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The Resorts of Lana'i

© Lottie Tagupa

Lana'i, formerly known as the Pineapple Island, was for many years a pineapple plantation run by the Dole Company. Since then, golf courses have replaced pineapple fields, and two major hotels are now the main economic support of this island. Lana'i, more so than any other island, has one distinct air about it, and that is quiet, relaxation and privacy. The entire island has only one stoplight, no fast food places, no shopping malls or traffic. It is small, uncluttered and luxurious.

The Lana'i Company for the most part runs the island. They have managed to transform this island from a plantation community into an excellent destination that is not only uniquely Hawaiian, but uniquely Lana'i as well.

There are two hotels, each with their own identity. The Manele Bay, which is located on the eastern part of the island high above the beach at Hulopo`e Bay, has 222 guestrooms, 14 suites and 13 butler suites. The other equally impressive hotel is the Koele Lodge located near Lana'i City at the 1,600-foot level secluded in stands of decades old Cook Island pine trees. This resort is typical of a mountaintop hunting lodge, or an old English manor, with 88 guestrooms, 10 suites and 4 fireplace suites.

There is no transportation necessary on this island, although rental cars are available at daily rates. The resort transportation will take you not only to and from Lanai airport, but also transport you between the resorts several times a day.

A fresh flower lei greets you upon arrival, hot and cold towel service, morning tea and coffee is served in the hotel's public areas, and turn-down and ice service is offered daily.

The Lodge at Koele offers complimentary board games, croquet, evening entertainment, high tea, lawn bowling, library, New York Times, fax services. The pool & fitness center, Ted Robinson's Executive Putting Green, tennis, video collection, and walking sticks are also complimentary.

The Manele Bay offers complimentary evening entertainment, fitness center, game room (pool table & board games), introduction to snorkeling & scuba diving lessons, library, pool, putting green, snorkel and beach activity equipment, tennis, video collection and more.

Although Lana'i is a peaceful and private place, there are activities for all to enjoy. Additional activities offered by the hotel include: Challenge at Manele or the Experience at Koele golf courses deep sea fishing, guided Axis deer hunting and Lana`i Pine Sporting Clay. There are also archaeological walks, circle island tours, tidepool exploration, four wheel drive excursions, hiking, horse-drawn carriage rides, horseback riding, mountain biking, scuba diving, sea kayaking, and spa.