I decided after several weeks on Maui that I needed to decompress a bit.
A beautiful, logical, and logistically easy option was Lana’i. Although this place is cost prohibitive to many, my sponsor was very generous with me, so off I went, bound for the Four Seasons Hotel at Manele Bay. I spent the night before at the Lahaina Hotel, which was located only 3 blocks from the ferry to Lana’i. The next morning I had an early breakfast and then walked to the ferry. The ferry is usually a very pleasant 45 minute cruise, and this time it didn’t disappoint. Because it is winter I was able to spot whales along the way to Lana’i. Hard to say how many because how do you know if it’s the same whale breaching, or another one? I was greeted at the Lana’i harbor by a representative from the hotel and she transported me to reception (Only a 5 minute drive).
The Island is home to only about 3,000 people. 98 percent of the entire island was acquired from Castle & Cooke in 2012 by Larry Ellison, the then CEO of Oracle Corporation (not to mention the fifth wealthiest human on the planet). Ellison’s vision is to create a sustainable and carbon neutral island. He is well on the way, with much of the energy being from solar and wind. As part of this effort to sustainability, Ellison has created two 20,000 square-foot computer monitored hydroponic farms/greenhouses, with plans for four more.
While the tempo here is much dialed down from Maui, there are enough things to do so as to preclude any moments of boredom. Beach stuff, golf, hiking, snorkeling, biking, and tide pooling, just to name a few. There also is the little town of Lana’i City where most of the residents live. This town is located about 20-25 minutes by car up the hill to the middle of the island at an elevation of 1,650 feet. It has some shopping, but is otherwise pretty quiet. Other than the Four Seasons Resort at Manele Bay and the Sensei Resort up near Lana’i City (also managed by Four Seasons), no other hotels exist on Lana’i. These are both relatively small properties in terms of guest accommodations. Between the two properties there are less than 300 rooms and suites.
I’m hanging here as long as my expense account last. At that point I will ferry back to Maui. Be well until then.
