By J.D. Chi
Once the world's biggest pineapple plantation, Lanai underwent a total conversion in 1991 when Castle & Cook Corporation purchased the island from the Dole Corporation. Castle & Cook built two luxury hotels on this mostly uninhabited Hawaiian island: the Lodge at Koele and the Four Seasons at Manele Bay. Both hotels feature 18-hole golf courses with stunning views, and Manele Bay sits just above the island's best swimming and snorkeling spot, Hulopoe Bay.
The Hotel Lanai, the only one-star lodging property on the island, is in the heart of Lanai City, about three miles from the public airport. There is a bed and breakfast that offers one-star amenities, as well. Lanai is accessible by small commercial and private planes from neighboring islands. The island is also accessible by boat from Maui.
Hotel Lanai
Housed in what used to be the barracks for pineapple plantation executives, the Hotel Lanai is a 1923 plantation-style structure surrounded by Cook pine trees. The 11-room hotel has small rustic rooms that are comfortably furnished. All rooms have bathrooms. There is an excellent restaurant on site and you can walk to downtown restaurants and shops.
Dreams Come True
This quaint bed and breakfast with has limited amenities, but does come with breakfast. The inn, which does not have a specific star ranking, would fit into the one-star category. Dreams Come True has four rooms, most of which are austere yet comfortably furnished. There is a washer and dryer on site and guests can use the kitchen.
Other Options
The Captain's Retreat (four rooms), a group rental and the resorts mentioned above are other options on Lanai, offer different experiences but high prices. The Captain's Retreat is more of a vacation rental -- the house must be booked for a week at at time -- though it also caters to professional groups. The resorts are both super luxurious, full-service lodging properties with concierge desks, room service, fine dining, spas and pools.
Resources
About the Author:
J.D. Chi is a professional journalist who has covered sports for more than 20 years at newspapers all over the United States. She has covered major golf tournaments and the NFL as well as travel and health topics. Chi received her Bachelor of Arts in professional writing from Carnegie Mellon University and is working toward a master's degree in journalism.
