Visiting the Hawaiian Island of Lana’i

Twenty years ago, almost 98% of the Hawaiian Island of Lana’i was purchased by Castle & Cooke, Inc. (a company chaired by entrepreneur David Murdock) from Dole Food Company, which operated the world’s largest pineapple plantation on the island. Now, the 140 square miles that make up Lana’i are being used to entice travelers who are looking for a relaxing stay in a tropical setting, where they will be pampered in their own private paradise, an island with only 3,200 residents, most of whom work for Castle & Cooke.

The “Private Island” of Lana’i has only three hotels to choose from, two of which are magnificent high-end resorts operated by the Four Seasons. If you would prefer a more Hawaiian feel, you should select the Manele Bay Hotel, which sits atop a red-lava cliff above a spectacular white-sand beach. Along with the land’s natural beauty, the resort offers two golf courses and a spa, as well as two pricey but near-perfect restaurants. Room rates range from $395 per night to well over $3,000.

Four Seasons also offers the Lodge at Ko’ele, an exclusive retreat located 1,700 feet up in the misty center of the island. The Lodge offers a more formal experience, but also even more serene. The Lodge is currently undergoing enhancements, which should be finished later this year. It remains open during these renovations, but you will need to check on the availability of rooms, which normally start at $400.

If you’re on a budget (of any kind), you may want to look into Hotel Lana’i. Hotel Lana’i is an historic landmark built in the 1920s. It contains 11 guest rooms, which start at just over $100 per night. Their restaurant, Henry Clay’s Rotisserie, is really top notch. Despite the large difference in room rates, Hotel Lana’i is definitely a viable alternative to staying at one of the Four Seasons’ luxurious resorts.

While the private island of Lana’i does have its own airport, the most inexpensive way to travel there is the Expeditions Lahaina-Lana’i Ferry. Just about twenty-five bucks per person from Maui to Lana’i.

You’ll want to rent a Jeep during your stay on Lana’i to explore this majestic island. Renting a vehicle can be difficult, since there is a shortage of them, so reserve your Jeep well in advance. Like just about everything on Lana’i, car rentals are overpriced. Your best bet is Lana’i Eco Centre. Check online before you arrive on the island, as resort personnel may keep this bit of information to themselves.

Be sure to take your Jeep to the Munro Trail, up the island’s misty upper ridge, where you’ll experience breathtaking views of Maui and Molokai. The best beach on Lana’i is Hulopo’e Beach, and it boasts an unbelievable snorkeling experience on its southeast end.

The Hawaiian Island of Lana’i is not at all inexpensive, but the experience of visiting this lush and tranquil private island is well worth every dollar you will spend. It makes for the perfect first or second honeymoon, or simply a retreat that will truly take you away from it all.