Hula Planet:What To Do In Hawaii

Series: Hawaii in Bloom Week

This week, we’re going to take a look at some of our favorite photos from visits to gardens across Hawaii. This short series will not only highlight some lovely flowers, but also give you some see-and-do ideas for each island. The above photo was taken in the Orchid House on the grounds of the Four Seasons Lanai Lodge at Koele . There’s not charge to pop in the Orchid House to see these exotic blooms. © Go Visit Hawaii – Republication of this entire post is prohibited without prior permission. Using extracts of less than 100 words are permitted with full attribution and link back to GoVisitHawaii.com .

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A Hui Hou Lana’i

We must leave Lana’i today. We don’t want to leave! I look forward to sharing the new Lana’i travel insights I’ve gained on this trip. I may have one other Lana’i post this week. Then I’ll start our normal rotation, covering all the islands. In the meantime, I wanted to share this 10-second video that Andy shot from his i-phone yesterday. It’s the view of the ocean and Hulopoe Beach that has mesmerized us for the last three days during our stay at Four Seasons Lanai at Manele Bay . I hope you’ll enjoy this short slice of paradise.

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Review Update: Four Seasons Resort Lanai at Manele Bay

I wanted to provide an new review on the Four Seasons Resort Lanai at Manele Bay . We first stayed at this resort back in 2007 and though there were some hiccups, we really looked forward to returning again someday. (You can read my first review here .) We very much enjoyed our more recent stay over the New Year’s Holiday. Since we’ve been home, we’ve lost count of the number of times that we’ve daydreamed about being back at the Four Seasons Lanai at Manele Bay. In fact, we’re still aiming to get back there again this year. So, why did we look forward to returning? This resort is absolutely gorgeous and we’re in love with Lanai ! We’ve been all over Hawaii, and we’d have to rank this resort in the top 5 resorts in Hawaii. This resort offers a beautiful ocean side setting. As I mentioned in my first review, “The resort’s location on Lanai’s remote, south shore makes the resort very special. It feels secluded and swank. The resort is perched on a bit of a cliff over looking the marine preserve of Hulopoe Bay where pods of spinner dolphins frequently visit and one of Lanai’s more famous landmarks, Puupehe (sweetheart rock) . The scenery will not disappoint.” We were still impressed with the generous size of the rooms and all the special little amenities the resort offers. You don’t even need to bring sunscreen because they provide it for you. One of our favorite amenities is that when you go to the beach, the staff set up beach chairs, umbrella and table for you. After you’re settled in and enjoying the sounds of the ocean, they deliver fresh cut slices of pineapple, Evian spritzes, chilled towels, and ice water. How’s that for service? On our recent visit, we had a bit more time to explore the resort’s services. The spa was outstanding. Andy and I enjoyed an ocean side, sunset couples massage that still makes me swoon when I think about it. I still rank Grand Wailea’s spa (on Maui) number one in all of Hawaii, but this Four Seasons Spa at Manele Bay is easily number two. We loved using the fitness room. To give you an idea of how much we liked it – Andy and I don’t normally work out in resort fitness centers when we’re on vacation. From this fitness room, you have a fantastic view of the Hulopoe Bay that makes you want to add minutes to your elliptical or treadmill workout while you sip on the free energy drinks and dab your brow with a chilled towel. We noticed a big improvement in the friendliness of the staff and the service levels compared to our last visit. To be fair, during our first visit, Four Seasons had just taken over management of this property and I think the kinks were still being worked out. We have absolutely no complaints this time. Everyone was so friendly and where possible tried to remember our names. Tips, tricks, and what to know when you go: I’m going to let you in on a secret – you will not find a better luxury value in Hawaii. Period. There’s currently a promotion to stay in a Superior room for $295 per night. Even if you can’t take advantage of that deal, they often offer a fourth-night free deal. You don’t have to pay a resort fee here. Yippee! You really don’t need to bring much to this resort. Normally, Andy and I travel with enough sunscreen to get us through our first few days. We didn’t need to do that as the resort provides sunscreen. The resort even provides a nice beach tote to use during your stay. I should also mention that the toiletries are L’Occitane brand. Me likey! Resort guests have access to the spa’s steam room and sauna that are quite nice. So, take advantage of that. Kids and teens programs are free here. At other Hawaii resorts, you’d pay upwards of $75 a day per child for the resort kids’ club. See my article, Four Seasons Resorts Lanai Makes Family Escapes Easier . You don’t need to rent a car on Lanai. A shuttle service is provided to and from the airport and into Lanai City. When you go to Lanai City or over to Koele, bring a light sweater or jacket. The higher elevation there can be chilly in comparison to Manele.  The resort regularly brings in local artists. We had the pleasure of meeting Mike Carroll and fell in love with his art. In fact, we bought this piece and had it shipped home. The short hike over to see Puupehe (Sweetheart Rock) is well worth doing. Consider catching sunset there with a picnic. Do you have an American Express Platinum Card? If so, book your stay with that card (through American Express travel services) and you’ll get free breakfast for two daily, plus one free lunch and a room upgrade based on availability. New Years Eve is a great time to visit. The resort puts on a wonderful fireworks show. One of the best restaurant views in all of Hawaii is the Clubhouse Restaurant at The Challenge Golf Course. Don’t miss it. As a matter of transparency and disclosure, we paid for our stay at this resort, however, the spa treatment was provided by the resort free of charge. © Go Visit Hawaii – Republication of this entire post is prohibited without prior permission. Using extracts of less than 100 words are permitted with full attribution and link back to GoVisitHawaii.com .

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Hawaii Vacation Deals & News: April 7, 2010

Our news roundup is BIG today. Lots o’stuff to share. NEWS * One of the biggest Hawaiian culture festivals starts tomorrow. It’s the Merrie Monarch Festival and you can watch the dancing competitions live and in high definition online at KFVE . See the schedule of events here — bearing in mind it’s all in Hawaii Time. Lava Flow Near Kalapana * The popular and free Kalapana Lava Viewing Area on the Big Island is now open three hours earlier, from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Last car allowed in at 8 p.m. Currently, lava is not reaching the ocean, but a new trail allows visitors to hike out to view the mesmerizing glow and movement – conditions permitting – of the slow-moving surface flow above the pali (cliffs). Visitors should wear sturdy, closed-toe athletic shoes or hiking boots, bring plenty of drinking water, and carry a flashlight if planning to stay after dark. Call the Kalapana Lava Viewing Hotline (808) 961-8093 for current conditions. Also, see my article, How to Find Out What’s Going On with the Lava on Hawaii’s Big Island . * You can enter to win a 4-night stay at The Whaler on Kaanapali on Maui’s Kaanapali Beach . * The latest and greatest Carnival of Aloha has been published. * Getting to the island of Lanai is about to get easier. go! Mokulele Air will begin offering two, daily flights from Honolulu to Lanai on May 20. ( Source ) * Okay, this news bit isn’t a bargain, but WOWZA, what a unique experience! At Four Seasons Resort Hualālai on the Big Island, the Starlight Spa Voyage is a unique four-hour couples’ experience that begins with lomilomi massages at sunset by King’s Pond, a swimming pool/aquarium, to the accompaniment of Hawaiian music. The two are then set adrift on a raft (no worries; a rope tethers them to the dock.) Surrounded by candles, they float on the pond under the stars. If they see movement in the water, it’s likely to be curious manta rays. The cost for this experience is $750 per person. DEALS Four Seasons Lanai at Manele Bay * One of may absolute favorite places to stay in Hawaii is on sale. The Four Seasons Lanai at Manele Bay is on special offer at $295 per night. The offer is available through December 18, 2010 – including peak summer dates. You cannot find a better luxury rate in Hawaii. See this link for more details. * How does a $55 per night, Waikiki Beach ocean view room strike you? Continental Surf Hotel is offering this deal. Read more about it here . * Take advantage of the advance purchase Bed & Breakfast package at Hilton Waikoloa Village. Rates start at $219 plus tax/per night and include accommodations and daily breakfast for two. Call (808) 886-1234, (800) HILTONS, or visit www.HiltonWaikoloaVillage.com For this deal, request package code CX09AP. This deal is valid through Dec. 20, 2010, subject to availability, terms and conditions. Rate requires minimum 45-day advance purchase & full non-refundable pre-payment charged at time of reservation. No changes or cancellations. * Holualoa Inn on the Big Island has a Spring Fever Special. Book either the Ginger or Orchid queen rooms through June 11 and enjoy 25% off the normal $290 room rate — a savings of $72 per night. Includes lei greeting, rose petal strewn bed, full breakfast each morning and afternoon snacks. Two-night minimum required. Book online at www.holualoainn.com or call (808) 324-1121. Use booking code QUEEN. © Go Visit Hawaii – Republication of this entire post is prohibited without prior permission. Using extracts of less than 100 words are permitted with full attribution and link back to GoVisitHawaii.com .

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Four Seasons Resorts Lanai Makes it Easy for Family Escape

After a recent stay at the beautiful Four Seasons Lanai at Manele Bay, I was really impressed by all the special little things they do to take care of their guests. For example, you don’t even need to bring sunscreens or a beach bag because they provide those amenities for you. The Four Seasons Lanai Resorts do so many little things to make guests feel like they are pampered. As you lounge by the pool or beach, staff deliver chilled towels, fresh slices of pineapple, iced water, and get this – even spritzes of chilled Evian water. Further evidence of the Four Seasons Lanai’s attention to detail landed in my inbox in the form of this summary of the special things the do to help families traveling with children – from babies to teens. Whether with infant or toddler, Four Seasons Resorts Lāna‘i offers an idyllic family getaway, without all the baggage – literally.

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Wishing You A Happy 2010

Aloha and

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