Visiting Lanai Island in Hawaii by the Lanai Ferry- Staying at the Four Seasons, Hotel Lanai including Dining and Horseback Riding- January 2014
Visiting Lanai- Where to Stay, Eat and Play
We took the Lanai Ferry http://www.go-lanai.com , which is the way to go from the Lahaina Harbor in Maui. The quick 45-minute ride included seeing some whales.
We had the pleasure to experience both Four Seasons Hotels on the island of Lanai, now owned by Larry Ellison, who has big plans for growth. Upon arriving on the Lanai Ferry, which was a 45 minute smooth ride (http://www.go-lanai.com/ ) we were greeted by a Four Seasons driver who took us to the Manale Bay Resort. As you can see by the photos, this place was enchanting. Located right near the water and about good 5 minute walk to the public beach, Manale had it all. Their kids for all seasons program was fantastic and free for kids 5-12 yrs old. Pam and the staff were incredible with our daughters. Any kids younger than 5 are permitted with a parent. They had plenty to do to keep your child busy with arts and crafts, toys, videos and other games.
Other great amenities include their beautiful pool overlooking the ocean, sports bar/lounge, yoga and fitness classes (make sure to take the 5pm yoga class on the beach with Gorgi, who was very helpful and nice. Their 24 hr business center and fitness centers were very convenient. The lavish buffet breakfast was incredible with an assortment of pastries, fruits, omelette station, smooth/juice station, smoked salmon and fish & more. You can also order a selection of hot food items from pancakes, french toast, potatoes, bacon and more that is included in the buffet.
The room was spectacular and spacious and you feel like you are in another world at Manale Bay. We had dinner at the Italian patio restaurant adjacent to the pool which offers a variety of meats, seafood and of course, pasta. The lasagna was very tasty along with the Shrimp in black squid ink linguine. Kids eat free at both resorts with any paid meal. More info at http://www.fourseasons.com/manelebay/
The Lodge at Koele with the photo above is a totally different environment about a 20 minute shuttle ride from the beach. The country feel and calmness make you relax. Their swimming pool was very warm and next to the fitness center outside. Play a game of croquet or golf putt while enjoying the clean air and serenity. Our kids loved feeding the koi fish as the front reception will give you food. They also had a very nice, spacious room and an al-a-carte breakfast. Enjoy the fun game room with 2 big screen tvs to watch sports or relax in the lobby reading a book or listening to some music in the early evening by one of their slack key guitar players.
They also have a 24 hr business center with huge screen monitors -same at Manale. Make a note to check out the stars at night as they are as bright as anywhere I have ever seen. The Four Seasons will send a private shuttle to pick you up. You can find out more about all their activities at http://www.fourseasons.com/manelebay/services_and_amenities/
Hotel Lanai and Lanai City Grill located in the hotel- Owners Mike and Michelle run the hotel and restaurant respectively. This historic hotel is classic and for the budget traveler as it is a lot less expensive than either of the 2 Four Season Hotels as there are only 3 hotels on the island.
The rooms are intimate and walls are paper thin, which is the reason there are no TVs or phones in any of the rooms except for the cottage, which is its own place. That helps keep the costs down for guests to come and stay. Michelle was the most hospitable and warm owner/host of the restaurant. She gave us great suggestions from the beet salad, cheesy mac and cheese, ahi poke tacos and for sure not to miss Chilean Sea bass they fly in. This was the best sea bass I have ever had as it melts in your mouth and is served with potatoes and bok choy. If you have one dish while you are in Lanai this should be the one, trust me. The servers and staff were friendly and helpful. We really enjoyed our stay and they include a very nice continental breakfast. The free shuttle picks up right in front of the hotel and takes you to the 2 other Four Season Resorts so that was also convenient. http://www.hotellanai.com/
Lanai Grand Adventures is less than a 5 minute drive from the Lodge. There are horse stables, utv rides, hunting, archery and Molly is very warm and professional with guests. We arranged a horse carriage pickup and pony rides, which were great. More at http://www.lanaigrandadventures.com
Pele’s Other Garden is a quaint, affordable lunch and dinner restaurant in lanai city. Quite the alternative from the high end restaurants, the owner Mark has been running the place for 17yrs with his wife who is the chef. Do not miss the bruschetta (best on the island). The crab cakes were delicious along with the pizza and chicken parmesan. During the day, it is a deli and it turns into an Italian restaurant at night. Pele’s Other Garden is located at 811 Houston St in Lanai City. www.pelesothergarden.com