LANA'I MAGIC

October 22, 2010

I’ve just returned from a wonderful, relaxing vacation on the island of Lana’i, in Hawai’i.                              

On our last morning, as we were leaving our hotel, a fellow passenger said “Say goodbye to Paradise” as we rode the shuttle to the airport.

His comment couldn’t have been more true.

I suppose that those of us living on the West coast have it easy, since Hawaii is a relatively ‘short’ six hour flight away.

Even so, the flight home can easily undo the complete state of relaxation that my body had become accustomed to during the previous week.

Yet, no matter how long, or tiring the flight, it couldn’t take away my memories of the breathtaking ocean views, the warm sun on my skin, fresh papaya for breakfast each morning and the feel of being gently tossed in the ocean waves as they rolled ashore.

I suppose this could describe any place in Hawaii, but for me it’s part of the magic of Lana’i.

The island of Lana’i  may be among the less popular of the Hawaiian Islands, due to its small size and the number of visitors who come here.

Yet for my husband and myself, that’s precisely what we like about it.

Here’s what else is unique about Lana’i:

• It is a place of contrasts, offering both luxury and simplicity, with warmth and sunshine on the coast, or cool breezes and a chance of rain further inland.
• The population is roughly 3100.
• There are only 30 miles of paved roads. The speed limit is 35. If you really want to tour the island, a 4-wheel drive vehicle is recommended.
• Earlier this century Lana’i was a pineapple plantation, owned by Dole Pineapple.
• The main town is Lana’i City. Actually, it’s the only town. It’s small, and quaint, taking you back in time about 50 years.
• There are only 3 hotels.
• Two of these hotels are Four Seasons Resorts, each with its own world-class golf course. They are located at Manele Bay, and the Lodge at Koele (a former plantation house), respectively.
• The third hotel, Hotel Lanai’i is located in Lana’i City, and is small and quaint, just like the town. It has an excellent restaurant and features a live band every Friday evening.
• You can spend your day playing in the waves, or relaxing on the beach at the Four Seasons Resort Lana’i, Manele Bay. Or, you can enjoy a game of miniature golf or croquet at its sister hotel, the Four Seasons Resort Lana’i, The Lodge at Koele.
• Since the temperatures are easily 10 degrees cooler at The Lodge, you might even find yourself enjoying afternoon tea in front of a roaring fire in the rustic Great Room.
• For a nominal fee, there is a shuttle service that transfers hotel guests between hotels, or into town.
• In town, you’ll find a gift shop called Dis ‘n Dat, which carries exactly what the name implies. When you walk inside, you’re greeted by a symphony of wind chimes blowing in the warm breeze.
• The word Lana’i means “hump” in reference to the volcanic eruption that formed the island many eons ago.

All this and more is the magic of Lana’i.

Categories: Designer Recommends, Health & Wellness | Tags: Dis n Dat, Hawaii, Lana'i, Lana'i City, Lodge at Koele, magic, Manele Bay, paradise, plantation | 3 Comments »

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