Where to Stay on the Island of Lanai
Four Seasons Lanai
If you're looking for an unforgettable Hawaiian vacation, look no further than Lanai. This stunning island is often called the "Forgotten Isle" because it's less touristy than its neighbors. But that just means you get to enjoy all the wonders of Lanai all to yourself! In this guide, I'll tell you everything you need to know about where you can stay on Lanai, and why it should be on your list of vacation destinations.
Lanai is the perfect place to get away from it all and relax. With a population of less than 3,000 people and only three hotels on the entire island, there is nothing bustling about this quiet haven. There are only 30 miles of paved roads, and no traffic lights--not that you'd need them, as the downtown area is only 1 square block surrounding a park. This makes it the perfect place to slow down and enjoy life.
The island is also home to some of the best beaches in Hawaii. Hulopoe Beach, for example, was named one of the top beaches in the world by National Geographic. And with only about 30 miles of coastline, you're never far from a beach no matter where you are on Lanai.
Where to Stay:
As I already mentioned, there are only three hotels on Lanai: the 11-room Hotel Lanai (close to downtown), Four Seasons Lanai and Sensei Lanai: A Four Seasons Resort. With such limited accommodations, you're guaranteed to avoid the crowds.
I had the pleasure of staying at Sensei Lanai. Like its sister property, Four Seasons Lanai, this resort comes with the service level and all of the amenities that you can expect from this luxury brand. But these two resorts are very different.
Sensei Lanai
Koele Room at Sensei Lanai
Sensei Lanai is an adults-only resort focused on health and wellness. From the moment you arrive, it's clear that this is a place where you can truly unwind and recharge. There are a number of guided wellness packages to help you achieve your goals, but you can also choose a self-guided experience and pick your own classes, activities & treatments.
Lobby at Sensei Lanai
Yoga pavilion at Sensei Lanai
There aren't a lot of dining options at Sensei Lanai--there is only one full-service restaurant: Sensei by Nobu (open for breakfast, lunch & dinner). You can still get some great nibbles poolside or at the bar, but this is the go-to spot if you're looking for a full meal. If you need a little more variety, there is shuttle service that runs between Sensei Lanai and Four Seasons Lanai, and guests at both properties are welcome to dine at either resort.
Sensei Lanai
The grounds at Sensei Lanai are pristine--wandering around the property's lush gardens and stopping to look at the many sculptures along the way isn't a bad way to spend your time. Luckily you get to walk through much of the property on your way to the cottage-style buildings (known here as Hales) where the world-class spa treatments take place .
One of the many Fernando Botero sculptures on site
Sensei Lanai gardens
With a focus on relaxation, it shouldn't come as a surprise that Sensei Lanai is a tranquil spot. And when I say tranquil, I mean it's really, really quiet. You won't hear any poolside music or the constant chatter of a crowd. It is peaceful and serene, so if you're looking for something a with a little more upbeat energy, you'd be better off at the sister property: Four Seasons Lanai.
Four Seasons Lanai
The Four Seasons Lanai is located near Manele Bay, and offers a more traditional resort experience. There are two pools, but if you're looking to lounge on the beach or dip your toes in the ocean you can certainly do that here as well. This makes it a nice choice for families; kids are welcome at Four Seasons Lanai.
Pool & hot tubs at Four Seasons Lanai
Four Seasons Lanai is a larger resort, so you won't feel like you have the entire place to yourself like you do when you're at Sensei Lanai. But that doesn't mean you'll be fighting for lounge chairs or dinner reservations. There are more people here, but it's not crowded.
Garden View Suite at Four Seasons Lanai
Lounge area at Four Seasons Lanai
There are a number of dining options at this resort, but the two standouts are the steakhouse One Forty, and the widely celebrated Nobu. We dined at Nobu one evening, and it was well worth the shuttle ride to enjoy our amazing meal with equally amazing ocean views.
Nobu at Four Seasons Lanai
The third hotel option on the island is Hotel Lanai, an 11-room plantation-style property adjacent to the town square. While this is the most economical hotel option on Lanai, you should note that it doesn't have the amenities of the other resorts--including a pool. That being said, it has recently been remodeled and doesn't lack charm.
Photo Credit: Hotel Lanai
So, what's the bottom line? If you're looking for a luxurious and relaxing adults-only experience, Sensei Lanai is the place for you. If you're traveling with kids or want a more traditional resort feel, Four Seasons Lanai is a great option. And finally, if you're on a budget or are just looking for a place to sleep, Hotel Lanai is worth considering.
Pool at Sensei Lanai
No matter which of these resorts you choose, you're sure to have an amazing time on the island of Lanai!
