Four Seasons Lanai Has The Best Activities In Hawaii

Trying to figure out which Hawaiian island to visit is challenging, especially for the first time visitor. My suggestion–start in Lanai. The island was purchased by Oracle founder Larry Ellison in 2012, was once home to the world’s largest pineapple plantation and remains largely undeveloped. However, it does have a luxurious Four Seasons that has three top-notch restaurants and so many fabulous activities that you feel like you are part of the greatest adult playground ever created. (There are also lots of cool activities for kids and very swank kid’s club).

Below are just some of my favorite island activities curated by the Four Seasons:

Amazing golf

The Manele golf course, designed by Jack Nicklaus, is built on lava outcroppings and has Pacific Ocean views. (The scenery is amazing; Bill Gates got married on the 12^th hole). Pros will love the five-tee challenge where tee shots are made over natural gorges and ravines and require quite a bit of precision. Beginners should definitely sign up for Golf 101, a terrific two hour session that focuses on the basics. (Family-friendly).

Skeet shooting and archery

Drive just a few miles off property into Lanai’s highlands and you can experience a 14-station course of clays designed to simulate ducks, quails, doves and hopping rabbits. Competitive shooters will enjoy the variety of targets and beginners will be thrilled with the expert private instruction. The archery course is a blast, where large rubberized rhinos, bears, elks and dinosaurs are just waiting for your arrows. Traditional targets are also available. (Family-friendly).

Snorkel and dive

With the most beautiful beachfront at your doorstep, it may be hard to leave your comfy beach chair. But you should experience at least one water adventure. A perfect way to spend the morning is by jumping on the resort’s 50-foot catamaran, which can whisk you to a secluded snorkeling site. Evening sails are the perfect way to enjoy the sunset. Experienced divers from all over the world seek out Lanai for the Cathedrals, two magnificent underwater sites formed by lava flows just a short sail away. (Family-friendly).

Learn to Fly

Anyone who always wanted to learn to fly, can get behind the wheel of a plane and perform several basic flight maneuvers such as a takeoff, cruise and a landing with a lesson from Maui Flight Academy. In addition to the thrill of the flight, one of the best parts of this activity is the scenery and guests can choose to fly over cliffs, volcanoes, or waterfalls. Beginners will be able to complete the first step to getting a private pilot license.

Aerial yoga

For a different kind of flight—try aerial yoga. If you have always wanted to experience yoga while hanging upside-down and looking out at the ocean—now is your chance. A beautiful yoga studio and excellent instructors are available for daily yoga sessions. But for a unique experience, I recommend aerial yoga, where both your mind and your body are stretched into some very challenging positions.

UTV rides

Adventure seekers should jump into one of the resorts four-wheel Polaris UTVs and head into the island’s ironwood forest for an adrenaline-filled ride and spectacular cliff-side views. Your guide will fill you in on the island’s history on the way and then unveil a perfect picnic lunch. (Family friendly).

The spa

Is getting a massage considered an activity? I would say regardless, it is the perfect way to spend an afternoon, especially if you have spent part of your day partaking in some of the islands more active pursuits. The spa uses locally sourced ingredients, such as pineapples and ti leaves to create a unique selection of wraps and scrubs. Massages can be individualized and include Hawaii’s beloved Lomi Lomi, as well as treatments that incorporate warm salt stones and sea algae.

There is also horseback riding, fishing, a pool table and a host of other activities. And don’t underestimate the joy of lounging by the pool.

If you are wondering about the accommodations, you should know that will you will be pampered in rooms that have a bit of a jungle vibe, but are also outfitted with an abundance of high-end techie features. The lights will go on as you enter, the toilet seat miraculously rises, you can order room service from the in-room iPad and you can dry your hair with a Dyson. The food is fabulous and the breakfast buffet is one of my all-time favorites. Guests can also indulge in organic, locally sourced food at Malibu Farm, experience superb Wagyu steak or Hawaiian fish at One Forty, or go all out for sushi and other delicacies served cliff-side at Nobu Lanai.