Tag Archives: Lanai

Oahu Hawaii Rainbow
Hawaii, Hawaii-Big Island, Kauai, Lanai, Maui, Molokai, Oahu, Plan, Trip Ideas

Which Hawai’ian Island is Best for You

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Exotic yet close, alluring, and mystical; you’ll never be disappointed with any of the six islands open to visitors. Each is fascinating, full of history and culture while offering plenty of outdoor excursions on the water and land, there is exceptional flora and fauna, many species endemic to Hawai’i, and when it comes to dining there’s an array of culinary delights built on an ethnic collision of flavors from Portugal, China, Japan, and the Philippines.

Over-tourism has become a concern in many beautiful places around the world. Hawai’i is no exception. Locals have a profound connection to nature and their land. Today’s visitors should abide by the same values and attitudes; respect for Mother Nature and local customs is essential to being a good guest.

Island Of Hawai’i

The original Hawai’ian homeland where stories and legends were born and the gods and goddesses reside, the Big Island is as diverse as its climate zones. Where else can you swim with giant sea turtles and see a snow-capped mountain in the distance? Mauna Kea is where visitors come to ski, star gaze, and hike. Sister volcano Mauna Loa dominates offering hikes that vary from challenging day jaunts to serious backpack treks of several days requiring permits. On this island of extremes, you’ll find whatever you might be looking for.

Big Island Of Hawaii

There are over a dozen waterfalls on the east coast of Hawai’i near Hilo. Three-tiered falls at Umauma is now privately owned and reachable via Umauma Experience. Photo: Wasif Malik/Flickr

At Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park see the active volcano, take a journey via the Crater Rim Drive and continue to Thurston Lava Tube, an incredible underground passage created by lava flows. Upcountry pastures of North Kohala include farmland and horse ranches. The scenic drive to Waimea a thriving community leads to Pololu Valley Lookout revealing coastline vistas of the Hamakua Coast. The island is laced with lush greenery leading to waterfalls, ringed with black sand beaches and winding roads with amazing lookouts.

Kauai

So big and packed full of nature that you’ll be amiss if you don’t get out and explore and experience the Garden Island. The topography is lush and rugged, offering jagged cliffs, verdant valleys, countless canyons, and plummeting waterfalls. Days are filled with snorkeling Ke’e Reef, kayaking the Wailua River, and swimming at Po’ipu Beach. This enormous island has the most beaches of all the Hawaiian Islands, boasting 28 strands of black, tan, and white sands along its 11 miles of coastline.

Kauai

Trails along the coast of Kaua’i’s North Shore at Napali reveal emerald cliffs with stunning sand beaches below. Photo: kdvandeventer/Pixaby

Hard-core adventurous types might explore the trail of Waimea Canyon on foot but a slow and easy drive up to the top unveils plenty of lookouts along the way. A portion of the towering cliffs of Napali Coast can be reached via an 11-mile rugged trail but these cliffs seen from the water and air captivate everyone and, there’s always a rainbow on the horizon at the double-tiered Wailua Falls.

Lana’i

Explorers, serenity seekers, and fans of remote luxury find this isle a perfect fit. Once home to pineapple plantations, Lana’i now hosts two ultra-luxurious Four Seasons resorts. In contrast to the pockets of pampering, most of the island is rough and rugged and open for exploration. Ribboned with 400 miles of roads and pathways, only 30 miles are paved, leaving the rest of the island ready for off-road adventures.

Lanai

Just a short hike from the Four Seasons Resort on Lana’i offers the best views of Pu’upehe a natural landmark steeped in folklore. Photo: Dana Edmunds/Hawaii Tourism Authority

The Munro Trail, a long dusty route leads to Lana’i’s highest peak at Mount Lana’ihale, the peak unveils views of the neighboring islands of Maui, Moloka’i, and O’ahu. Hikers will find 20-minute easy paths and day-long challenging trails crisscrossing the interior along with parks where Garden of the Gods, best seen at dawn, showcases surreal lunar topography. Observe some of the rarest plants and birds in the world at Kanepu’u Preserve. The iconic heart-shaped sea stack at Pu’upehe is now a seabird sanctuary and is an easy walk between Manele and Hulopo’e Bays, best seen at sunrise.

Maui

Honeymooners, fitness fanatics, and rock stars gravitate toward Maui. Family-friendly and ultra-luxe resorts front some of the best beaches on the south and west coasts. Water-centric enthusiasts find sports from snorkeling to windsurfing and wellness seekers engage in yoga workshops and healing rituals. From funky hippie towns like Paia to the hustling cosmopolitan Kahului there’s a spot for everyone.

Maui Road To Hana

Hana Highway’s scenic drive showcases the rugged coastline of eastern Maui with 620 curves and crosses 59 bridges over streams and waterfalls. Photo: Tor Johnson/Hawaii Tourism Authority

Wai’anapanapa State Park, just one of several parks on the island is the place for black sand beaches, tidal pools, and blow holes. The historic whaling village of Lahaina offers a quaint look into the past and a chance to hear authentic Hawai’ian music and take in a hula or local art fair. There’s a good chance to see whales here between November and May. A trip to Haleakala via bike or car is a sunrise event and an excursion from Kahului to Hana where the narrow winding road unveils bamboo forests and waterfalls that flow into black sand beaches creates lasting memories.

Moloka’i

Moloka’i is an untouched slice of Hawaiian delight where residents remain true to their roots and strive to preserve the land and bucolic lifestyle. Visit the central island town of Kaunakakai and mingle with the residents at the general store and small shops, walk to the harbor to glimpse the daily catch, and don’t pass up a loaf of freshly baked sweet or savory bread. Steeped in island legends, and packed with breathtaking landmarks and natural beauty you’ll want to hire a local guide to impart the lure and soul of this remote crescent.

Molokai

Moloka’i is etched in 88 miles of coastline, the most picturesque are the sea cliffs along the North Shore Pali. Photo: Tor Johnson/ Hawaii Tourism Authority

Hike the historic Halawa Valley where ancient Polynesians settled and home to towering waterfalls, sink your toes in the pure white sands of Papohaku Beach, one of the largest white sand beaches of Hawai’i, take a helicopter tour to the Kalaupapa Peninsula to see the world’s highest sea cliffs. Here you can snorkel the longest continuous reef in the United States; this 28-mile-long fringing reef on the southern shore is home to finger coral and reef fish; the natural beauty of Moloka’i captivates effortlessly. Taste local beans at coffee plantations, send home bags of macadamia nuts, and explore rare plants at Nature Conservancy’s 2,774-acre Kamakou Preserve. An island without commercial signage, a single traffic light, or big hotels, the isle is all about the way things used to be throughout the island chain.

O’ahu

Home to the capital, the most visited and typically the first stop on any trip to Hawaii this isle is aptly named the gathering place. This island has both city and country lifestyles, plenty of beaches, epic surfing, high-end shopping, and a bounty of Pacific Rim cuisine. Fascinating and multicultural, the virtual melting pot of heritages, ideas, customs and cuisine forge together here on O’ahu. After plenty of improvements and updates, Waikiki Beach is a posh, global town with swanky resorts and 5-star restaurants. There’s vibrant street activity as pedestrians drift in and out of upscale boutiques, bars, and restaurants. O’ahu has a thriving farmers market and swap meet and there is always a social gathering that brings in art, music, film, theater, and food. No doubt that O’ahu is the most social with energy that of any cosmopolitan city.

Oahu Diamond Head

View of Waikiki and Honolulu from atop Le’ahi, the summit of Diamond Head. Hawai’i’s most familiar landmark, the state park covers 475 acres. Photo: Tor Johnson/Hawaii Tourism Authority

But the ocean lures here too; snorkeling, body surfing, and paddleboarding are for everyone. And, while out you may spot spinner dolphins and sea turtles. A drive along the west coast to North Shore tempts stops at epic surf beaches like Banzai Pipeline and Sunset Beach. Inspired? Take a lesson on easy, gentle rollers at Waikiki. Diamond Head trail trekked early in the morning for views of Honolulu and the Pacific, is a must on every trip. And, kayakers will want to explore the Mokulua Islands from Kailua Beach.

Hawaii Luau Buffer
Eat, Hawaii, Hawaii-Big Island, Kauai, Lanai, Maui, Molokai, Oahu, Trip Ideas

Favorite Hawaii Luau Foods

 

Any visit to Hawaii should include a luau. These traditional island-style parties are part feast, part performance and all about having a good time. Though menus sometimes vary, there are favorites that almost always show up on the table. Here are some of the savory staples that you can expect to enjoy.

Poke

A favorite luau appetizer is poke, which is the Hawaiian word for cutting or slicing. Dishes that go by this name are made from chunks or slivers of raw fish marinated in soy sauce, sesame oil and seasonings. Traditional versions include aku and he’e, which are made from yellow fin tuna or octopus, respectively. Creative chefs may substitute salmon or shellfish, and garnish with chopped onions, chilies, seaweed, fish eggs and wasabi.

Hawaii Poke

The raw fish dish known as poke is believed to originate with fishermen who marinated trimmings from their catches in soy sauce and spices to create a tasty appetizer. Photo: iStock

Luau Stew

Locals love a savory bowl of Hawaiian oxtail soup, and will debate which island kitchen turns out the best recipes. Also known as luau stew, this hearty broth is created by stewing the namesake beef tails in their own juices until tender. Steamed taro leaves and a dash of coconut milk go into the pot, along with savory accents such as ginger, anise, orange peel, peanuts, chili and mustard.

Hawaiian Stew

Hawaiian luau stew is an island favorite. This version of oxtail soup is made by simmering the meat until tender, then adding spices and steamed taro leaves. Photo: Leigh Anne Meeks/ iStock

Hawaiian Pizza

Though not a traditional food, Hawaiian Pizza has found its way onto many luau buffet tables. Both the name and the idea of combining ham and pineapple on a pizza crust are actually credited to a Canadian baker. The recipe spread across North America before arriving in the islands. Local versions may substitute a Hawaiian favorite, spam, and include additional garnishes such as red onions and green bell peppers.

Hawaiian Pizza

Despite the name, Hawaiian pizza is actually an import first created in Canada. When it appears on luau menus, it is often with a nod to the local preference for spam rather than sliced ham. Photo: NA Grittsaom/iStock

Huli Huli Chicken

Luau guests are often treated to the enticing scent of grilling huli huli chicken. What sets this version of the barbecue favorite apart is the constant basting and turning the birds receive while on the grill. In the Hawaiian language, the word “huli-huli” means turn, turn. It is this constant attention and the frequent basting that keep the meat juicy and tender. Purists say that this dish is best when made from local fowl that are a cross breed of domesticated chicken and the red jungle fowl that roam the islands.

Huli Huli Chicken

Grill masters baste huli huli chicken in a savory sauce made from soy sauce, fresh lemon and pineapple juices, with accents of ginger, garlic, brown sugar and sherry. Photo: Robson Abbot/ iStock

Poi

Poi is the original Hawaiian comfort food, and a long-time staple starch of the native island diet. This porridge-like dish is made by mashing the cooked root of the taro plant into a pasty liquid, and then adding water before it is served. Depending on the amount of water added, it can take on consistencies from liquid to dough-like. When served fresh it is known as sweet poi, and when left standing to ferment, it becomes sour poi.

Poi

Depending on consistency, the starchy dish made from crushed taro root may be called “one, two or three-finger” poi, referring to the number of fingers required to scoop it up. Photo: iStock

Kalua Pork

A Kalua pig is often the centerpiece of a luau. The traditional Hawaiian cooking method known as kalua begins by digging a dirt pit known as an imu, where rocks are heated by an open fire. A pig wrapped in wet burlap and layered with banana leaves is then placed in the pit, along with more hot rocks. The pit is covered and left to slow cook for six to eight hours. The result is meat that is uniformly juicy and tender, embellished by the smoke flavors of hardwoods. It is usually served shredded, and is delicious without the need for any additional sauce.

Hawaii Roasted Pig

The pit cooking methods of Kalua allow steam and smoke flavors from koa wood, ti and banana leaves to infuse the meat with a mild yet distinct flavor. Photo: iStock

 

 

Hawaiian Shirts
Hawaii, Hawaii-Big Island, Kauai, Lanai, Maui, Molokai, Oahu, Plan

The Original Hawaiian Shirt

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Like the islands themselves, the modern-day Hawaiian shirt is the product of a mixing pot of cultures and traditions. The colorful, casual designs of today represent a convergence of influences, with its deepest roots in the colorful patterns of kapa cloth. This traditional Hawaiian fabric was usually dyed in bold geometric patterns, and worn as loincloths known as kapa malo, or sarong-like wraps known as kapa pa’u.

The arrival of European missionaries heralded a new era of conservative western-style dress through much of the 19th century, but dress codes began to relax and expand in the early 20th century, when migrants from the east came to work the sugar plantations and pineapple fields. The Chinese brought brightly colored and loose fitting silk garments, while workers from the Philippines favored the relaxed feel of the untucked and cool-wearing barong tagalog. At around the same time, Japanese immigrants transformed the cooling fabrics and loose fitting style of the kimono into a short-sleeved work shirt that would become known as the palaka. The traditional palaka sported a checkerboard design, but it wasn’t long before the cultural mingling lead to bold new interpretations that also tied into Hawaiian kapa cloth designs.

Most historians give credit to a merchant named Ellery Chun for popularizing the first modern version of what we now call the Hawaiian shirt. In the 1930s, his dry goods store in Honolulu began selling a garment he labeled the Aloha Shirt. It wasn’t long before other tailors began creating their own versions of these loose-fitting, brightly colored shirts. As the first wave of vacationers arrived from the United States, many returned home with bright Hawaiian shirts as reminders of their time in the islands.

Following World War II, the Hawaiian shirt became the unofficial symbol of a new cultural attitude that embraced a more relaxed dress code and lifestyle, and these shirts would eventually become accented business attire. Hollywood popularized the style, and by the 1960s, the Hawaiian shirt had made its way into mainstream American culture. There have been a number of subtle variations in style, materials and colors in the years since, but one thing remains unchanged: put on a Hawaiian shirt, and you are almost guaranteed to take life just a little bit easier.

 

 

Hawaii Plate Lunch
Eat, Hawaii, Hawaii-Big Island, Kauai, Lanai, Maui, Molokai, Oahu, Trip Ideas

Hawaii’s Local Favorites

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If your idea of Hawaii cuisine is tropical fruits and luau food, you need to expand your culinary horizons. The islands have long been a cultural mixing pot, with culinary influences from around the world blending to create a slew of unique-to-the-islands dishes and drinks you can’t find anywhere else. If you are ready to discover the diverse tastes of Hawaii, here are some of our favorite starting points.

Plate Lunch

The most iconic meal in Hawaii is called the plate lunch, an un- apologetically starch-heavy combination that dates back to the plantation period. The meal consists of two scoops of white rice, another of mayonnaise-based macaroni salad and some kind of entrée, which can range from teriyaki beef to pork adobo. The best place to sample one of these simple meals is at Rainbow Drive-In (3308 Kanaina Ave., 808-737-0177, www.rainbowdrivein.com) in Kapahulu, less than a mile outside of Waikiki. The landmark restaurant first opened in 1961 and is one of the few remaining drive-ins from this era. It’s been a favorite of residents for generations, though a recent stint on Food Network’s ‘Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives’ with Guy Fieri (who eats the fried chicken here whenever he’s in town) has put the drive-in in the guidebooks. And because of its proximity to the beaches in Waikiki, it’s a popular stop for surfers and beach-goers, who often arrive in beachwear for their fix of burgers, fries and the drive-in’s famous Slush Float. While it serves a variety of plate lunches—from hearty chili to chicken cutlets smothered in brown gravy—the most popular is the mix plate, featuring beef or pork teriyaki, a breaded chicken cutlet and mahimahi. There’s lots of parking at the drive- in and next door, but expect a crowd at lunchtime with lines spilling into the parking lot.

Rainbow Drive Inn Hawaii Local Food Plate Lunch

Oahu’s Rainbow Drive-In serves up traditional plate lunches. These date back to the plantation days, when workers sought a simple yet filling mid-day meal to fuel their labors. Photo: Catherine Toth

Spam Musubi

A popular snack found in most convenience stores in Hawaii is the Spam musubi —a block of white rice topped with a slice of grilled Spam, wrapped together with dried seaweed. Sometimes the musubi comes paired with egg, other times the Spam is flavored with teriyaki sauce. Hawaii has a long history of affection for the pink canned meat. Residents eat nearly 7 million cans of Spam a year, according to Minnesota-based Hormel Foods. That’s more than any other state in the nation. One eatery has perfected the snack. Tanioka’s Seafoods & Catering (94-903 Farrington Highway, 808-671-3779, www.taniokas.com) in Waipahu in Central Oahu prepares a Spam musubi that has quickly become one of the most popular items on the menu. The Spam is seasoned with a sweet teriyaki sauce that ramps this musubi to another level. These grab-and-go treats are located right at the cash register at Tanioka’s. But you have to go through a line to get there, passing display cases of poke, fried chicken, shortbread cookies and other local favorites. There isn’t anywhere to eat in or outside, so you’ll have to drive somewhere to enjoy your treat—we recommend visiting the nearby Hawaii’s Plantation Village (95-695 Waipahu St., 808-677-0110, www.hawaiiplantationvillage.org) in Waipahu, where you can walk around a restored plantation village that tells the story about Hawaii’s multiethnic history.

Spam

Spam musubi is a popular grab-and-go snack found all across Hawaii. Slices of flavored Spam provide the signature ingredient, which is paired with rice and wrapped in seaweed. Photo: Catherine Toth

Poke

Of the favorite types of pupu, or appetizer, in the Islands is poke (pronounced poh-kay). This consists of cubed ahi (yellow fin tuna) marinated in sea salt with shoyu (soy sauce), inamona (roasted crusted kukui nut), sesame oil, seaweed and chopped chili pepper. And it’s a fixture everywhere, from high-end restaurants to grocery stores. (Even Costco sells poke.) There are many variations of this dish, ranging from raw salmon to cured octopus. Try any of the ones served at Poke Stop (95-1840 Meheula Parkway, 808-626- 3400, www.poke-stop.com) in Mililani in Central Oahu. Here, you can even get a poke bowl with seared ahi served over kim chee- flavored fried rice. It’s a small shop located behind a McDonald’s, with some seating inside. While poke is its specialty, you’ll likely smell other dishes like garlic shrimp or grilled rib eye steak cooking up in the kitchen. Don’t be surprised to see owner Elmer Guzman prepping in the kitchen or his young daughters helping out in the dining area.

Hawaiian Poke

From high-end restaurants to supermarkets, you can find poke on every menu. The dish is typically marinated seafood topped with seaweed, chili peppers and even fish roe. Photo: Catherine Toth

Saimin

This is a noodle soup dish that came out of Hawaii’s plantation era. Drawing on the influences of Japanese ramen, Chinese mein and Filipino pancit, it is a curly egg noodles in a hot broth. One of the best bowls is on Kauai at Hamura’s Saimin Stand (2956 Kress St., Lihue, 808-245-3271), which uses locally made noodles. This old-fashioned saimin shop has been around for about 70 years and still popular as ever. Its long, S-shaped community table is almost always packed with diners, sitting on wooden stools and huddled over their bowls of steaming hot saimin. You can watch the longtime workers prepare the broth and noodles right in front of you in the open kitchen. The most popular is Hamura’s special saimin topped with luncheon meat, roast pork and veggies.

Saimin

Saimin is an Asian-influenced noodle soup turned Hawaiian. It consists of soft egg noodles immersed in a hot broth. Garnishes can include a variety of meats and vegetables. Photo: Catherine Toth

Mai Tai

A favorite libation in the islands, the Mai Tai is a combination of light and dark rums, lime, orgeat and curacao or triple sec. It was purportedly invented in 1944 at the Trader Vic’s restaurant in Oakland, California, but it soon became associated with Hawaii. The original concoction is vastly different from the imitations served in many restaurants and bars. The 1944 drink, which means “good” in Tahitian, used J. Wray & Nephew Jamaican rum, fresh lime juice, orgeat (an almond syrup with French origins), orange curacao and sugar syrup. There’s only one bottle left in the world of the Jamaican rum, so modern bartenders use various rums instead. The Royal Kona Resort hosts Don the Beachcomber’s Mai Tai Festival, which lures about two dozen mixologists who blend their best recipes in the hopes of winning $10,000. But you can find Mai Tais on just about any menu in Hawaii. The oceanfront House Without a Key (2199 Kalia Rd., 808-923-2311, www.halekulani.com/dining/house-without-a-key) at the posh Halekulani in Waikiki boasts a popular Mai Tai, perfect for sipping at sunset. Go in the evening and grab a seat outside, facing the Pacific Ocean, and listen to live Hawaiian music with hula dancers gracefully moving under a century-old kiawe tree. The refreshing drink is perfection in this atmosphere.

Mai Tai

Though thought to have originated in California, the Mai Tai has long been associated with Hawaii. With slight variations, the drink combines one or more rums, fruit juices and syrups. Photo: iStock

Loco Moco

You likely won’t find this dish—or a variation of it—anywhere but Hawaii. Another product of the plantation culture, the loco moco is just white rice topped with a hamburger patty (or two), an egg and brown gravy. It was first created in Hilo on the Big Island, where you can still get one of the best versions of this dish at Café 100 (969 Kilauea Ave., Hilo, 808-935-8683, www.cafe100.com). This old- time drive-in serves more than 30 different kinds of loco mocos, including one with fish and another topped with homemade chili. It started serving loco mocos in 1949 and now sells about 9,000 of them every month. The menu on display is dizzying, so take your time. Like Rainbow Drive-In, Café 100 has take-out windows but with some open-air seating where you can feast on your loco moco plate. This is a popular stop for Hilo residents seeking a quick bite to eat, though more visitors are finding it despite its location off the main highway. If you’re on Kilauea Avenue, you can’t miss it, with its name in huge red letters on a wooden facade.

Loco Moco

Loco moco is one of several distinctly Hawaiian creations that pairs a serving of rice with one or more protein toppers. This example comes from Cafe 100 in the town of Hilo. Photo: Catherine Toth

Malasadas

This popular Portuguese dessert is simple: it’s just fried sweet dough doused in white sugar. But few have perfected the art of making these round, sugary donuts. While Leonard’s Bakery in Kapahulu on Oahu is the most well known bakery to specialize in these fried treats, Agnes’ Portuguese Bake Shop (46 Hoolai St., 808-262-5367, www.agnesbakeshop.com) in Kailua on Oahu’s windward side whips up the most authentic version—complete with the traditional hole in the middle. The malasadas here are made to order and coated generously in white sugar. It’s located in a parking lot shared with a couple of other shops. There are display cases features other baked good such as bear claws, apple fritters, jelly donuts and scones. Grab a cup of freshly brewed local coffee and take a seat while you wait. Since the malasadas are made to order, it might take a few minutes.

Malasada

A close cousin to the donut, the Malasada originated in Portugal. These savory chunks of sweet fried dough are coated in sugar, and may or may not have central holes. Photo: Catherine Toth

Shave ice

Hawaii’s version of this icy treat is nothing like the chunky snow cones served on the mainland. Shave ice—also called ice shave on the Big Island—has a finer consistency, and more completely absorbs the sweet syrup toppings, which come in flavors ranging from strawberry to piña colada. Most shave ice stands like Matsumoto Shave Ice on Oahu’s North Shore and Ululani’s Shave Ice on Maui top these desserts with homemade mochi (sweet glutinous rice), red azuki beans and sweetened condensed milk. But if you’re looking for something truly unique, visit Shimazu Store (330 N. School St., 808-371-8899) in Honolulu. This small hole-in-the-wall boasts more than 50 different flavors including lychee, red velvet crème, durian and creme brulee. This shave ice shop is in a former neighborhood grocery store. It’s tiny inside, and you’ll likely have to eat on the small bench just outside the door. The workers will make your shave ice to order right before your eyes, including shaving the ice.

Hawaiian Shaved Ice

Hawaiian shave ice is a favorite treat. Unlike a snow cone, which uses crushed ice, shaving produces smaller ice slivers that more readily absorb flavoring syrups and additional toppings. Photo: iStock

 

Garden of the Gods, Lanai Hawaii
Hawaii, Lanai, Plan, Trip Ideas

Lanai: 10 Reasons to Go

The smallest and least populous of Hawaii’s six major islands, Lanai blends natural beauty and small-town quietude with first-class service, thanks to a pair of upscale resort properties and their affiliated championship golf courses. Those seeking a beach experience will find one of Hawaii’s finest stretches of protected sand at Manele Bay, while the island’s pine-clad and mist-shrouded central highlands create a vacation experience where morning treks, afternoon tea and sporting clays don’t seem out of place.

1  Pineapples Past

For most of the 20th century, Lanai was owned by the Dole family and was home to the world’s largest single pineapple plantation. The fields now lay fallow, and the former nickname of “Pineapple Island” no longer applies. Reminders of the island’s agricultural past include Lanai City’s Dole Park and the small Hotel Lanai, which was original built to house company managers.

2  Crowd Control

The least populated of Hawaii’s six major islands, Lanai has only 3,000 residents and hosts fewer than 70,000 vacationers each year. On any given day, you’ll probably be sharing the island with fewer than 1,000 other visitors, and many of them have come for the day and will depart with the ferry or catch a flight back to one of the larger islands before evening.

3  Traffic, Light

With just three paved roads and zero traffic lights, it would be hard to get lost on Lanai’s “main roads” (though the island’s numerous dirt tracks are another story). A shuttle links the harbor docks to Lanai City, which, despite the ambitious name, is a village of about 3,000 people, where everything is within walking distance.

4  Trail Blazing

Though paved roads are scarce, some 90,000 acres of Lanai’s backcountry is laced with more than 400 miles of dirt roads and tracks suitable for four-wheel-drive vehicles. Off- road rentals are the best way to reach some of the island’s best beaches and sights. For those willing to go the distance and traverse nearly 60 miles of dirt roads and tracks, Polihua Beach provides the ultimate in seclusion. This two-mile strand overlooks the Molokai channel and is about as far from civilization as one can get in Hawaii.

5  High and Drier

The central highlands of Lanai sit in the rain shadow of Maui, providing a climate that is tempered by altitude but not inundated by the heavy rains that fall on the higher parts of other islands. A substantial portion of the island’s drinking water comes from desalinization, and plans are in the works to quadruple production capacity to ensure there will always be ample supplies.

6  Rocking Out

The dramatic rock formations known as Garden of the Gods appear to be stacked and scattered by some unseen giant’s hand. Geologists claim it is the work of erosion, while local traditions maintain it is the detritus of sky gardens cultivated by island deities. If you are into rocks and solitude, it’s a must-see, but don’t expect interpretive trails or other trappings of more developed natural wonders. Make sure to rent a four-wheel- drive vehicle and get good directions before attempting the bumpy seven-mile drive from Lanai City.

7  New Ownership

The nickname ‘private island’ reflects not only solitude, but the fact that some 98 percent of the island land is held by a single entity. The recent sale to Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison has resulted in an infusion of resources. Among the projects now in the works are upgrades to the island’s two signature resorts, new homes in Lanai City and an airport expansion to potentially accommodate direct flights from the U.S. mainland.

8  A Place for Pines

Lanai’s relatively dry climate is ideal for pine trees. The first Cook Island pines were introduced nearly 150 years ago and now cover much of the island’s central highlands. These trees harvest the fog that sometimes envelopes the slopes and actually return water to the land. A hike along Kaiholena Ridge will take you into the heart of this pine forest.

9  Game Place

Wild sheep and axis deer now roam much of the island’s unsettled backcountry. Managed hunting is used to control the populations of these non-native species, but they are still common sights when hiking or driving the back roads.

10  Five Islands

On a clear day, you can see five islands from the summit of Mount Lanahale: Maui, Molokai, Oahu, Kahoolawe and Hawaii island. Getting to the view requires some backcountry driving along the Munro Trail. This 12-mile single-lane dirt track winds along the island’s sharp spine, passing through forests of pine, eucalyptus and ironwood on the way to the top. Pullouts along the route provide views of Maunalei gulch.

Mauna Kea Golf Course, Kohala Coast, Hawaii
Bermuda, Cabo San Lucas, Caribbean, Dominican Republic, Hawaii, Hawaii-Big Island, Jamaica, Lanai, Mexico, Nevis, Play, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Rico, Trip Ideas

Tees by the Sea: 10 Spectacular Oceanfront Golf Courses

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If your idea of a great vacation includes not only sun, sand and blue water, but also sand traps and water hazards, you don’t have to choose one over the other. Seaside golf resorts give you the best of both: a relaxing tropical vacation with the chance to play some of the most fabled and scenic courses in the world. We’ve assembled a collection of first-class golf courses that not only sit beachside, but are also in prime vacation destinations. Some have fun, yet forgiving, fairways and accommodating greens, while others challenge with architecture that demands precision and incorporates natural hazards, from lava fields and mangrove swamps to precipitous, surf-washed cliffs. And as an added bonus, each of these courses is affiliated with a world-class beachfront resort, where spa time, poolside languor and fine dining can cap off a great round.

Port Royal Golf Course, Southampton, Bermuda

Port Royal Golf Course, Bermuda

Delivering dramatic oceanfront views and one of golf’s most famous holes, Port Royal is the current home of the PGA Grand Slam. As a public course, it is open to all. Photo: V Stephen Raynor

Bermuda has more golf courses per square mile than anywhere on earth. High on the island’s list of must-plays is the Port Royal Golf Course, home to one of the most memorable waterfront holes in golf: the 235-yard, par-3 16th hole, which perches on the edge of an oceanfront bluff, offering spectacularly distracting views of azure waters that lie in wait for the errant hook shot. Benefiting from multi-million dollar upgrades in recent years, this top-ranked public course has attracted its share of pros with events such as the annual PGA Grand Slam of Golf.

Where to Stay: Book an ocean-view room next door at the Pompano Beach Club and you will not only enjoy a world-class beach and memorable ocean views, but also 15-minute proximity to three additional courses: Riddell’s Bay Golf & Country Club, Newstead Belmont Hills Golf Resort and the ever-popular Turtle Hill Golf Club at the Fairmont Southampton, widely considered one of the sport’s more challenging and scenic par-3 courses. Pompano’s staff can arrange for transportation and tee times at many of the island’s courses, including space-available tee times at the renowned Mid Ocean Club on select days. Once the clubs are put away, guests enjoy amenities that includes water sports, tennis, spa services and one of the island’s top-ranked eateries—The Cedar Room. There are few better places to toast a successful day on the links than the Sunset Lounge, which, as the name promises, delivers amazing sunset views. 

Four Seasons, Nevis

Four Seasons Nevis Golf Course, Oceanfront Golf Courses

En route to a finish overlooking the beach, the Four Seasons Nevis course first plays uphill then provides some dramatic downhill tees with panoramic views. Photo: Four Seasons Resorts

Making par on this Robert Trent Jones II course at the Four Seasons Nevis is no day at the beach—though your reward after sinking the 18th hole could be a stroll right onto Pinney Beach. Only the final hole plays ocean-side, but there’s no shortage of scenery—or challenges. After hitting past the remains of an old sugar mill and into spectacular views of Nevis Peak, the back nine takes an uphill turn, requiring some strong carries, but worth it for the panoramic views of the beach below. At the par-5 15th hole, you’ll be looking at better than 650 yards from the back tee to the greens. Relax, the heady 175-foot fairway drop puts gravity on your side. Overall, the course’s many long, narrow fairways keep you honest, and you’ll discover why the golf gurus consistently rank these as 18 of the finest holes in the Caribbean.

Where to Stay: The Four Seasons resort is equally serious about tennis and has 10 well-maintained courts. Three pools provide varying levels of quiet-versus-fun, and a sheltered section of Pinney Beach is devoted to swimming and water sports. With rooms and suites set in free-standing cottages nestled into the lushly landscaped property, it’s possible to find a bit of privacy, but equally easy to join the fun. The resort is family-friendly, but not at the expense of adult-centric services and amenities. Beach lovers may want to secure one of the resort’s cabana-style beach verandas. These open-air day retreats are just steps from the water’s edge and deliver sweeping views of the Caribbean and Nevis’ sister island of St. Kitts.

White Witch, St. James, Jamaica

White Witch Golf Course, St. James, Jamaica

White Witch challenges with strategic bunkers and undulating greens, but ultimately rewards with spectacular water views. It is now managed jointly with nearby Cinnamon Hill. Photo: Rose Hill

Jamaica’s White Witch golf course offers spellbinding beautiful ocean views from most every hole, but it can also torment with narrow fairways leading to wickedly placed bunkers and fast, undulating greens. This long par 71, designed by Robert von Hagge and Rick Baril, is generally considered the best in Jamaica. Located within the historic grounds of the Rose Hill Plantation near Montego Bay, the course takes its name not from the beguilingly architecture, but from the former plantation owner and alleged voodoo mistress, Annie Palmer (no relation to the golfing great). Any magic now emanating from this 200-acre swath of golfing paradise is of a brighter nature and might involve the club’s renowned “golf concierges”—local caddies whose intimate knowledge of course strategy can help players shave a few strokes off their game.

Where to Stay: Be among the first to stay at the Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall when it opens in 2014. A former Ritz-Carlton, the property will re-emerge as an adult-focused all-inclusive with an emphasis on active recreation supported by upscale amenities and the Hyatt branding. 

Punta Espada Golf Club, Cap Cana, Dominican Republic

Punta Espada Golf Club, Cap Cana, Dominican Republic

On Punta Espada’s scenic 2nd hole, the views can distract, and sea breezes often come into play. The immaculately-groomed course is one of the top ranked in the Caribbean. Photo: Punta Espada

The Dominican Republic rewards vacationing golfers with a wealth of challenging and scenic waterfront courses, and one of the latest additions to this roster is the Punta Espada Golf Club at Cap Cana. This lushly landscaped and immaculately groomed course has garnered top honors for the Caribbean two years running from Golfweek magazine. The scenery alone goes a long way towards justifying such a ranking, as there are ocean views from all holes and eight play right along the beach. But this Jack Nicklaus-signature course also offers a level of play equal to its beauty, incorporating natural features such as bluffs, beach, waterways and foliage into a design that can accommodate yet challenge golfers of all levels, including the pros. The fairways are relatively wide and provide forgiving bailout areas, but the course requires both accuracy and strategy to score well. Many consider the par-3 13th hole to be Punta Espada’s signature hole, and it is also one of the more challenging, with a stunningly distracting sliver of ocean between tee and green.

Where to Stay: There are several first-class beachfront properties near the club. For a vacation stay as memorable as your rounds of play, book a suite or villa at the adjacent Eden Roc at Cap Cana. All suites feature private outdoor pools and gazebos, and guests have access to the exclusive Caletón Beach Club.

St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort, Rio Grande, Puerto Rico

St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort, Rio Grande, Puerto Rico

After playing through mangrove lowlands that have been designated as a bird sanctuary, the Bahia Beach course breaks out of the forest at the 16th to play along a palm-lined beach. Photo: St Regis Bahia Beach

Long before you reach the namesake strand of sand, the Bahia Beach Golf Course brings water into play. In all, some 15 holes of this 7,000-yard course include water features. Designer Robert Trent Jones Jr. took full advantage of a network of existing saltwater lagoons to create a layout that in his words, “will challenge but also delight your soul and spirit.” Through much of the course, thick foliage and water features line the fairways, creating not only a buffer against coastal trade winds, but also preserving one of the island’s more pristine natural habitats. In fact, Bahia Beach is the first and only course in Puerto Rico to be named a Gold Audubon International Signature Sanctuary. Above the greenery and lagoons, the highlands of the El Yunque National Rain Forest loom in the distance. But the real reward comes when players break out to the ocean at the 16th hole and play their final three holes beachside. Here, sea breezes can become a factor, but overall this course provides not only natural attractions, but also a great round of resort golf that challenges without inciting frustration.

Where to Stay: The golf course is part of a planned residential and vacation complex that includes the St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort. More than half of the property’s 480 acres were left wild and include two miles of sand beaches. Hiking trails wind around lakes and through a bird sanctuary, the grounds of a former coconut plantation and indigenous coastal forests. The resort’s focus on luxury and service is matched by its commitment to an ecologically responsible operation. So guests enjoy nature along with gastronomic and other pleasures one would expect from a world-class resort destination. 

El Camaleón Golf Club, Playa del Carmen, Mexico

El Camaleón Golf Club, Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Mexico’s El Camaleon plays through lush coastal landscapes and visits the beach twice, first at the 7th (shown) and again at the 15th. Photo: Fairmont Hotels

Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula sits on a Swiss cheese of underground rivers. Just behind the beaches of the Riviera Maya, several of these caverns rise to the surface to guard the fairways of the El Camaleón Golf Club. Some might consider the fact that this course hosts Mexico’s only PGA TOUR stop reason enough to tee up. But well-maintained fairways and greens are far from the only reason to play this favorite vacation golf destination. The course’s architecture pays homage to its natural surroundings, beginning with a tee adjacent to a watering hole known as a cenote. A lush mangrove habitat flanks fairways with thick green foliage, and a series of canals attracts birds and local fauna. Twice during its play along the coastal forests, El Camaleón provides golfers with panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea and one of the world’s longest coral reefs. Both the 7th and 15th holes are beachside, where trade winds come into play. From the long tees, this course challenges the pros, but played a bit shorter, it can also accommodate those with a two-digit handicap. Adding to the appeal is a full-service clubhouse with adjoining practice facilities, with a double-ended, 350-yard driving range and an expansive short-game area with putting and chipping greens.

Where to Stay: Though accessible from a number of resorts in the Riviera Maya region, the smart play is to stay on-site at the Fairmont Mayakoba Resort. This AAA 5-Diamond oceanfront property is a low-rise collection of structures that pay homage to local tradition, along with a respect for the natural environment. A majority of the resort’s rooms, suites and casitas are cloistered in a coastal jungle overlooking lagoons, but pools, common areas and a select set of rooms overlook the bright waters of the Caribbean across a stunning strand of white sand.

Pacifico Golf Course at Punta Mita, Mexico

Pacifico Golf Course at Punta Mita, Mexico

Hole 3B at Punta Mita’s Pacifico course earned its nickname “Tail of the Whale” from the humpback whales that are sometimes sighted breaching just offshore. Photo: Four Seasons Resorts

Playing the Pacifico course at the Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita may not be the most difficult round of golf in the tropics, but it is undoubtedly one of the most scenic. Taking full advantage of its waterfront real estate, the course meanders around the resort’s peninsula to provide eight holes directly fronting the Pacific Ocean or Banderas Bay. It’s complemented by palm-fringed and beautifully landscaped fairways overlooked by the distant Sierra Madre mountains. During winter months, players may face an added distraction as they approach the third tee: migrating whales passing just offshore. A highlight of any round—and a must-do photo op with or without the passing whales—is hole 3B, aka the Tail of the Whale. Presented as an optional par 3, this hole requires golfers to carry across beach and rocky shallows to a green embedded on a small island. It’s spectacular and possibly intimidating. But in reality, the Tail of the Whale is as accommodating as the majority of this course, which offers wide and relatively forgiving fairways that allow players to focus on the view without sweating the strategy. Players looking for a more challenging round can play the resort’s other course, the Nicklaus-designed Bahia, which is rated 10 strokes tougher than its seaside sibling and provides a variety of terrain challenges.

Where to Stay: Spectacular backdrops aren’t the only reward for playing a round at Pacifico. You have the option of settling in at one of Punta Mita’s luxurious resorts—including the course’s host property, the Four Seasons. The spa ranks as highly for its services as the golf course does for its scenery, and beaches, pools and activities please not only players, but their spouses and families as well. 

Ocean Course at Cabo del Sol, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Ocean Course at Cabo del Sol, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

The Cabo Del Sol Ocean Course offers nearly a mile of oceanfront play, including one of the premier tandem par-3s in the game, the dramatic 6th and 7th.. Photo: Jim Mandeville / Nicklaus Design

For more than two decades, the Ocean Course at Cabo del Sol has reigned as Baja’s premier beachside golf course. With seven direct oceanfront holes, it certainly commands more waterfront than any other course on the Baja Peninsula. In addition to a mile of scenic beach, the course serves up challenging topography with an ample helping of arroyos and sand traps, along with some demanding carries. As new courses sprouted up in recent years, the Cabo del Sol team upped their game with a reconfiguration of several signature holes. The green on the signature par-4 5th hole now perches precipitously close to crashing surf, creating additional drama for a hole that has been ranked among the best 500 in golf. Next, players tee off for the first of two redesigned back-to-back par 3s at 6th and 7th. Already being called two of the primer tandem 3s in the game, these holes skirt a tidal inlet flanked by craggy outcroppings, creating a test of accuracy to challenge the game’s best when hit from the blues. As you make your way towards the spectacular 17th, also a world-ranked hole, you may see why Nicklaus himself called this stretch “the three finest finishing holes in all of golf.”

Where to Stay: For easy access to the course, you can choose from three resorts within the Cabo del Sol development—the Fiesta Americana Grand, the Sheraton Hacienda del Mar and the Premier Resorts condominiums—or for access to even more of Baja’s best golfing action, move up the coast a few miles to the Hilton Los Cabos, which offers golf packages that includes playing the area’s other premier courses. 

The Challenge at Manele Bay, Lanai, Hawaii

The Challenge at Manele Bay, Lanai, Hawaii

Lanai’s Challenge At Manele Bay perches atop a high bluff overlooking the waters of the Hulopoe Marine Reserve. The 12th hole requires a 200-yard water carry. Photo: Hawaii Tourism Authority

Getting to the quiet island of Lanai requires a ferry ride or a connecting flight from a major Hawaiian gateway, but the reward for hauling your clubs along is a chance to play one of the world’s most scenic ocean-side courses: the Challenge at Manele Bay. Sitting on the island’s remote southern coast atop a 200-foot-high wall of red lava cliffs, the course provides spectacular ocean views and photo ops from start to finish. Don’t let your attention stray from the fairway, however, as nine doglegs and several carries across unforgiving black lava fields demand targeted play, especially when hitting from the long tees. The signature and much-photographed 12th hole will test your faith, as it requires a 200-yard carry across breaking surf. You have a chance to repeat your performance at the 17th hole, which calls for a dramatic cliff-side carry. Trade winds are usually a factor, but the course was created with the prevailing breezes in mind, and players usually finish with a sense of exhilaration rather than frustration.

Where to Stay: Book a room on-property at the Four Seasons Lanai at Manele Bay. The resort overlooks Hulopoe Bay, the best bathing spot on the island. The Four Season staff coordinates guests’ water-sports adventures, ranging from swims with spotted dolphins and snorkel tours of the protected reefs to scuba dives, ocean kayak tours and surfing lessons. The more sedentary find beach umbrellas and a sparkling pool, plus a full range of dining and pampering one would expect from a Four Seasons property. 

Mauna Kea Golf Course, Kohala Coast, Hawaii

Mauna Kea Golf Course, Kohala Coast, Hawaii

With its dramatic water carry, panoramic ocean views and lush landscaping, Mauna Kea’s 3rd hole is one of the most photographed holes in the sport of golf. Photo: Mauna Kea Beach Resort

It’s been 50 years since Robert Trent Jones, Sr. created this course atop the black volcanic ash of the Big Island’s western shores. It was christened by a round from the Big Three— Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player—and soon earned a reputation as Hawaii’s best. The course has held up well in the decades since and is still highly regarded in golfing circles as a must-play venue. In fact, Mauna Kea has been credited for defining the components that make an ideal resort course. The scenery rewards as the course rises from the ocean to heights of 300 feet to deliver panoramic views of the coast, but the architecture also delivers its share of challenges. Elevation and prevailing winds often come into play, and the pitched and well-guarded greens require accurate approach shots. The course’s par-3 third is one of the most photographed holes in all of golf. Hitting from a cliff-side tee, players must carry across a small bay to a green that is guarded by seven bunkers.

Where to Stay: The course is a 30-mile drive from resorts in the Kona area, but two premier properties are within walking distance of the fairways. The course’s host property, Mauna Kea Beach Resort, provides exclusive access to what many consider the Big Island’s best white-sand beach. Just to the south of the course, the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel overlooks its namesake bay and beach, delivering magnificent ocean views from every room. 

 

JW Marriott Ihilani Ko Olina Oahu Hawaii
Hawaii, Hawaii-Big Island, Kauai, Lanai, Maui, Oahu, Play, Trip Ideas

Families and Fairways: Hawaii’s Top Beachfront Golf Resorts

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Hawaii is home to some of the world’s finest and most scenic golf courses, and you’ve come to play. But if the family is along, you’ll also want to stay at a place that emphasizes the islands’ other great asset: the Pacific Ocean. And it wouldn’t hurt to add in some nice meals, a few beach games, some side trips to see the sights, and maybe a spa session for you and the significant other. Here are some of our favorite ocean-side resorts that combine great golf with an equally outstanding resort experience.

Oahu

Stay At: JW Marriott Ihilani Ko Olina Play At: Ko Olina’s immaculately-maintained par 72 consistently ranks in the top 75 resort courses worldwide. As a bonus, there are a half dozen more first-class courses within a few minutes of the resort. Why Here: Sitting on Oahu’s sunnier western shore, the Ko Olina resort is within a half-hour drive of major attractions and Honolulu. Located ocean-side and shouldering the northernmost lagoon, the property provides panoramic water views, a range of water sports, spa services and walking access to the Ko Olina resort district. Another Favorite: Turtle Bay Resort is perched dramatically on a point of land that delivers ocean views from all rooms. You’ll find a top-rated golf course, a pair of great beaches and proximity to North Shore destinations and adventures.

Maui

Grand Wailea, Hawaii's best beachfront golf resorts

Aquatic elements at the Grand Wailea include adult and family pools, a water park and an expansive beach. Photo: Grand Wailea

Stay At: Grand Wailea Play At: Wailea’s trio of courses—Blue, Gold and Emerald—provide play that ranges from comfortable to challenging, but rarely frustrating. Why Here: Dominant views of Wailea Beach, ranked as one of Hawaii’s best beaches, are breathtaking from this Waldorf Astoria resort. Pool options include the signature Hibiscus pool for relaxation and a sprawling family pool complex and water park, with slides, rope swings and more. Everything you want can be found within the expansive resort, but you are also centrally located for day trips around Maui. Another Favorite: Ritz-Carlton Kapalua is a prime choice if you prefer a north shore location. Sitting above Honokahau Bay, it is surrounded by green lawns and the fairways of its two PGA-worthy courses, Plantation Course and scenic Bay Course.

Hawaii

Mauna Lani Bay Golf

Dramatic vistas, such as the South Course’s famous 15th hole, await golfers at Mauna Lani Bay. Photo: Mauna Lani Bay Resort

Stay At: Mauna Lani Bay Play At: The resort’s two scenic ocean-side courses, North and South, offer championship lay, plus there’s a junior- and novice-friendly nine-hole course. Why Here: It sits on a magnificent stretch of beach, with most rooms having at least partial Pacific Ocean views. In addition to golf, there’s an indoor/outdoor luxury spa, tennis club, an excellent fitness center and one of the island’s best restaurants, the Canoe House. Children’s programs include cultural activities and eco adventures as well as water sports. Another Favorite: Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, an upscale yet tastefully subdued property on gorgeous grounds, is adjacent to the Jack Nicklaus-signature Hualalai Golf Course. Its refined yet family friendly, with numerous activities for youngsters and teens.

Kauai

19-Kauai-Grand-Hayatt-Hawaii

Located on the sunny side of the island, the Grand Hyatt Kauai offers activities and amenities for all ages. Photo: Hyatt Hotels

Stay At: Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa Play At: Poipu Bay Golf Course, the resort’s championship links-style ocean course that consistently ranks in golf experts’ top-100 polls, is where you want to tee off. Spectacular vistas are mated with conveniences such as in-cart sat-nav systems for exact yardage information. Why Here: Located on the drier south shore, the Grand Hyatt Kauai is known for is ideal blend of upscale adult pampering and active, age-appropriate children’s activities. You’ll find multiple dining options from casual to memorable, the island’s largest spa, on- and off-site recreation programs, a white sand beach, saltwater lagoons and winding lazy-river pools with waterfalls and grottoes. Another Favorite: St. Regis Princeville, with its manicured grounds and oceanfront views, is the showcase property of the north-shore Princeville resort area. It’s home to the freshly-renovated Makai Golf Club and is just down the road from the award-winning Prince Golf Course.

Lanai

Lanai Four Seasons Resort Hawaii

The Challenge at Manele Bay plays along the edge of towering lava cliffs. Shown here is the scenic 11th hole. Photo: Four Seasons Lanai

Stay Here:  Four Seasons Lanai at Manele Bay Play Here: The resort’s Challenge at Manele golf course delivers dramatic cliffside play that includes one of the most-photographed holes in golf: the par-3 12th hole. Scenery aside, it’s a demanding round of target-style golf with multiple carries over the island’s natural lava rock terrain. Why Here: This is Lanai’s premier oceanfront resort, sitting above the island’s finest beach and the underwater nature preserve at Hulopoe Bay. Several exceptional restaurants for the adults, beach games, surfing lessons and a teen center make it a good choice for a family vacation. Another Favorite:  The Lodge at Koele is Lanai’s other Four Seasons resort. It sits in the mid-island highlands, with commanding views and immaculate landscaping. In addition to playing the Experience at Koele golf course, guests enjoy a wealth of hiking, horseback and off-roading adventures.