Posted by Nancy N. at www.all-travel.com
Here is my Lana'i report with a little Maui thrown in:
Traveling anywhere from Palm Spring/Rancho Mirage, California is challenging at best. For our 24th Wedding Anniversary, we went to Hawaii as it is here that we were married lo those many years ago. So, do we fly out of LAX? SFO? How about SNA!!!
We drove to John Wayne airport (equidistant to LAX) to try the service of Aloha Airlines. The drive there, although a bit challenging, was not too bad, and getting around SNA was relatively easy. We went through security and checked in with little hassle or difficulty and were looking forward to our new adventure.
We flew First Class on Aloha's 737-700 and were a bit leery about its size (in regards to comfort). Aloha flies non stop from Orange County to both Honolulu and Maui, so the convenience was well worth it. It was wonderful, and the seats were bigger and more luxurious than first class on a 757. The crew were all Hawaiian and as charming and pleasant as you could ever want. Food was good, and all the videos were Hawaii inspired and got you excited to get to your destination. No Visa ads or commercials, but only vistas of the islands. Sweet!
We have a time share at the new Westin Resort and Villas in Kaanapali, but first decided to visit Lana'i and the newly acquired Four Seasons Resorts, The Lodge at Koele and Manele Bay.
As our flights were into Maui, we had no option but to take the ferry from Lahaina to Manele Harbor. Again, another adventure, so we were ready.
I looked online months ago to find the easiest way to arrive at our destination and found a web site http://www.hawaiiactivities.com/ and was able to access the ferry schedule, find the time we wanted to travel, book and purchase our round trip tickets, and was emailed a voucher ( to be exchanged for tickets when onboard). The only conundrum, was as we picked up our car at Kahului, where do we leave it for 2 days in Lahaina? (I called them and they advised the parking lot to use and faxed me over a map.) The price was $15.00 a day and it still ended up being less expensive to leave our car there for 2 days than to cab it from Kahului, cab it to Kaanapali, and then rent a car in Kaanapali. The lot was a block from the harbor and it was a breeze. When we arrived at the harbor, we found a bench in the shade, and within minutes, Gabriel from the Four Seasons found us and took our bags onboard the ferry. Piece of cake! I will give you a warning...The ride over was wonderful; smooth and easy. However, the ride back was very choppy and for those with queasy stomachs, it may not be advisable. This only happens at certain times of year and is only in the one direction. Other than that, the experience was just fine.
We had visited both properties on Lana'i in the past (pre-FS) and were impressed, but not terribly excited. Since Four Seasons has taken over, the difference in both is marked and much improved.
The Lodge is gorgeous and it is a marvel. You never think you are in Hawaii, but may be in England from looking outside your window at green hills and ponds. We do not golf, but the course there is famous (especially for the 17th hole) and a draw to those who want a challenge. As it is cooler there, sitting in the sun and doing the usual Hawaiian activities is not the case. However, hiking trails are wonderful and in the future, there may be a spa added on to entice you to pamper yourself.
The rooms are much more comfortable and the minute you walk into the lobby you will be overwhelmed by the awesome beauty. Service is exceptional and staff is friendly and very accommodating. Food is good (very pricey,) but what the heck! You only live once! We had dinner in the main dining room and it was glorious.
We moved over to Manele Bay the next day and were not terribly optimistic. We had stayed twice before, and were not big fans. Well, I am happy to say that we have changed our opinion. The hotel is so much better. Again, the staff is just wonderful and are there to assist you in any way they can, and always have a big smile and friendly greeting. The rooms are so much better! They were always large and airy, but the decor was a bit jarring. Now, thanks to Four Seasons, the decor is relaxing, classy, and still homey. What a difference!
We dined in the poolside restaurant and had a wonderful, relaxing meal. The perfect end to 2 perfect days on Lana'i.
We were taken down to the port to meet our ferry and met our friend Gabriel again, who took our bags on and off the boat, so it was an easy way to get to and from our destination.
As beautiful as both resorts are, I agree that the ferry transition is less than luxurious. It will never get better on the Lahaina side, as Four Seasons can do nothing there. However, in Lana'i the ferry terminal is getting better (it was still pretty primitive during our visit) and by the end of the year, there should be more comfortable areas to await your ferry ride.
Lana'i is a unique experience, not for everyone, but certainly a beautiful and lovely place to relax and spend a few days. If you just want to "veg" and have a quiet and special experience, then this is the place for you!
Attention Foodies! We have a couple of recommendations of restaurants on Maui. One is an oldie but goodie, and another is a new treat. Pacific-O is probably one of the finest restaurants on the island. The food is superb and the chef is considered one of the best. Located at 505 Front Street, Lahaina, in an uninspired shopping complex, the food is anything but. The atmosphere is casual and it is located right on the ocean, so perfect for sunset dining. Our new find is the MaLa Ocean Tavern located at the other end of Front St in Lahaina. It is a little hole in the wall with great ambience and really great food. Sitting on the tiny terrace watching the sun go down is a real delight and the food is super as well! The staff is very friendly and you feel that you are attending your own party. The tables are so close together, you end up having conversations with your neighbors and have a great time.
The locals say Maui No Ka Oi (Maui is the best....and they are right!!)
Mahalo and Aloha!
Nancy Bleiweiss-Nevil
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