A century ago Lanai was home to Hawaii's largest pineapple plantation and known as the Pineapple Island. Now Lanai has been transformed into an exclusive island destination with two Four Seasons resorts. The island is approximately 13 miles wide and 18 miles long. We stayed in the Lodge at Koele situated in the green highlands in mist-shrouded mountains and forests of Cook pines (origianlly from New Zealand), while Four Seasons Resort at Manele Bay offers ocean-side relaxation and recreation.
The drive up to the Koele Resort lined with the Cook Pines.
Looking back down the road from the resort.
We were very pampered during our stay here. Upon our arrival we were greeted by the staff with Lei's and taken into the beautiful lobby buy a designated employee who brought us ice tea while she went through the check in process.
This is a close up of the Cook Pine tree. They were so lush and succulent. They were introduced from New Zealand because they replenish the water shed of the island by taking water from the mist and raining it down below.
This picture is just one end of the lobby at Koele, with a floor to ceiling fire place. There is an identical fireplace at the other end of the large reception room. These are the largest fireplaces in Hawaii. Very warm and cozy.
The Lodge really felt like you were up in the mountains in Banff with all the hardwood floors, fireplace and this nifty little bed that one could rest and read literally by the fire...it's all about relaxing!
We have a wonderful dinner is their formal dining room. We had a table to two right beside the fireplace which was the choice table. Beautiful meal, venison and locally grown vegetables, just superb! This was our last night in the lodge.
Now to have a look around the property which was absolutely a beautiful garden.The Pagoda is very impressive.
Just behind the white dome you'll see another white building which is a green house filled with different varieties of orchids! We wanted to get back to take some pictures but unfortunately we did not. There were so many unusual types, they looked like they were from outer space.
The pool and fitness centre which we did use a couple times. Fresh ice water and a big bowl of fruit were always on hand.
The above picture is a shot from the garden behind the Lodge and the picture below is where the 18 hole putting course is located. It's just to the right of the banyan tree. It was so fun and a very challenging course. It had lots of different lies with water and sand everywhere. Martin chipped out of the sand with his putter and aced it right in the cup from about 15 feet. I went in the water once but the golf balls floated..so you could get them back! Really fun!
This beautiful banyan tree sits in the front of the lodge. The photo below shows where our room is on the second level.
Here's our room, decorated with lovely bright colours. The door leads to the balcony. We had king size bed and it was the most comfortable bed I've ever been in, even more comfortable than the one at home! Pillows too, you just sunk into the bed and pillows..so nice.
Had a nice bathroom and cool shower with large glass door than swung open to get in. We were very comfortable in here.
These pictures show the beautiful stairways up to our room. All hardwood and wood railings. The hotel has been here for 20 years but very well taken care of, looks like new.
I loved this veranda facing west to watch the sunset or just relax. It is so quiet here even though the front desk said they were sold out there were no crowds or line ups.
We came to the Blue Ginger Cafe often for breakfast. It is only a fifteen minute walk to the island's only community, the quaint plantation town of Lanai City with a population of just 3,000. The Four Seasons Resort was not an all inclusive so everything is extra. The food there is excellent but we really enjoyed being among the local people. This little cafe was so cute and they made their own bread and pastries. I had the best vegetarian omelette there and Martin has his usual, ham and eggs.
We walked around the community we came across the Mormon Church in such a small town we wondered how many members were on the island and if there were any missionaries, but we didn't see any. There wasn't a lot of people around, just a few locals and the tourists.
This little store was so cute and it really stood out and attracted our attention. Well, I can't speak for Martin but it got me into their store!
It was so full of stuff! Lots of jewelry and wind chimes, clocks and well I gotta say it, Dis and Dat!
Look at this car they had outside of their store! A 1959 Nash Metropolitan! It was in really good shape too!
We had lunch here at the Cafe 565 and ordered Mahi Mahi sandwich. It was good but it took soooo long to get our order. Just one cook and one person on the till. We were anxious to get down to the beach.
This is the Hotel Lanai which we had considered when I was searching for accommodation in Lanai. It was built in 1923 by James Dole and used as lodging for the Dole Plantation executives. It was the first and only hotel on Lanai until 1990. The hotel has 11 charming guest rooms and a cheerful restaurant. We did try the restaurant and it was pretty good. We caught the shuttle here that will take us down to Manele Bay to spend the rest of our day at the beach.
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