Worth a few days in Lanai ?
 

We are planning a honeymoon in September and we were wondering if it is worth the side trip to Lanai...we were planning on doing a week in Maui and maybe 4 days in Lanai...any reason to go to Oahu other than Pearl Harbor ?

Pete, <BR>This is second hand information, but my sister and brother-in-law, who go to the Big Island every year, were very disappointed in Lanai. Although their hotel ( can't remember which one, the one on the beach), was beautiful the food and service were poor and if you don't like it, there isn't much else to choose from. The prices were sky high. They wouldn't go back. ( If you email me, I can give you my brother-in-law's <BR>email address and he can give you the details). <BR> <BR>Personally, Oahu is my favorite island as I enjoy the city life in Honolulu ( lots of restaurants, Chinatown, downtown,museums) and a quick drive out of the city is unspoiled paradise, but I am in the minority on that, I guess. <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>

Pete, <BR> <BR>I'd spend my four days on Oahu, not Lanai. Lanai is a little rich man's island, and I'm talking Bill Gates here! I would limit my Lanai visit to the Trilogy snorkeling tour for the day. <BR> <BR>I agree with Michele that the whole island of Oahu is wonderful. It has so much to offer - the Arizona Memorial & Mighty Mo battleship, Iolani Palace, Bishop Museum, Punchbowl Cemetery, Hawaii Maritime Center at Aloha Marketplace, fabulous beaches on other parts of the island in addition to Waikiki. The BEST restaurants and nightlife in the islands, and the best all around weather! <BR> <BR>Many people stop on Oahu to see Pearl Harbor, run through Waikiki in one day, and then on to another island! Those people, unfortunately, know nothing about Oahu and all the wonderful things it has to offer! But they think they do - don't listen! Buy a good guidebook like Frommers, and use it to discover Oahu. You won't regret it! <BR> <BR>Have a great trip! <BR> <BR>Lani

Michele, can you get some additional info from your sister and post it here? Thanks!

I still find Waikiki one of the nicest beaches in the state.

Having stayed at the Manele Bay Hotel on three occasions, I guess you can say I enjoy Lanai. IMHO, here are some of the plusses and the minuses: PLUS: wonderful beach (uncrowded,no rough surf,relaxing), good snorkeling in the bay (and, if lucky, you can see and swim with a school of spinner dolphins that often swim into the bay in the morning), the best cuisine I've had at any hotel in the Neighbor Islands, the availability to use all of the facilities and restaurants at its sister resort, The Lodge at Koele (especially enjoyed the horseback riding, skeet shooting, Koele's dining room and Lodge atmosphere); great golf, and, very relaxing and subdued atmosphere. <BR> On the Negative side: the food is delicious, but very expensive: if you want to "explore" or "tour", you've come to the wrong island, the two resorts are really all that's happening on this small island . <BR> If it fits within your budget and you want to RELAX and be pampered for a few days at the end of your trip, then Lanai may be for you.

Tim, <BR> <BR>My sister ( are you sitting down) has never been online. <BR> <BR>I think all the postings have summarized her opinion of Lanai... quiet, if not dead,beautiful beach,expensive ( and she stays at the Mauna Lani on the Big Island), and unreliable cuisine ( one night it's superb, the next night it's cold and inedible. The Hotel did comp them on that). <BR> <BR>I think Maui and Oahu are a great combination. Oahu is just as romantic as the quieter islands and offers so much more than just the beach. <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>

Thanks, Michele! I was frankly quite surprised by your comment since most, if not all, visitors to the resort find the food to be exceptional!

So pleased with all the positive Oahu postings! It's about time we got some good press! Check out what an interesting and intriguing city Honolulu is...we boast the best weather, the best restaurants, and there is much to see and do here, from shopping at Ward Centre and Ward Warehouse, to walking through Chinatown and Kaimuki, and a multitude of ethnic and cultural activities. The Honolulu Academy of Arts and The Contemporary Museum are Honolulu gems. The hike to Makapuu is breathtaking (take water). Yes, do venture beyond Waikiki. A guide book will serve you well. You may also want to check out Honolulu Magazine's web site at http://honpub.com/hnl/hnlintro.htm <BR>Enjoy! <BR> <BR>Aloha, <BR>-k <BR>

Kalena, <BR> <BR>Thanks for reminding me of the "Honolulu Magazine" website - I hadn't thought of that! <BR> <BR>As far as Oahu is concerned, I think most people don't check it out for themselves, really. We have friends who live in Kailua, have for about 30 years, so we had good teachers on the subject! <BR> <BR>I love Waikiki - it IS a city, but a magical one, with Waikiki Beach attached. (Now, I'll grant you, not too magical the third week in August when it's maybe 92 degrees and you're bumping into people on the sidewalk. But then you go to Kailua!) I just hope more people will check it out for themselves. <BR> <BR>I love all the other islands, but also Oahu! Thanks again for reminding us of the website! <BR> <BR>Aloha, Lani