Lanai
The Private Island!
First discovered by Captain Cook's crew in 1779, The Island of Lanai is also
known as Hawaii's most exclusive island. Hawaii's 6th largest island in size
(and population) is home to about 3,000 residents, who live mostly in Lanai
City (now there's a misnomer).
Owned principally by David Murdock's Castle & Cooke
(Dole Foods), Lanai set its sights, in the late 1980s, on becoming a high-end
retreat for the well healed. The transformation was successful in a number
of ways that transcend the obvious intention.
Lanai boasts two of the most dazzling luxury
resorts found anywhere. The Manele Bay Hotel
is situated at the island's most stunning cove
beach. The Lodge at Koele, at 2,000 feet of elevation,
offers what Conde Nast Traveler calls, "the
No. 1 lodge in the world." Along with the two resorts came some interesting
attractions and amenities, like 36 holes of world-class golf, seven dining
venues, a spa, Lanai Pines Sporting Clays (one of Hawaii's hippest attractions
with clay shooting, air rifle target range and archery) plus the standard array
of resort goodies.
But even with the emergence of the posh hotel
and lodge, Lanai has not lost the charm of a
small island. Lanai City's public square still
hosts a Farmer's Market every Saturday morning
and is home to a handful of nifty shops and galleries,
three food markets and five eateries lead by
Chef Henry Clay Richardson's Hotel Lanai, which
is one of three dinner spots in town. The others
are breakfast and lunch oriented.
The two golf venues are the Experience at Koele,
designed by Ted Robinson, and the Challenge at Manele, designed by
Jack Nicklaus. Both layouts are easily rated in the top-10 in Hawaii, with
the recently renovated Experience offering a crisp upcountry design, which
seems to be something you might find in verdantly lush mainland locations
like Colorado. Overlooking the ocean is the Challenge, with its warmer temperatures
and host of Nicklaus signatures.
However, to play these courses for anything
resembling a deal, you must buy a package that
includes accommodations at the hotel or lodge.
Consult your travel professional or HawaiiGolfDeals. |
