As one of the smallest of the most well-known large Hawaiian Islands, Lanai has a small population and is considered one of the few remaining ‘untouched’ islands in the chain.
The Four Seasons Resort Lanai is perched on a bluff overlooking Hulopoe Bay and holds a profound relationship with the land on which it resides; the resort has a team of ‘cultural advisors’ to help guests connect with the island and its rich heritage.
Lanai is home to wahi pana, meaning ‘storied places’ — a series of historic landmarks and locations of legendary tales that are thought to have spiritual power due to the legend with which each is associated. Dive into the island’s history on a customized cultural tour:
Visit Keahiakawelo (aka The Fire of Kawelo), named for a famous priest of Lanai who kept a fire burning as he offered prayers to protect Lanai’s people; it is thought he used the land’s vegetation to keep the fire burning — the rationale for why it is now so barren.
The heritage site is only accessible by 4×4 and is a lunar-esque landscape of brilliant orange rock formations and lava boulders. Visit Kaunolu, a national historic landmark and an ancient fishing community that contains the ruins of various structures and is said to be the best preserved in the state.
Back at the resort, be sure to book the Alii Royal Suite to spend evenings stargazing from the suite’s telescope, found on the expansive balcony.
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From $21,000 per night. Contact Maureen Flood, director of reservations, maureen.flood@fourseasons.com, +1 808 353 3058, fourseasons.com
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