Checking into A Secluded Escape
A Guide to Four Seasons Resort Lana’i
Words Ashley Bowling | Photos Robb Gordan & Will Bowling
On the southern coast of one of Hawaii’s least populated islands, Four Seasons Resort Lana’i offers a breathtaking escape perched cliffside with panoramic views of the Pacific. This luxurious resort overlooks Hulopo’e Bay, one of the island’s most beautiful beaches. The creamy sand and emerald waters provide a mesmerizing setting for a tranquil escape, where life moves a little slower. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or, in our case, a balance of both, this resort invites serenity in the simple charm of Hawaii’s last unspoiled isles.
Why Book?
On lush and immaculate grounds, Four Seasons Resort Lana’i is an unparalleled haven that feels worlds away from the everyday. This resort seamlessly blends world-class service with the island’s natural beauty, offering guests an intimate retreat. Hulopo’e Beach is a serene spot filled with the occasional local surfer, but the beach remains blissfully uncrowded. Guests can enjoy the resort’s abundant tropical landscapes, where guestsrooms are designed for seclusion and privacy. Beyond Hulopo’e Beach, a hike up the red dirt trail reveals breathtaking panoramas of Sweetheart Rock, where sunrise and sunset paint the sky in pink and orange hues. During winter, visitors can spot humpback whales frolicking in the nearby waters.
The Scene
Four Seasons Resort Lana’i feels like a hidden oasis, with its old Polynesian charm and modern luxuries. The resort’s design incorporates rich wood tones and hand-woven rugs, creating an inviting atmosphere. The interior spaces fill with colorful tropical foliage, creating a seamless connection between structure and land complementing the resort’s refined elegance. As you wander through the meticulously landscaped grounds, you’re greeted with a friendly “Aloha!” from every staff member and fellow guests—though these encounters are a rarity.
The access to nature in Lana’i is inevitable, from the crashing waves at the bay to the dramatic cliffs that frame the coastline. Whether lounging by the pool or exploring the island’s rugged terrain, every moment feels like a step into a world untouched by time.
Accommodations
The guestrooms are also a seamless blend of modern luxury and cozy island-inspired design. Each room is equipped with a private lanai, offering views of the ocean and lush gardens. Inside, the decor features deep wood tones, creamy palettes, and spa-like bathrooms complete with rain showers and luxurious amenities, bidet toilets, makeup mirrors, and integrated TV screens. The signature Four Seasons mattress, pillows, and plush bedding are all designed to maximize comfort, ensuring the best rest one can imagine in paradise.
Food & Drink
Dining at the resort is an unforgettable experience at world-class restaurants. Chefs source from over 100 local farmers and fishers, crafting diverse menus that are as fresh as it gets. Nobu Lana’i combines Japanese cuisine with Hawaiian ingredients, creating the most delicious dining experience. Guests can enjoy dishes like black cod with miso or yellowtail sashimi. For a more casual option, Malibu Farm serves organic dishes inspired by local flavors, like Pokeviché (spicy ahi tuna with sesame oil and avocado) and a signature Blueberry cocktail (peach bourbon, blueberry mint ginger agave, and lemon). Osteria Mozza offers Italian cuisine fused with a taste of Hawaii, making it the perfect spot to enjoy a meal while watching the sun set over the bay.
Things to Do
For those looking to explore the island, the resort offers Jeep rentals, which we cannot recommend enough, to uncover the seclusion on Lana’i’s untouched beaches and backcountry landscapes. Unlike other Hawaiian islands, this place is an introvert’s dream come true, and you can spend all day exploring without running into another human. Closer to the resort, a simple hike gives way to spectacular views of legendary Sweetheart Rock. Guests can sail the Pacific at sunset or explore the Hulopo’e Bay Marine Sanctuary, where snorkeling reveals an active underwater world. Seasonal whale cruises gift guests a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to encounter humpback whales as they arrive in paradise to birth their calves.
On land, guests can enjoy activities such as horseback riding through the Kō’ele highlands at Four Seasons’ sister resort, as well as archery, clay shooting, and pickleball. Lāna’i Adventure Park offers an adrenaline-charged ropes course, while golfers can tee off at the Jack Nicklaus Manele Golf Course, which boasts stunning ocean views at every turn.
The Love Lāna’i program allows guests to engage in Hawaiian traditions and cultural classes such as weaving coconut leaves, learning to play the ukulele, or lei making. This program, rich with Aloha spirit, gives insight into nearly 1,000 years of Hawaiian heritage. The Lāna’i Observatory stands out in Love Lāna’i cultural program, offering a rare chance to explore the heavens. Free from light pollution, this island provides an ideal setting for stargazing and celestial navigation with its towering telescope.
Spa & Wellness
For those seeking relaxation, Hāwanawana Spa, meaning “whispering ocean,” offers a luxurious, ocean-inspired sanctuary for renewal and rest. Drawing on the healing power of the sea, the spa tailors each treatment to each individual guest, blending marine elements with innovative techniques to soothe the mind, body, and spirit. Guests can enjoy complimentary enhancements with select treatments, including eye, scalp, and foot therapies. Hāwanawana Spa is a peaceful escape where every detail promotes relaxation and quiet reflection.
The Island
Lana’i is truly a gem in the Hawaiian archipelago, extending a unique blend of creature comforts alongside rugged beauty at both of the Four Season’s resorts. From its secluded beaches to its natural landscape, the island provides endless opportunities for exploration. Four Seasons Resort Lana’i is the perfect base to discover this untouched island. Whether you’re lounging by the beach, dining at world-class restaurants, or immersed in the island’s natural wonder, it’s the unforgettable memories that allure its visitors back time and time again.
Contact:
fourseasons.com/lanai
@fslanai
