Slightly off the beaten path, get a taste of both luxurious Hawaii and the state before tourists, all in a short ferry ride from Maui.
by Red Mezz on April 22, 2006
While islands like Hawaii, Oahu, and Maui attract a lot of visitors from the mainland and beyond, the little island of Lanai often goes unnoticed, unless you are flying in for some of the legendary golf on the man-made courses at resorts like the the Four Seasons.The attractions on Lanai are limited, but well worth the stop for beauty and level of peace that you find on this remote little island. While some other islands can be done on some measure of a budget (though this works best if you know someone) Lanai is rather more expensive. And yet still it has something to offer those with no money if you simply want a day wandering around a scenic island of Hawaii. And if you do have the money to spend, then the luxury you can find on Lanai is hard to match anywhere.Like any island of Hawaii, Lanai's scenery changes drastically from one end of the island to the other. In taking the short ferry across from Lahaina in Maui you land right near the beach of Manele Bay. This little white sand beach is perfect for relaxing, sun bathing, and enjoying the ocean; and even in the busy season of July still had an air of calm that comes from what is virtually a private beach. The Four Seasons resort at Manele Bay stretches luxuriously along the beach, and even if you aren't staying there it's good for a wander around to look at the extravagant hotel, and excellent restaurants.The golf courses on this island are world renowned, and though I don't golf, are impressive even to the layman.Farther inland, via bus, you can see a more forested area near the Lodge at Koele. Another great resort hotel with a more rustic feel.There are no end to the experiences you can have with a bit of cash, from afternoon tea at the Lodge, to a 4 wheel drive package, to golf. If you do find yourself on the ferry to Lanai with just a bit of change in your pocket, there is still the fantastic local taste in small town Lanai, with an array of local art galleries and interesting old churches with great acoustics. Go snorkeling off Manele Bay, and go for a wander in the luxurious hotels. It is, as they say there, like you're own private Hawaii. ${QuickSuggestions} My first tip is bring some spending money to Lanai. Most trips I do with a pleasant smile that I manage all that I do with virtually no budget. But occasionally I come across a place that I desperately wish I had more cash to enjoy, and with all the relaxing pleasures Lanai has to offer, it certainly became one of them. But if you don't have the cash, bring a camera, a beach towel, and a good book and you're still sure to have a good time. For those looking for stunning and relaxing settings, you can't do much better than Manele Bay where the Pacific is calm and warm and great for swimming or snorkeling. And sunset on the Bay is something that is hard to top, even in Hawaii.The cool misty forests near The Lodge are something you may not expect to see in Hawaii, but a wander through the damp Norfolk pine forests to Lanai town is a very pleasant. All of Lanai has a bit of a crafted feel to it, down to the fact that the town itself was actually built in the 1920s by the Dole Pineapple Company as habitation for it's workers. But this history adds a strange and pleasant vibe to this unique island. The beauty of Lanai comes from the stunning and quiet luxury of the Four Season resorts and man made beaches and golf courses, in contrast to the very simple, happy people; rich with the Hawaiian culture who inhabit the town of Lanai. The contrast alone is something a traveller in Hawaii should experience, as it beautifully sums up the harmony in which the tourist industry and the proud locals coincide in this chain of islands. It is hard to find a place so rich in it's culture, and happy in it's heritage as Hawaii… and it pleases me immensely to see the acceptance of travellers as well, firmly sticking to their heritage and traditions; and sharing them with the people that come to experience their islands. It's a beautiful combination; and one of the best things I brought back from my journey to the Hawaiian islands, and something that should be experienced, even if you have a healthy cash flow to enjoy the luxury that tourism in Hawaii has to offer. See both sides of Hawaii… I feel proud to have experienced it. ${BestWay} Take the ferry from Lahaina, Maui to the docks in Lanai. It's about a 45 minute journey, relaxed and rarely bumpy—but I do recommend you sit out on the deck. I'm not prone to sea sickness, but still I did start to feel a bit woozy by the end of it. The sea air and the sight of the dramatic hillsides into the island quickly evaporate any feelings of unease… and keep an eye out for the occasional dolphin.You can also arrive here via a 20 minute flight from Honolulu… though I would recommend going by sea if possible. It seems a fitting way to see the islands of Hawaii, and the edges of Lanai are especially dramatic and good for photographing.And be sure to have a leisurely walk around Lanai City.
by Red Mezz on April 24, 2006
I wouldn't normally review a hotel that I haven't stayed the night in, but as the two Four Season resorts are fundamental stops in your visit of Lanai, I thought I should mention something about them. The first thing I will say is that if you can afford to stay at either of these resorts, I don't think you would regret it. The setting is unbelievable… one of the best settings in the world for a luxurious and relaxing hotel stay. The beach is incredible and a quiet few steps from the hotel, and there are a number of water and golfing activities you can join in during your stay. The hotel itself is excellent just for looking around. It's a truly beautiful setting and not surprisingly gets a lot of weddings taking place (there was one happening while I was there) in the garden behind the hotel. The service is what you would expect of such a resort, and the shops and restaurants within the hotel are of equal quality. There aren't a lot of options for places to stay in Lanai, but with places like the Four Seasons at Manele Bay, there doesn't really need to be.
After seeing the stunning menus and price of restaurants in the resorts that Lanai is so well known for, the little cafe called the Blue Ginger in Lanai town is a rather nice repose back into real Hawaii. It has the distinct feel of a local place, and as it's hard to find locals more welcoming and pleasant than Hawaiians, it's well worth a stop by to get a feel of rustic Hawaii. There is absolutely nothing flash about the Blue Ginger, simple, pleasant and to the point is more it's style. With old wooden floors and screen doors, it's a great place to pop into for a sandwich or cafe lunch.The prices are reasonable, and there is a pretty good selection, including a lot of things with a bit of local flare. The restaurant is almost always inhabited by locals stopping in for the Blue Ginger's famous breakfast or a quick lunch. While I waited for my burger to finish cooking inside I sat at a little table outside and talked to a few local construction workers over from Molokai doing a bit of work in town. And because this is precisely the kind of thing I enjoy in travelling, the Blue Ginger left a very pleasant vibe. Check out their menu, it's well worth a look.
http://www.igougo.com/journal-j53751-Lanai-Relaxing_on_Lanai_Hawaiis_Hide_Away.html
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