Lanai Golf Vacation

First discovered by Captain Cook's crew in 1779, The Island of Lanai is also known as the Aloha state'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 only two or 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, although credit is usually thrown to Greg Norman, and the Challenge at Manele, designed by Jack Nicklaus. Both layouts are easily rated in the top-10 in Hawaii. The recently renovated Experience offers a crisp upcountry design, which feels like a track 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.

Unfortunately, Lanai is now a Four Season's operated resort at both of the locations. This means fine service and amenities, but it also means prices so lofty only the wealthiest can afford. There is also a problem getting to and from Lanai, with limited air service only from Island Air and a $25 charge for each golf bag to and from Lanai. In other words, getting to and from Honolulu International Airport (HNL) and back, combined with your ground transportation to and from your Lanai lodging, can easily cost more than $500 for two persons.

If you really want to visit this lovely island, we recommend you do it from Maui via ferry and be prepared for sticker shock to the max once you arrive.

ALL Lanai bookings are customized by HawaiiGolfDeals, so please fill out the appropriate form below.

Online Quote/Booking Request Application WITH AIR
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