Four Seasons Resort Lana’i

HOTEL OVERVIEW

Look, I’ve stayed at plenty of fancy resorts, but Four Seasons Lana’i hits different – and I mean that in the best way possible. The moment you pull up to One Manele Bay Road (honestly, it’s pretty much the only road that matters on this side of the island), you realize you’re not just at another Hawaiian resort. You’re on Lana’i, which most people can’t even pronounce correctly, and that isolation is exactly what makes this place magic.

The thing about this resort is that it doesn’t try to be everything to everyone, which is refreshing. It sits right above Hulopoe Beach – and when I say right above, I mean you can literally hear the waves from your room if you crack the lanai door. The beach itself is this perfect crescent of sand that feels almost private because, well, there’s nowhere else for crowds to come from. No cruise ship day-trippers here. The snorkeling at the left side of the bay is actually incredible (the resort staff will point you toward the reef, but don’t expect them to mention the spinner dolphins that show up most mornings). I spent three days there and maybe saw twenty other people total on the beach.

What really gets me about this place is how they’ve managed to feel both luxurious and unpretentious. Yeah, the rooms are gorgeous – those ocean views from the suites are no joke – but the staff treats you like a person, not a walking credit card. The concierge team actually knows the island inside and out, which matters when you’re on a rock that’s only 140 square miles. They’ll set you up with the pineapple plantation tour, but they’ll also tell you the best spots to watch the sunset that aren’t crawling with other guests. Pro tip: ask about the tide pools during low tide – it’s like having your own private aquarium.

The dining situation is solid too, though you’re pretty much committed to eating at the resort unless you want to drive twenty minutes into Lana’i City for… well, not much. But honestly? The restaurants here are good enough that you won’t feel trapped. ONE Forty feels fancy without being stuffy, and Malibu Farm has this California-casual vibe that works perfectly for lunch after a morning on the beach. Just don’t expect quick service – this is island time, and once you settle into the rhythm, you’ll actually appreciate it.

Here’s the thing though – this isn’t a party resort. If you’re looking for nightlife or tons of activities, you picked the wrong island. But if you want to actually disconnect (the wifi works, but it’s not screaming fast), read a book by an infinity pool that seems to melt into the Pacific, and remember what quiet sounds like, then you get it. The pool area never feels crowded, probably because half the guests are off exploring the island or just napping in their rooms. Check-in was smooth, parking is obviously not an issue, and honestly, the hardest part about staying here is the puddle-jumper flight from Honolulu – but even that adds to the adventure. This place earned every bit of that 9.4 rating.