The Hawaiian island of Lanai is one of the diminutive and exclusive islands. During most of the twentieth century Lanai was comprised by locals and workers of the largest pineapple plantation in the known world.
Unfortunately, cultivating pineapples met its end on Lanai in the early’80′s because the Dole Company sold the land of the plantation to the Castle & Cook Corporation. After the sale, the new owner began to transform Lanai into a luxury tourist destination.
Currently Lanai hosts three hotels. The Four Seasons Resort at Manele Bay, located on top of the cliffs above the beach, is the only Lanai hotel located on or near the beach. The Four Seasons Lodge at Koele is located among beautiful gardens and pines near the top of the highest point of the island. The Hotel Lanai, a picturesque plantation style hotel, is located in the middle of Lanai City along with the main population of Lanai.
The Four Seasons Resort at Manele Bay is a dazzling visual feast combining Asian and Mediterranean touches with the indigenous beauty of the Hawaiian Islands. The hotel is perched on red lava cliffs above Hulopoe Beach, the nicest beach for swimming, snorkeling, surfing on the island. The Manele Bay is the most sumptuous of the Lanai hotels with its huge hand-painted murals, oriental antiques and exotic gardens.
The Four Seasons Lodge at Koele is located eight miles from the ocean in upcountry Lanai at an elevation of 1700 feet. The hotel sits in a large forest of Cook Pines and is built to resemble an old baronial hunting lodge. It is, in fact, the largest wooden building in Hawaii. This hotel is certainly the most novel of the Lanai hotels.
Radiating charming old world European splendor, the large stone fireplaces, high beam ceilings, large old rugs and over stuffed antique furniture, The Lodge is easily as lavish as any hotel. It is encased by rolling hills, expansive lawns, gardens and is also home to one of the two championship golf courses on the island, The Experience at Koele.
The oldest of the three hotels is The Hotel Lanai. This hotel was built originally to house the guests and executive employees of the Dole Corporation. The Hotel Lanai was remodeled in’94 and offers its guests a clean and comfortable stay in a plantation style hotel located in the heart of Lanai City.
One thing is guaranteed no matter which of the Lanai hotels you choose to stay in; you will definitely feel at home because of the welcoming locals of Lanai. The employees of the hotels and the local people are all very helpful and warm, letting it be known how happy they are that you chose Lanai for your vacation.
Holly Hunter is passionate about traveling to exotic locations and writing on interesting resorts. The authors latest work can be seen at Lanai resorts. Also, find out why the Manele Bay is one of the 10 best resorts in Hawaii!
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