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Lanai is a hidden paradise, and the perfect destination to visit if you’re looking to experience some of the most authentic and off-the-beaten-path adventures Hawaii has to offer.
Located in the Maui region of Hawaii, a trip to Lanai can be described as a tropical private island getaway where you will get to experience true remote luxury. The relatively untouched island is sparsely populated with little infrastructure creating a desert-like terrain that blends perfectly with the picturesque coastline.
Its remote setting means there is little in terms of accommodation options, which can make it tricky when planning your epic getaway to Lanai. Have no fear, we have you covered with this guide of where to stay in Lanai. Check out the best hotels, lodges, and B&Bs to stay on the island!
The Artists House
This fully renovated 1930s plantation home provides comfortable facilities including a jet tub, beautiful granite counters, and a refreshing outdoor shower creating a sense of a private oasis.
Four Seasons Resort Lana’i
Want to experience another worldly experience with some of the most luxurious facilities in Hawaii? Then the Four Seasons Resort Lanai is your dream place to stay.
Want to save money on accommodation?
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Where to Stay in Lanai
Exploring the Hawaii Islands isn’t complete without a visit to this quaint tropical paradise. Despite its rural location and off-the-beaten-path feel, Lanai is reasonably easy to access just a 45-minute ferry ride from Maui, or a short flight from many of the other airports in Hawaii, including Honolulu International Airport.
Lanai is a perfect getaway destination for those who want to be amongst nature with an array of breathtaking natural beauty. From the incredible viewpoints at Sweetheart Rock Overview, the glistening waters at Hulopoe Beach, and scenic walks along the Munro Trail, it’s an outdoor lover’s paradise.
The island is relatively small in size and has a tiny population of 3,000, meaning most of the main infrastructure is situated around the main city: Lanai City. However, if you’re looking to explore the best that Lanai has to offer, then we’d recommend you rent a car as lots of the island’s breathtaking hotspots are dotted across the island.
The island draws a variety of visitors every year from couples looking for a romantic getaway, to families and larger groups looking for an adventurous location. However, it is important to note that Lanai may not be for everyone, if you are someone who likes to party the night away in large lively clubs or if you like big skyscraper hotels then this island isn’t for you.
Top Things to Do and See in Lanai:
- Swim in the crystal clear waters at Hulopoe Beach
- Trek the Munro Trail experiencing spectacular views of mountains, canyons and islands
- Take in the views at Sweetheart Rock Overview
- View magnificent sites on a helicopter ride over the island
- Play a round of golf with a striking view at Manele Golf Course
- Take a dip in the unique Hulopoe Bay Tide Pools
- Wander the Koloiki Ridge Trail
- Visit the Lanai Cat Sanctuary where you can spend the day with rescued animals
- Explore the shops in Lanai City
- Spend the night underneath the starts by camping at Hulopoe Beach Park
- Visit Keahiakawel nicknamed the Garden of the Gods
- Spend the day at Shipwreck Beach
- Take a boat trip from Manele Harbor to explore some of the surrounding nearby islands
- Try out some local dishes at No Ka Oi Grindz Lanai
- Experience a sunset from the cliffs at Shark’s Bay
- Check out Polihua Beach, one of the best beaches in Hawaii
Coolest Accommodations in Lanai
Hopefully you’ve got yourself an epic list of things to do in Lanai. Now, let’s take a look at the best accommodation options on the island. Each is a little different, and offers guests something unique! Check them out!
The Artists House | Where to Stay in Lanai for Families
This fully renovated 1930s plantation home has comfortable facilities including a jet tub, beautiful granite counters, and refreshing outdoor shower creating a private oasis. The house is equipped with two large bedrooms along with a sofa bed fitting up to six guests, making it a great place to stay in Lanai for families. The property is also located just a short walk from the city center meaning there is plenty to do nearby
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View on Ospreyde Brums Lana’i | Where to Stay in Lanai on a Budget
This one-bedroom cottage rests on the hill above Lanai, giving guests incredible views of the surrounding scenery. The cottage is simply designed, with all the facilities you need for a great stay including ceiling fans, a spacious kitchen and living area. It’s especially ideal for those traveling on a budget.
Dreams Come True on Lana’i | Where to Stay in Lanai for Couples
This cozy private room is a newly renovated home, and the perfect place to stay in Lanai for couples. Boasting a traditional and rustic feel, the room is equipped with a beautiful four-poster bed along with a spacious en-suite with a whirlpool tub, ventilating skylights, and Italian marble surfaces.
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Grab an eSIM!Plantation Home Near Town Square | Where to Stay in Lanai for Larger Groups
This renovated plantation home is ideally located just a five-minute stroll to the town square, where you will find a plethora of things to do including restaurants, movie theatres, shops, cafes, and art galleries. The private guest house has an open plan layout with three modernly designed bedrooms that can fit up to seven guests, making it a great option for those traveling to Lanai in a larger group.
Four Seasons Resort Lana’i | Best Luxury Accommodation in Lanai
Want to experience another worldly experience with some of the most luxurious facilities in Hawaii? Then the Four Seasons Resort Lanai is your dream place to stay. Located on the southeastern coast of the island, the resort is tucked away from the busier streets of the city creating an exclusive and laid-back atmosphere. Spend your days lounging by lagoon-style pools, strolling through the on-site botanical gardens, and exploring some of the island’s most scenic spots, many of which can be reached by foot from the hotel.
Sensei Lanai | Coolest Place to Stay in Lanai
If you’re looking for a tranquil and laid-back place to stay in Lanai, with luxurious but stripped-back amenities, then look no further than Sensei Lanai. A sister hotel to the coastal Four Seasons Resort, Sensei Lanai is situated in the heart of Lanai City, close to a good selection of restaurants and cafes. The hotel is equipped with a relaxing wellness center, an outdoor pool, and numerous nourishing dining options.
Hotel Lanai | Where to Stay in Lanai for First Time Visitors
Perfectly located in the center of Lanai City, Hotel Lanai is a quiet plantation-inspired retreat blending a rustic style with modern facilities. Guests will have the choice of many stylish accommodation options from larger family rooms to romantic suites perfect for couples, as well as being greeted with some of the friendliest faces, the hotel is well known to have exceptional island hospitality.
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It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)
Hide Yo’ Money!What To Pack For Lanai
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hotel Packing list for even more top packing tips!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Lanai
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
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Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Lanai
So, there you have it! That’s the gorgeous paradise island of Lanai, the ultimate getaway from busy life. We hope this guide has given you a better idea of where to stay on the island, along with giving you some more information on things you can do and explore.
If you’re still not sure which is right for you, here is a quick recap of our favorite places..
For a luxurious experience, stay in one of the two Four Seasons Resorts! It is an experience like no other. Both are situated in beautiful locations, and provide top-class facilities. If you’re traveling as a family and don’t fancy forking out the prices for these luxury resorts, we’d recommend staying at the Artists House – it is a firm favorite amongst visitors heading to Lanai.
- Check out our ultimate guide backpacking around Hawaii.
- Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in Hawaii.
- Or… maybe you want to check out some Airbnbs in USA instead.
- Next up you’re gonna need to know all the best places to visit in Hawaii to plan your trip.
- Planning out an itinerary for Hawaii is a great way to maximise your time.
- Save yourself hassle and money and get an international sim card for USA.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
Buy Us a Coffee!
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You can now buy The Broke Backpacker a coffee. If you like and use our content to plan your trips, it’s a much appreciated way to show appreciation 🙂
