Courtesy of Four Seasons Lānaʻi. Photo by Barbara Kraft.
There are many reasons to travel to Lānaʻi: world-class golf and scuba diving, epic hunting and fishing opportunities, and pristine beaches with crystal-clear water, to name a few.
In 2012, Oracle Corp. co-founder Larry Ellison — the second richest person in the world — purchased 98 percent of the island of Lānaʻi for $300 million. Ellison follows a more than century-long line of wealthy men who have owned the island. In 1922, James Dole built the world’s largest pineapple plantation—20,000 acres—on Lānaʻi.
While remnants of that era remain in the form of vast fallow lands, the island today remains both beautiful and distinct from the other Hawaiian islands. Luxury tourism now prevails, and while only a small portion of travelers can afford to stay at its high-end resorts, Lānaʻi offers a more private experience with significantly fewer crowds. For those seeking seclusion and serenity, it’s a trip worth every penny.
4-Day Lānaʻi Travel Itinerary
Day 1: Check in and relax.
You’ll likely take a charter flight to Lānaʻi from Honolulu via Lānaʻi Air. The trip takes about 20 minutes, and upon arrival, a driver from the Four Seasons will be waiting to take you to the resort.
Four Seasons Resort Lānaʻi
Courtesy of Four Seasons Lānaʻi. Photo by Barbara Kraft.
Four Seasons Resort Lānaʻi offers the ultimate in luxury. With only three hotel options on Lānaʻi to choose from, this is your only beachfront property. Enjoy palatial, quiet suites; custom service to meet your every need and plenty of opportunities to get out and explore the island.
From $1,200/night
Nobu Lānaʻi
Nobu Lānaʻi. Courtesy of Four Seasons Lānaʻi. Photo by Barbara Kraft.
Located inside the Four Seasons Resort, Nobu Lānaʻi offers everything you’d expect from acclaimed chef Nobu Matsuhisa, including sleek design, an intimate sushi counter and polished service. Enjoy signature dishes such as the New Style Sashimi Salmon, as well as menu items inspired by Hawaiʻi using local ingredients, such as the Big Island hearts of palm salad with creamy smoked jalapeño dressing and pink peppercorns.
$100-$250 per person
Day 2: Meet the island of Lānaʻi
Time to hit the road and discover what makes the island of Lānaʻi unique.
Holoholo Tour
Hop into one of the Four Seasons 4×4 off-road Jeeps with one of their expert guides for a 4-hour tour of the island. Give them a list of places you’d like to see, or let them curate the ultimate sightseeing excursion for you. Your local guide will enhance each stop with Hawaiian moʻolelo (stories and folklore) to give you a sense of place and teach you about Hawaiian culture.
From $400
Pool or Beach Time
Relax by the adults-only pool overlooking the ocean, or take a short walk down to Hulopoʻe Bay, just steps from the resort. Located on Lānaʻi’s southern coast, Hulopoʻe is ideal for snorkeling and swimming in the spring and summer, when the water is calm and clear. Visitors are reminded to avoid leaving trash behind and to never take stones or shells as souvenirs, in order to help preserve the natural beauty of the beach and out of respect for the island.
The Break or Osteria Mozza (opening winter 2025)
The Break is the Four Season’s all-day, cafe and open-air bar with coffee, pastries, ice cream, grab-and-go items and full menu overlooking the ocean.
$30-$100 per person
Kilo Hōku (observe the stars)
Lānaʻi Observatory. Courtesy of Four Seasons Lānaʻi. Photo by Robb Gordon.
Lānaʻi cultural advisors share the history of ancient Polynesian wayfinding and traditional navigation methods Native Hawaiians utilize today to retrace past voyages and reclaim ancestral knowledge. After gazing up at the stars outside, you’ll have the opportunity to see into space through a 1000mm (44”) telescope inside the Four Seasons’ observatory. This experience pairs traditional Hawaiian knowledge with modern technology. Tours begin after the sun goes down. Usually around 8 p.m.
$50 per person
Day 3: An afternoon in Lānaʻi City.
After some light morning exercise, take a Four Seasons shuttle into town to engage with local culture and support small mom and pop shops.
Guided Pu’upehe Morning Hike
Courtesy of Four Seasons Lānaʻi. Photo by Robb Gordon.
Follow a local guide on a morning hike to Pu’upehe, also known as “Sweetheart Rock.” Just before sunrise, you’ll walk along Hulopoe Bay, stopping at the tide pools along the way, and reaching the top just in time to welcome the sun. The 80-foot tall Pu’upehe is one of Lānaʻi’s most recognizable landmarks. On this hike, you will learn why Lānaʻi is known as “the day of conquest.”
$40 per person
Saturday Farmers Market
If you are here on a Saturday, hit the farmers market at Dole Park in the center of town. According to Frommer’s, Lānaʻi residents sell homegrown fruits and vegetables, freshly baked pastries, plate lunches, fresh pressed juices and crafts.
8 a.m. to noon
Blue Ginger
Blue Ginger is where locals come for large portions of Hawaiʻi local-style dishes, such as teriyaki chicken, roast pork and saimin.
Open 7 days a week, even on holidays.
$5-$20 per person
Lānaʻi Cultural & Heritage Center
Founded in 2007, the Lānaʻi Cultural & Heritage Center is a community-based non-profit led by local kūpuna (elders) and islanders. Its museum connects locals and visitors with the traditions, history and culture of Lāna‘i.
Open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Free
Day 4: Hit the green.
After coffee and breakfast, enjoy one last day doing one of the activities Lānaʻi is best known for…
Golf
Courtesy of Four Seasons Lānaʻi. Photo by Robb Gordon.
Play a round, or take a lesson, at Manele Golf course. The Jack Nicklaus signature course is located at the Four Seasons Resort Lānaʻi and offers breathtaking coastal views.
From $100 per person
Lānaʻi City Bar & Grill
Don’t leave leave Lānaʻi without having dinner at Lānaʻi City Bar & Grill – another favorite spot amongst locals with nightly live music and eclectic menu featuring local seafood, Lānaʻi axis deer and Sensei Farm produce.
$25-$75 per person
