The Ultimate Lanai Guide: A Truly One-of-a-Kind Hawaiian Escape

Lanai is unlike anywhere else in the world—and that’s exactly why I keep going back. I’ve visited twice: first on a solo trip pre-COVID where I stayed at the Four Seasons beach resort, and more recently for the final leg of our honeymoon, where we relaxed at the serene Sensei Lanai after stays at two other beach destinations.

This island is Hawaii’s best-kept secret—85,000 acres of unspoiled land with no traffic lights, no chain restaurants, and a charming central village. With just two Four Seasons Hawaii resorts and one small boutique hotel, Lanai delivers a truly elevated and off-the-beaten-path experience. Whether you're planning a honeymoon, wellness retreat, or luxury family getaway, this guide will help you navigate the best places to stay, dine, and explore.

Whether you're planning a honeymoon, a wellness retreat, or a multigenerational family trip, here’s everything you need to know about this magical island.

As a Four Seasons Preferred Partner travel advisor, I can help you book either resort with exclusive perks you won’t get elsewhere—think daily breakfast, room upgrades, and VIP status.

Where to Stay

Four Seasons Resort Lanai: The Best Beachfront Hotel in Lanai

A beachfront oasis with sweeping ocean views and a design that blends seamlessly with its natural surroundings. When Larry Ellison purchased the resort, he spared no expense in its transformation. The rooms are gorgeous—especially the bathrooms—and there’s a wide range of configurations perfect for families, couples, or groups.

The specialty suites are ideal for larger parties and come with exclusive VIP perks. One of the most meaningful touches? The resort’s daily sunset ceremony, honoring Hawaiian tradition through mele (chant), hula, and music. It’s a beautiful moment that brings guests together and is especially popular with families.

This resort is perfect for couples, families, and multigenerational travelers who want a luxury beach vacation on a quieter island. While you won’t find big shopping centers here, Maui is just a short ferry ride away if that’s important to you.

Sensei Lanai: Hawaii’s Top Adults-Only Wellness Resort

Our most recent stay was at Sensei, and it was the perfect way to end our honeymoon. Set in the lush uplands, this adults-only wellness resort is all about serenity. The grounds are exquisite, with hidden hot tubs tucked into gardens, waterfalls, and one of the most peaceful pools I’ve ever seen.

The spa is a standout—truly one of the best I’ve experienced. For those seeking wellness, the resort offers personalized programs, fitness classes, and world-class treatments. The rooms are incredibly spacious with serene views of the gardens, and a unique perk: both Four Seasons properties offer complimentary laundry service.

Even when the resort is fully booked, it feels wonderfully quiet. And with complimentary shuttles running between both hotels, you can easily access the beach or dine at one of the coastal restaurants.

Booking Tip: When you book with a Four Seasons Preferred Partner like me, you’ll receive daily breakfast for two, room upgrades, $100 resort credit, VIP recognition at both Lanai properties and any additional promos they are running at time of booking.

Where to Eat in Lanai: Dining at Four Seasons and Beyond

From fine dining at Nobu to local favorites in Lanai City, here are some of the top restaurants to try during your stay.

Sensei by Nobu

A stunning space with a glass ceiling that makes you feel like you're dining in a botanical garden. While the classic Miso Cod is always a winner, the seasonal specials—like a yellow curry and lobster dish we loved—are worth exploring. Full breakfast is included daily when booking through us.

Nobu Lanai (Four Seasons Lanai Beach Resort)

Set over the water with unforgettable views, this location offers more of the signature Nobu experience. We had a fantastic dinner here and enjoyed excellent service at the bar beforehand.

Malibu Farm (Four Seasons Lanai Beach Resort)

A laid-back lunch spot at the beach property that serves healthy favorites like salads, steak, and fish. During our stay, it was also open for dinner due to a restaurant renovation.

Osteria Mozza (Four Seasons Lanai Beach Resort)

Opened by the legendary Nancy Silverton, this restaurant brings fresh island ingredients to elevated Italian cuisine. Unfortunately, it was under renovation during our most recent visit—but it’s a must-try next time.

Lanai City Bar & Grille

Most dining is centered around the Four Seasons Lanai resorts, but it’s worth venturing into town for a local experience. Known locally as “The Bistro,” this off-property spot is perfect for a casual night out. Expect live music, a lively atmosphere, and signature venison dishes. It's conveniently located near Sensei and accessible via the hotel shuttle.

Activities on Lanai (All Bookable via Four Seasons)

Whether you're here for adventure, relaxation, or a deeper connection to the island, Lanai offers a curated mix of outdoor experiences, cultural insights, and unforgettable scenery. These are some of the most memorable activities I’ve personally tried (and recommend to every client).

Lanai Observatory

One of the most unique and enriching experiences on the island. The evening begins with a guided walk to a scenic overlook for stargazing and an introduction to traditional Polynesian wayfinding—how ancient voyagers used stars, wind, and waves to navigate the Pacific. From there, you’ll enter the state-of-the-art observatory to view planets, stars, and galaxies through a high-powered telescope.

Tip: Book this early in your trip to allow flexibility in case of cloudy skies. It’s ideal for couples, families, and anyone interested in astronomy or Hawaiian culture.

Whale Watching (Seasonal)

From typically December to April, whale watching in Lanai offers an unforgettable glimpse into the migration of humpback whales. This 2.5-hour boat excursion is led by a knowledgeable, passionate crew. We spotted mothers and calves cruising just offshore—peaceful, beautiful, and awe-inspiring.

Pro tip: Sit near the mast for the driest ride, and bring a wind-resistant hat and sunglasses (it can get windy!).

Sporting Clays

Whether you're a beginner or experienced shooter, the 14-station sporting clays course in Lanai is world-class. Set in a remote, scenic part of the island, the course feels like a luxury shooting retreat. I tried it on my first visit and was immediately hooked—the expert instructors make it approachable and fun.

One of the most surprising and memorable activities on the island.

Jeep Rental & Island Touring

Exploring Lanai by Jeep is hands-down one of the best ways to experience the island’s raw, off-the-grid beauty. Many roads are unpaved, which adds to the adventure and gets you closer to Lanai’s most remote and rewarding sites. Here are some must-visit stops:

• Lopa Beach – Wild, remote, and magical. We saw whales breaching offshore, a sea turtle in the surf, and even deer on the drive out. Expect a 45–50 minute drive from Sensei, with a stretch of dusty but manageable dirt road.

• Shipwreck Beach – Known for the haunting WWII-era shipwreck rusting just offshore. Not safe for swimming, but stunning for photos and views of Moloka‘i across the water.

• Garden of the Gods (Keahiakawelo) – A surreal, otherworldly landscape of red boulders and dust. Feels like Mars. Visit at sunrise or sunset for jaw-dropping light and color.

• Lanai Cat Sanctuary – One of the most unique attractions on the island. Nearly 700 rescued cats live freely in a beautiful open-air sanctuary. A must for animal lovers, and a hit with kids.

• Lanai City & Dole Park – The heart of the island with cafés, boutiques, galleries, and a local grocery store. Great for lunch or a casual stroll after your Jeep tour.

Note: Four Seasons can coordinate your Jeep rental and offer maps with top stops. It’s one of the most fun and flexible ways to explore.

Rancher Experience

A sweet and simple activity. Located just downhill from Sensei Lanai, the ranch is home to goats and mini horses you can feed and visit at your own pace. We made a little ritual of walking there after breakfast—calm, playful, and very grounding.

Also easily accessible via shuttle from the beach resort.

Sensei Lanai vs Four Seasons Lanai Beach Resort: Which is Right for You?

Choose Sensei Lanai if you’re looking for:

• An adults-only retreat with a focus on wellness and relaxation

• A quiet, peaceful atmosphere in the center of the island

• World-class spa treatments and wellness programs

• Hidden hot tubs, serene gardens, and private hiking trails

• A romantic escape or solo reset with minimal distractions

Choose Four Seasons Resort Lanai (Beach) if you’re looking for:

• A family-friendly, oceanfront resort with a classic Hawaiian feel

• Direct beach access and stunning views over Hulopoʻe Bay

• More variety in dining, including multiple restaurants on-site

• Golf, water activities, and cultural programming

• A vibrant pool scene and proximity to snorkeling and marine life

Can’t decide?

Many of my clients split their stay between the two properties to get the best of both worlds. I’ll help you design the perfect itinerary—with all the VIP perks and seamless transitions between the resorts.

Final Thoughts

Lanai is pure magic. It’s a place where luxury meets authenticity, where every sunset feels sacred, and where time slows down in the best possible way. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a wellness reset, or a family escape, it’s a destination I can’t recommend highly enough.

And if you're deciding between resorts (or considering doing both, which many of my clients do), I’d be happy to help you plan the perfect stay with all the VIP perks and personalized touches that make it truly unforgettable.