If you’ve been following my blog, you know that I highlight lesser-known destinations, ones that sometimes fly under the radar. The ones that people don’t know much about, but should. For me, visiting the Hawaiian Island of Lanai (Lāna’i) was at the top of the list. So, when I was offered the chance to experience it myself, I jumped at the chance.
I found my visit to Lanai to be the perfect blend of adventure and luxury, one that was completely unexpected but equally impressive. If you’re looking for a getaway that offers a slower pace to life without the crowds and a bit of solitude, then a trip to Lanai is just for you. For more on what to do in Lanai, read below.
Where is Lanai, Hawaii
The lesser-known of the Hawaiian Islands, Lanai is the smallest inhabited island within the Hawaiian Islands. Sitting just to the west of the northern end of Maui, Lanai can be seen in the distance from the island’s shoreline. Spanning only 141 square miles (18 miles in length and 13 miles in width), the tiny island inhabits around 3,000 people who reside in the island’s only city, Lanai City.
History of Lanai
Lanai, better known as Pineapple Island, has a deep rich history that dates back to the 1500s when the island’s first inhabitant was believed to be banished there as punishment because natives thought Lanai to be evil. It turns out the island wasn’t evil and the man survived living on Lanai, thus beginning a slow migration over the years of other inhabitants.
Soon the island was mostly made up of fishing villages in the mid-1800s. At one point, the island was mainly used for cattle grazing, but then in 1922, Dole Pineapple bought the island with the intent to use it as one big pineapple plantation.
Today, 98% of the island is privately owned by Larry Ellison, co-founder of Oracle with the other 2% owned by the state of Hawaii and various homeowners.
Can you stay on Lanai?
Yes, you can stay on Lanai. There are three hotels on the island: Four Seasons Lanai, Sensei Lanai, a Four Seasons Resort, and Hotel Lanai.
During my trip to Lanai, I stayed at the Sensei Lanai. The secluded property is nestled in the traditionally spiritual highlands of Kōʻele and offers one of the most enchanting destinations adorned with incredible artwork, lush foliage and hundreds of native and non-native plants and flowers.
Sensei Lanai, a Four Seasons Resort
The word “sensei” is Japanese for “a teacher,” and serves as the anchor to their Guided Wellness Experience package. Upon arrival, you are assigned your own personal Sensei guide. To kick off your wellness journey you meet with your guide for an overall assessment to establish your baseline and discuss your goals for being there. They then create a personalized itinerary of sorts that addresses your goals and where you are on your wellness journey.
What impressed me the most, was that my guide did not focus on the latest fitness or food trends, but rather Sensei’s approach focuses on the foundation for overall good health, personalized for you.
My personalized itinerary included several spa treatments, a private meditation session, one-on-one yoga to perfect my practice and several off-site excursions.
Spa treatments on Lanai
If you are looking for spa treatments on Lanai, then Sensei Lanai is the perfect place. But I will warn you, be prepared to be forever spoiled when it comes to spa day. Spa treatments are held in the private Japanese-inspired spa Hales — Hawaiian for “home.” The Hales are designed to be like your exclusive sanctuary where you are free to relax, unwind, and focus on yourself.
The individual Hales are 1,000 sq. ft. in space and feature a spa shower, bathroom, indoor and outdoor rain showers, soaking Ofuro tubs and pools, and a private garden. Each of the 10 Hales on the property is nestled within the Koele Gardens making it one of the best places to relax. Plus, with every spa treatment, you are given 30 minutes of “hale time” to relax and enjoy on your own.
I received the Shiatsu massage — a traditional Japanese bodywork treatment and a Thermal Body Mapping massage, where I received a personalized massage based on my body’s unique heat map.
Other wellness activities
The resort offers a wide variety of other activities that include zip lining, horseback riding, forest bathing, open sky meditation, guided hikes and art walks, plus a variety of strength and yoga classes. In between spa treatments, I took yoga classes, plus one-on-one fitness and mindfulness sessions.
But these weren’t your ordinary fitness or yoga classes. These sessions were led by top-of-their class instructors. With each encounter I had with the guides and instructors, I knew I was receiving world-class wellness approaches and information. Plus, each wellness session is built on top of one another.
Admire the beautiful gardens
You know the saying… “Stop and smell the roses.” Well, Sensei creates the perfect place and time to do just that. For me, one of my favorite activities at Sensei was strolling (with my camera in hand) through the property’s tropical gardens, admiring the Koi pond and art sculptures, taking dips in heated soaking tubs in the Onsen Gardens, and venturing up the hill to see Talaia — the property’s iconic statue by artist Jaume Plensa. Every moment and every corner you turn feels tranquil.
Food for thought
Feel nourished and energized by the menu at Sensei by Nobu — the resort’s main restaurant. Sample from menus designed by world-renowned Japanese Chef Nobu Matsuhisa and his team in close collaboration with Sensei nutritionists.
Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the beautiful glass pavilion overlooking the Koi pond and gardens. Many of the menu items include ingredients harvested from Sensei’s on-island sustainable farm. For the full food experience, order the OMAKASE sampler, and don’t miss the chance to try the Japanese Wagyu beef.
What to do on Lanai
If you are looking to explore a bit more of the island, there are plenty of other activities that will fully immerse you in the island’s rugged landscape. Its topography is quite different than the other Hawaiian islands where tall pine trees, not palm trees, grow, and its vastness of volcanic rock, craggy cliffsides that spill into the Pacific Ocean, plus noticeably red dirt that fills the crevices of the landscape. This unique landscape makes Lanai a destination for many different outdoor adventurous activities.
Hiking Lanai
Hiking on Lanai is unlike anywhere else you’ve ever hiked. Unlike the rest of Hawaii, you won’t be walking amongst lush rainforests but rather in pine forests. As I mentioned earlier, the island has some of the biggest pine forests in Hawaii and one of the best ways to experience this is with a hike. I chose the Koloiki Ridge hike as I could catch the trail directly from the Sensei property.
The Koloiki Ridge hike is probably the most popular trail on the island. Its approachable 4.2 miles (out and back) are not technical. The beginning of the trail starts at the resort and winds through a thick forest of pines with plenty of tree coverage. Then eventually the trail dumps you out to Koloiki Ridge where you can see for miles and on a clear day the shores of Maui in the distance. On land, you’ll see local flora, deep valleys, and 360-degree views.
A full detailed description of the trail can be found at All Trails.
Sunset catamaran sail
And what trip to Hawaii would be complete without a sunset catamaran sail? Sail into the sunset aboard a 70-foot catamaran, while looking back and admiring the coast of Lanai. The entire experience is topped off with drinks and appetizers as you let the sea-salted wind whip through your hair. We saw swimming dolphins, views of Sweetheart Rock and a unique perspective of Lanai.
Other things to do on Lanai
- Turtle watching
- Horseback riding
- Adventure park
- Golf
- Camping
- 4×4 off-roading
- Walk 18 miles along secluded beaches
How to get to Lanai
Getting to Lanai is not the easiest but it certainly isn’t hard. Because there are no direct flights from the continental U.S., connecting flights from Honolulu International Airport (HNL) or Kahului Airport (OGG) in MauiI can be made to Lanai.
If you are staying at either one of the Four Seasons Resorts on Lanai, then you can arrange a private flight with Lanai Air. I flew directly from Denver into Honolulu and was swept away to Lanai on a private plane completely to myself. Drinks and food await you at the tiny airport before hopping aboard the plane. This is the quickest connection between Honolulu and Lanai.
A day trip to Lanai from Maui is a popular excursion via the ferry. In fact, when talking with the locals in Lanai City, they talked about taking the ferry to Maui for the weekend. For those flying into Maui, you can travel to Lānaʻi’s Mānele Harbor from Maui’s Lāhainā Harbor through the Expeditions Ferry service. There are five round trips daily. Ferry trips take roughly an hour.
Can you drive on Lanai?
Yes, you can drive on the island of Lanai. There are only 30 miles of paved roads, with no stoplights. Much of the paved roads lead to Lanai City and the two Four Seasons resorts. Taxis and shuttles are available to and from the ferry or airport to your hotel.
If you’re looking to add a splash of luxury to your outdoor adventures, Lanai is the place to do that!
