Lanai trip report

Old Nov 25th, 2003, 11:06 AM
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Lanai trip report

Just back from honeymoon, which included five nights on Kauai, three nights on Molokai and four nights on Lanai. Since not a lot's written on this board about the latter, wanted to offer my impressions.

1) If you're looking for glitz, nightlife and glamour, you've come to the wrong place. But if you're looking to relax, get pampered and eat great food, book now.
We stayed at the Lodge at Koele, where upon exiting the airport shuttle we were given leis, a hot towel and pineapple juice. That was followed by a tour of the property by the concierge, who took us to our upgraded, huge, deluxe room and checked us in there.
The hotel is opulent in a totally unprentious sort of way. Built to resemble a hunting lodge. the unbeatable lobby and common areas have touches of traditional English, Asian and Hawaiian furnishings and decorations seemlessly melded into one harmonious whole.
You can easily find yourself lulled into sitting in the lobby in front of a fire having your complimentary afternoon tea and scones and feeling absolutely no inclination to leave. You read right, a fire. The Lodge is about 2,000 feet up and can be 10-15 degrees cooler than its sister property The Manele Bay Hotel down by the beach. Bring a sweater or jacket, which you'll often need at night.
While the lobby, or the nearby gameroom, library or game room are inviting places to wile away the day, it would be a shame to miss out on a stroll of the lush gardens, complete with an orchid house, bonsai trees and to peer into the pond and marvel at the largest assortment of koi swimming around.
There's also a complimentary 18-hole executive putting green, croquet and lawn bowling, if you don't want to take the 20-minute ride down to Manele Bay, which you should for many reasons.
One, it makes you feel better about your choice of hotels. Manele Bay is a comfortable, luxurious beach hotel that can stand up to many in its class ($375 a night and up), it comes up short with The Lodge, at least if you're traveling without kids. Manele has a great pool, beach access and views of the water. Its interiors are also inviting and make you feel like you're at a destination resort. Still, its a place that's lacking a personality, at least compared to The Lodge, where you truly feel special for having been there. We also got a look at several rooms at Manele, which while spacious, in no way measured up to even the cheapest room at its upcountry sister.
However, Manele can stand proud with its two main restaurants. The main room, Ihilani, came up a winner with local venison prepared four ways. Their seafood antipasto platter was also a winner, featuring huge New England oysters. But what are they thinking charging $8.50 for coffee? It's already enough that most entrees are north of $40. The other restaurant, Hulopoe Court is more informal, and has a great selection of seafood dishes. Entrees are in the $30-35 range here.
Up at The Lodge, the renowned Formal Dining Room hasn't suffered despite a case of chef shuffling. Men must wear jackets here, and the serviceis of a quality found in any high--end big-city restaurant, also with prices to match. But what a splurge. The Hawaiian snapper coated with fennel pollen dust was simply one of the best-tasting seafood dishes I ever had. And the coffee was much cheaper to boot.
The more informal choice at The Lodge, is the Terrace, which serves a delicious breakfast highlighted by macadmia-nut blintzes and a brioche french toast with vanilla-bean syrup. They were a little less successful at dinner, with a lamb shank that provided more bulk than flavor.
As for activities outside of the hotels, we rented a Jeep ($119, gas at $2.88 a gallon) for the day to go off-roading. Lanai only has 30 miles of paved roads, so to see some of the best sights, like Polihua Beach or the Garden Of The Gods, four-wheel drive is a must. One tip: If you plan on traversing the Munro Trail, which can get you up 3,000 feet for views of five islands on a good day, leave two to three hours for that and go in the morning so you don't feel pressed for time.
Overall, a dream destination, pricey but worth it for that special occasion.
murrayhill is offline  
Old Nov 25th, 2003, 11:13 AM
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Thanks for your trip report, do you recall any specifics about the pool or jacuzzi facilities at the Lodge and if you did any snorkeling at Manele Bay how was it ?
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Old Nov 25th, 2003, 11:26 AM
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The Lodge has a smallish pool and adjacent Jacuzzi area. Most days we were there the winds were a little brisk and we went down for some water fun at the Manele instead. But if all you want is a soak, The Lodge is fine.
Manele also has an edge with its range of spa facilities, but a variety of massages are available in The Lodge's fitness center.
The winds also precluded a snorkel for most of the time we were there. However, the day we were down at the beach for a hike and some sun, a bunch of people were in the water at Hulopo'e Beach near the hotel, where the waters are usually calm to snorkel safely close to shore. Hulopo'e is also where you'll find a great selection of tide pools, to see a lot of small fish you'd otherwise only see in aquariums. That's best done in the afternoon during low tides.
Enjoy!
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Old Nov 25th, 2003, 01:22 PM
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If you go to Lanai, you do have to be prepared to take it sllllooooowwww. I felt like I was living the show, "Northern Exposure." And I'm from Honolulu!

People should check the Manele or Koele websites well in advance. Sometimes they have visiting chefs and/or sommeliers, so you can partake of complimentary wine tasting!! Afternoon tea in the lobby is also free.
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Old Nov 25th, 2003, 07:21 PM
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Aloha Murrayhill!

Much mahalo for your lovely report... We have been to HI many times, but have not visited Molokai or Lanai... you've left me thirsting for more info, especially about Molokai, and your jeep excursions on Lanai...

Mahalo again...
makai1 is offline  
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