Staying at Four Seasons Resort Lana’i, Hawaii
Manele Bay is one of those travel destinations you dream about: uncrowded beaches, warm water, abundant sea life and a place where you can simply relax. In a word, Manele Bay is paradise.
Staying at Four Seasons Resort Lana’i, Hawaii
We spent the last two days of our trip to Lana’i on the beach. After spending four days in Lana’i City and exploring the island by jeep, we were ready for some water time.
We took the island shuttle from the Four Seasons Lodge at Koele and were greeted with fresh leis once we arrived in the wide open foyer of the gorgeous Four Season’s Manele Bay. From the foyer, there is an unobstructed view of the huge well-kept pool area and right behind it… the beach.
I could instantly feel the ocean breeze kissing away the humid tropical air that began settling on my skin. I couldn’t wait to get to our room so we could throw on our suits and head to the water.
After checking in, we were shown to our room, where our bags were already waiting. I opened the curtains covering the huge sliding glass door to find a stunning view of the ocean and Sweetheart Rock.
I noticed some commotion in the bay and realized those were not just people in the water. I could see a pod of spinner dolphins jumping out of the water and swimming within feet of a small group of snorkelers.
We rushed to the beach to rent complimentary snorkeling gear, but found out the resort cannot lend out gear while the dolphins are in the bay (so bring your own or rent the gear before the dolphins arrive).
During our two days at Manele Bay, we were shocked at the lack of crowds on the beach and near the pool. We never had to fight for a lounge chair and there were times when we were the only ones in the water. It’s rare that we find a perfect, uncrowded beach, so we were instantly smitten.
It feels like most of the people who come to Lana’i want to respect the peacefulness of the island. It was unexpectedly quiet — no screaming kids or loud, inebriated adults.
All the locals we spoke to were all in agreement: even when the hotels are at max capacity, the island never feels crowded.
How to Get to Manele Bay, Lana’i
You can either fly to Lana’i or take the short ferry from Maui with Expeditions. (If you get seasick, you may want to book a morning trip.) The ferry costs $30 each way for adults and $20 each way for children.
Flights are available from the other islands with Island Air. Prices start at $60 one way. The view from the air is not bad either!
Where to Eat in Manele Bay, Lana’i
Kailani
Kailani’s sits right above the bay. I recommend booking a reservation just before sunset to fully enjoy the view. The contemporary Italian cuisine is always made with the freshest local ingredients.
The pasta is even made fresh daily and you can definitely taste the difference. Ask your server about half orders of pasta if you can’t decide on just one dish.
ONE FORTY
I still have dreams about our dinner at ONE FORTY. There wasn’t a single thing we didn’t like about this restaurant. We started our meal with Lobster Bisque and Vodka Martinis (I asked for blue cheese olives and they made them for me). For our entrees, we ordered a Garlic Butter and Blue Cheese Rib Eye Steak and Ahi cooked perfectly rare, topped with a Wasabi Cream Sauce. The melt-in-your-mouth mashed potatoes were the best I’ve ever tasted.
Manele Bay is definitely a place I would travel to again. It’s a quick jaunt from the other islands and a perfect little quiet getaway.
Read More:
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The Ultimate Guide to Maui on a Budget
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What a beautiful beach and the resort sounds relaxing… especially the no kids part 😉
Sounds like a very relaxing trip!
Paradise! I will definitely pack snorkeling gear if I have the opportunity to venture to breathtaking and exciting Manele Bay! Thank you for posting about this beautiful, lesser known destination!
That picture with the ocean and the feathered clouds.. oh my goodness! Stunning!
I’ve always enjoyed staying at the Four Seasons anywhere in the world – and looks like they don’t disappoint here, either. I love how you put it – “Even if the resort is at full capacity, the island never feels crowded.” All the more reason to go. I should just hop a plane.
Aloha, I’m headed to Lanai next week for the first time. Mahalo for the tip to bring my own snorkel gear. I LOVE swimming with dolphins in the ocean.
I hope you get a chance to swim with them!
Beautiful post! We got to experience empty Hawaiian beaches in Molokai and it was awesome. Actually, it still blows my mind that it’s possible to have a paradise all to yourself.
This is amazing, soo beautiful <3
You sold me!! I want to go.
Really wonderful! I would like to spend a day or two at such a beach!
Simply gorgeous! Would love to be here right now!
Looks like a fantastic place. You never hear much about Lanai but with beautiful beaches and delicious looking food seems it’s a place worth investigating.