No matter if you come from the East Coast or even a remote province in Canada, the residents near Hotel Lāna’i will make you feel like a part of their big Ohana (family). The Hawaiian islanders share the Aloha spirit with every wave and smile on this tiny piece of paradise.
Honeymooners welcome at Hotel Lanai
Hotel Lāna’i provides a comforting cottage feel for any occasion. Whether you are newlyweds and prefer sweet privacy or even celebrating a family reunion, Hotel Lāna’i has every amenity one could ask for. Each room comes with a queen bed, ceiling fans and hardwood flooring. Daily continental breakfast is filled with homemade muffins, granola, quiches, and of course fresh fruit, coffee and tea complete the Lāna’i cottage feel.
The 1920s Hawaiian country inn is filled with true island culture. Each of the 11 rooms feature subtle Hawaiian décor from local artists such as Mike Carroll and handmade Hawaiian quilts made by a local mother/daughter duo on the island of Maui. Every room also includes a cooler for day trips and picnics to the beach, and on the off chance it may be rainy, an umbrella is discreetly tucked away in the closet. Bicycles and snorkel equipment are also available for rent down at the front desk.
Hotel Lanai cottage
After a day of soaking up the sun, Hotel Lāna’i restaurant, Lāna’i City Grille, serves dinner from 5:00 pm until 9:00 pm Wednesday through Sunday. Friday and Saturday nights are filled with live music from 7:00 pm until 10:00 pm. Lāna’i City Grille maintains their local feel by serving pulled pork wontons with a sweet chili boursin aioli and shoyu dipping sauce. The signature spicy shrimp and lobster bisque is paired with their fresh island catch of the day. Make sure not to miss out on the Philippine inspired bananas foster desert, a banana lumpia served with warm caramel and vanilla bean ice cream is a hotel favorite.
Bicycles are available at Hotel Lanai
Hotel Lāna’i was once called home to Dole Pineapple executives and is now just steps away from Dole Park and downtown shops and restaurants. If you prefer to break away from the small cottage feel, an inner-hotel shuttle operates between Lānai’i, Four Seasons at The Lodge at Koele and Four Seasons at Manele Bay for a $35 fee.
Although Hotel Lāna’i has been around for over 90 years, co-owner Michael Charles took over the property in 2007 and completely renovated the hotel, one room at a time, to provide the best service to every customer while still capturing that Aloha flare.
Room rates range from $149. for a standard room to $229. for the private cottage. Check the website for current rates. Or you can make a reservation through Trip Advisor and check for the best rates among various booking sites.
Review and photos by Travel Writer Nancy D. Brown. I was a guest of Lanai Visitors Bureau during my stay on island. All opinions are my own.
