Ultimate Lānaʻi Guide
I’ve visited Lanai twice—once before COVID, when I took a solo trip and stayed at the beach hotel, and most recently for the final leg of our two-week honeymoon, where we stayed at Sensei to unwind at the spa after visiting two other beach properties.
This island is truly special—one of the most unique and unspoiled places in the world. The majority of Lanai remains undeveloped, with no chain restaurants, just one grocery store, and a charming little village. The two Four Seasons resorts are spectacular, and you can’t go wrong with either (note: one is adults-only). This post gives an overview of the island and our favorite things to do.
Where to Stay
Lanai has two Four Seasons resorts and one small independent property. The Four Seasons hotels are stunning, each with its own distinct charm. Having stayed at both, I truly can’t pick a favorite—they offer different experiences. If you’re unsure which is right for you, reach out! Many of our clients opt to split their trip between both.
Four Seasons Resort Lanai (Beachfront): A breathtaking resort right on the beach, this property was beautifully renovated after Larry Ellison purchased it. It has a modern touch while still blending seamlessly with its surroundings.
The rooms are gorgeous—especially the bathrooms—and there are plenty of configurations for families, from suites to connecting rooms. The specialty suites are ideal for families or larger groups, offering additional VIP perks. If you're unsure which room type to choose, I’d be happy to help find the best fit for your stay.
One of my favorite aspects of this hotel (and the island overall) is its deep respect for Hawaiian heritage. Every evening at sunset, there’s a beautiful ceremony celebrating the passing of another day, featuring traditional mele (chants), hula, music, and torch lighting. It’s a truly magical experience that kids, in particular, love.
The resort also goes all out for the holidays, with concerts and special events. Availability is very limited, so if you’re interested in a festive-season stay, reach out ASAP.
This hotel is perfect for honeymooners, families, and multigenerational trips. While Lanai is a quiet island with no shopping malls (though there are daily ferries to Maui for that), it’s this peacefulness that makes it so special.
Sensei Lanai, A Four Seasons Resort (Wellness & Spa Retreat):
We stayed here at the end of our honeymoon in January 2025, and it was the perfect way to unwind. The property is stunning—lush, peaceful, and far more beautiful in person than photos can capture. The gardens are filled with hidden hot tubs, many beside waterfalls, making it fun to explore and discover different spots throughout your stay.
The spa services are some of the best I have ever experienced in my life. If you need a spa retreat, I can’t recommend it enough. Make sure to book extended time in the Hales after your treatment too.
The spa services are among the best I’ve ever experienced. If you’re looking for a true wellness retreat, I can’t recommend this place enough. Be sure to book extended time in the Hales after your treatment for a fully immersive experience.
Sensei is an adults-only resort, so the atmosphere is serene and tranquil. While we focused on spa treatments, the resort also offers renowned wellness programs.
At times, it felt like we had the entire property to ourselves, even though the hotel was near full capacity. The rooms and suites are incredibly spacious, many with private porches overlooking the lush gardens.
One of my favorite perks? Both Four Seasons resorts on Lanai offer complimentary laundry service—a game-changer if you're traveling for an extended period.
A shuttle runs between the two properties, making it easy to enjoy the beach and the restaurants at the beachfront resort.
Restaurants
Sensei by Nobu: Located at the Sensei property, this Nobu restaurant is an experience in itself. The spacious dining room features a stunning glass ceiling that makes you feel as if you’re dining in a garden. While the Miso Cod is always a classic, I loved the yellow curry and lobster special during our stay.
Booking through me? You’ll receive full American breakfast for two, which you can enjoy here or via in-room dining.
Nobu Lanai: Situated at the beachfront resort, this Nobu offers stunning ocean views. The menu is more aligned with traditional Nobu offerings, and every dish we tried was excellent. We also had a fantastic experience at the bar before dinner—the bartender was amazing!
Malibu Farm: The main lunch spot at the beach resort, offering fresh, simple dishes like salads and steak. When we visited in January 2025, another restaurant was being updated, so Malibu Farm was also open for dinner. My husband spent time at the bar while I toured different rooms and suites, and he raved about the friendly bartenders.
Osteria Mazza: Nancy Silverton’s Italian restaurant at the beach resort blends Italian cuisine with fresh, seasonal island ingredients. It was under renovation during our visit, but we’ve heard amazing things.
Lanai City Bar & Grill (also knows as “The Bistro”): An off-property favorite, this spot has live music most nights and a lively atmosphere. It’s a great place to visit after renting a Jeep for the day. Located in the heart of Lanai City, it’s known for its venison dishes, a local specialty.
Activities (all of these are via Four Seasons)
Larry Ellison owns the majority of the island including the two Four Seasons properties, making it a really interesting place with a ton of activities. Below are a few that we have personally done on our two trips and ones recommended.
Observatory: One of our favorite activities! Held at the beach resort, this experience offers incredible stargazing and a fascinating introduction to Polynesian wayfinding—how ancient voyagers navigated the Pacific using the stars. Afterward, you’ll visit the observatory, where a high-powered telescope offers views of planets, nebulae, and more.
Tip: Book this early in your trip in case you need to reschedule due to weather.
Whale Watching: A must if you’re visiting during whale season! We spent 2.5 hours on the water and saw mothers with calves. While we didn’t witness dramatic breaches, the experience was still unforgettable.
Tip: If you want to stay dry, sit next to the mast. If you don’t mind getting splashed, the netting is the spot for you!
Sporting Clays: A 14-station shooting course set in a stunning location. This was my first time shooting clays, and I had an absolute blast. The instructors were fantastic, and it set such a high bar that every other shooting experience I’ve had since has paled in comparison.
Jeep Rental: Renting a Jeep is an absolute must for exploring Lānaʻi. Some of our favorite stops:
Lopa Beach – A remote, peaceful beach where we saw whales, sea turtles, and deer.
Keahiakawelo (Garden of the Gods) – Feels like being on Mars.
Shipwreck beach– Interesting beach next to an old shipwreck.
Lanai Cat Sanctuary – A paradise for cat lovers!
You should check out Dole Park, the heart of Lanai. There’s lot of cute little restaurant, shops and galleries. It’s a nice spot to get lunch. There’s also a grocery store here.
Rancher Experience: If you're staying at Sensei, you can walk to the ranch to feed the goats for free. The shuttle from the beach hotel can also drop you off. We loved visiting the goats and mini ponies after breakfast most mornings during our stay.
Ready to Book?
Planning a trip to Lanai (or anywhere else)? We’d love to help craft the perfect itinerary tailored to your travel style and preferences. Whether you're looking for a relaxing spa retreat, an adventurous island escape, or a combination of both, we’ll make sure your vacation is seamless and unforgettable. Reach out to start planning your dream getaway today!
