer fishing retreat at Kaunolu Village
Visiting the Lanai Culture & Heritage Center to learn more about the history of Lanai.
Snorkeling with Trilogy and hopefully seeing the tail end of humpback season.
Meeting as many of the friendly local residents as I can. From my experiences, Lanai has some of the friendliest folks in all of Hawaii!

Puupehe (Sweetheart Rock)

I’ll be staying at all three hotels on the island. In Lanai City, there’s the historic Hotel Lanai. For a small island, Lanai hosts two Four Seasons Resorts with completely different styles and atmospheres – The Lodge at Koele in the upcountry and the ocean-side resort at Manele Bay. With staying at these three hotels, I think I’m going to feel like I’ve had three separate vacations.

If you are on twitter, you can follow the New Media Artists’ conversations with the #visitlanai hashtag. My friend Melanie has compiled a nice list of all the artists.

I look forward to sharing my Lanai experiences with you here on the blog, on twitter, and on facebook. In the meantime, do you have any questions about visiting Lanai that I can try to answer? Feel free to comment here with your question or use this contact form.

Fields of Hawaii: A Garden of the Gods

sheila — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 16:23:28 +0000

On the island of Lanai, you can find one of the most unusual landscapes scattered with rocks that will leave you wondering how they got there. Keahaikawelo which is also known as Garden of the Gods is a full of wind-worn rocks and boulders – a field of rocks and an odd, but beautiful site. See my post on visiting Lanai’s Garden of the Gods.

Hawaii Vacation Deals & News: April 21, 2010

sheila — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 15:59:50 +0000

April showers bring May flowers….and Hawaii deals, too. Here’s what’s on our radar today.

* Hawaiian Airlines has a fare sale to Maui from the West Coast . Round-trip fares start at $378 plus taxes and fees. You must book before April 29. Here are the applicable travel dates and routes:

Seattle/Maui: now though November 18, 2010
Portland/Maui: now through November 18, 2010
Oakland/Maui: June 4 through September 6, 2010
San Diego/ Maui: June 17 through August 24, 2010

* US Airways has a sale on the direct flight from Charlotte (CLT) to (HNL) for $536 including taxes for travel in May, June, and August. If you can, you need to take advantage of that rate and flight because the airline plans to stop that service in September.

* Aqua Resorts is taking over the management of Hotel Lanai effective May 1. To celebrate that new partnership, customers booking a room at Hotel Lanai for stays booked in May and June will receive one complimentary dessert when dining at Lanai City Grille. Rates at Hotel Lanai start at $99 per night for a standard room and up to $179 per night for the cottage. Daily continental breakfast is included.