Four Seasons Lanai Review: Insider Tips & How to Book VIP

5 / 5

I work closely with guest experiences at the Four Seasons Lanai so have some insider tips on what people like. I also know who stays here and why—and that you’ll want my VIP amenities.

Last updated: December 21, 2025 

By

Katie Dillon

Katie Dillon is the founder of La Jolla Mom and a trusted travel advisor based in San Diego for over three decades. A former Four Seasons resident, she shares unmatched hotel insight, certified San Diego expertise, verified theme park discounts, and VIP hotel privileges worldwide through her industry connections.

Four Seasons Resort Lanai is one of the properties we book that earns a lot of repeat guests. Set on the southeastern coast of the island, it delivers a level of seclusion and polish that’s increasingly rare in Hawaii.

Families traveling to Lanai stay here. It’s the only property on the island that combines a true resort experience with family-friendly accommodations, while couples are equally drawn to its seclusion, setting, and understated luxury.

With included flights from Honolulu and frequent ferry service from Maui, reaching Lanai is far easier than many travelers expect. In this review, I’ll share why our clients return again and again, along with the practical, experience-based insights that come from booking guests into this resort regularly and knowing how the stay tends to unfold in practice. I also lived in a Four Seasons, so I know what a good stay at these properties should be like.

Four Seasons Lanai Reservations with Preferred Partner Benefits

We will add Four Seasons Preferred Partner benefits to your stay that include:

  • Daily full breakfast for two
  • A one-time hotel credit
  • Upgrade of one category, subject to availability
  • Contact us below for the full details

1 Manele Bay Rd, Lanai City, HI 96763, United States

+1 (808) 909-8146

What I love


  • Included Flights: Lanai Air flights to and from Honolulu are included with your stay through December 2026.
  • Exclusive Seclusion: Lanai’s remote location gives travelers a less busy/touristy Hawaii experience.
  • Personalized Service: The attentive staff goes above and beyond, often remembering guest preferences, and they are really easy to work with.
  • Oceanfront Luxury: The resort’s design integrates seamlessly with the island’s natural beauty, offering stunning ocean views from many rooms and public spaces.)

Good to Know


  • Limited Accessibility: Lanai is only accessible via a small plane from within Hawaii, mostly Honolulu, or a ferry from Maui.
  • Flight Benefit Limits: They’re determined by acommodation type. Two adults and one child is covered per standard room, for example.
  • Not Many Other Options: If you want to stay overnight on Lanai, you need to pick one of the Four Seasons, Hotel Lanai or a find a vacation rental.
  • Beach Conditions: Hulopoe Bay is a marine preserve with excellent snorkeling but can have strong currents at times.
  • Occupancy: Two double bed rooms have maximum occupancy of two adults and one child (we can help you navigate this). They also have connecting rooms.
  • Reserve Activities Early: You should make spa, dining, and activity reservations here early

Four Seasons Lanai Location & Getting There

Four Seasons Resort Lanai is on the southern coast of Lānaʻi, near Manele Bay, and just nine miles from Lanai City.

The number one question we receive is how do we get to Lanai. Once I explain that it’s not too difficult, our clients book in. Here’s how they get there.

Getting There by Plane

Most guests arrive via Lanai Air’s direct flights or Mokulele Airlines’ inter-island connections. This is one resort where it’s mandatory to tell them how you’re getting there and at what time. The resort operates a courtesy shuttle and will pick you up based on your flight or ferry arrival time.

Coordinating Lanai Air Flights


If you book one of the Four Seasons properties, there’s a form to fill out to schedule your Lanai Air flight to and from Honolulu airport. I’m told by the hotel that the flights are scheduled according to the comings and goings of the guest so you don’t need to stress too much about flights being unavailable.

You do need to book them 7 days in advance ideally. And they will buffer more time than you think you need at HNL but it’s better to wait than be late.

However, the arrival experience has been upgraded! Lanai Air guests now transfer via a private hangar at HNL, which has a private lounge and its own private TSA screening checkpoint. This allows you to totally bypass the main terminal security lines!

Taking the Ferry From Maui

Ferries from Maui to Lanai are operated by Expeditions Ferry and run regularly throughout the day. You will want to schedule these in advance. Due to the terms and conditions that you need to agree to, we or the hotel can’t purchase tickets for you.

You will need to pay close attention to the luggage policy, as while there are porters to assist you need to bring your luggage onto the ferry in one go. You can’t enter and leave the ferry to bring on multiple loads.

One thing to note is that they currently depart from Maui’s Maalea Harbor, which is roughly between Kapalua and Wailea. The journey time is an hour and ten minutes.

See also: The full guide to getting to Lanai on fourseasons.com

Choosing Rooms and Suites at Four Seasons Resort Lanai

Each of the 213 guest rooms and suites at Four Seasons Resort Lanai is meticulously designed with natural Hawaiian-inspired furnishings, teak and zebra wood accents, and state-of-the-art technology.

Rooms feature private lanais, oversized bathrooms, and deep soaking tubs, enhancing the overall feeling of serenity and relaxation. Here’s a list of the common amenities:

  • Plush down duvets and thick terry bathrobes
  • Exclusive Aina bath amenities with locally sourced kukui nut oil
  • Dyson Supersonic™ hair dryer and make-up mirror
  • In-room safe and private refreshment center with Nespresso station
  • Multi-line telephone with voicemail and conference call capability
  • Wristband keys for seamless access during island activities
  • 75-inch LED TV with Apple TV 4K
  • Complimentary premium Wi-Fi
  • In-room tablet for convenient access to resort services

Guest Room Types, Sizes, and Occupancy

All rooms offer spacious layouts (663–734 sq. ft.), private lanais, and a choice of one king or two double beds, plus a rollaway or crib if needed. The décor blends natural textures with modern elegance, bringing the island’s serenity indoors.

All rooms technically sleep up to 2 adults or 2 adults and 1 child, so this is what the included flights cover. They can accommodate a rollaway or a crib. If you have more kids, contact us.

  • Prime Oceanfront Rooms offer the most coveted views—unobstructed vistas of the Pacific from a private lanai. These are ideal if you want to fall asleep to the sound of waves.
  • Oceanfront Rooms are steps from the shore and boast panoramic water views, perfect for travelers who love to be close to the ocean.
  • Ocean-View Rooms look out over the coastline, offering sweeping Pacific views and striking a nice balance between scenery and seclusion.
  • Partial Ocean-View Rooms offer guests a mix of garden and ocean glimpses—still scenic but a touch more budget-friendly.
  • Garden-View Rooms are immersed in tropical greenery and offer a serene, secluded feel just steps from the beach and resort amenities.

Accessible accommodations are in the Prime Oceanfront, Ocean View, and Garden-View categories. These rooms include wider doorways, accessible bathrooms, and other supportive accommodations for a seamless stay.

Spectacular Suites

If you’re looking for more space, privacy, or jaw-dropping views, Four Seasons Resort Lanai offers quite a few suites to choose from—many with generous living areas, residential-style layouts, and expansive lanais perfect for soaking up the island’s natural beauty.

  • Specialty & Presidential Suites: The most luxurious options, such as the Alii Royal Suite and Hulopoe Presidential Suite, feature multiple bedrooms, sweeping ocean views, and indoor-outdoor spaces with large lanais and open-concept layouts, perfect for VIPs or families traveling together.
  • Penthouse Suites: Located on the upper floors, these one-bedroom suites feature panoramic ocean views, private outdoor spaces, and a residential-style design. These are popular with couples or small families who want a serene, top-floor retreat.
  • Ohana Suites: As the name implies, these spacious one-bedroom suites are most popular with families. Options range from Prime Oceanfront to Garden-View, and all have a separate living area with a sofa bed and a large lanai.
  • Studio & Small Suites: For couples or solo travelers who want a suite-like feel at a lower price point and square footage than the options already mentioned, the Prime Oceanfront Studio and Ocean-View Suite are great options.

Flights in Ohana, Penthouse, and Specialty Suites cover 3 adults and 1 child or 2 adults and 2 children, per stay.

Dining at Four Seasons Resort Lanai

Four Seasons Resort Lanai hosts an array of exquisite dining experiences suitable for all tastes, from world-famous Japanese-Peruvian fusion dishes to delightful farm-to-table offerings.

Here are the restaurants at Four Seasons Resort Lanai that you should try:

Osteria Mozza Lanai

Osteria Mozza Lanai is now the resort’s signature dining venue, led by celebrated chef Nancy Silverton. The restaurant serves breakfast and dinner, with breakfast highlighting a new pastry program inspired by Silverton’s renowned bakeries. Dinner focuses on refined Italian cuisine.

Nobu Lanai

Nobu at Four Seasons Lanai
The Nobu Bar

At Nobu Lanai, you can experience the creative prowess of Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s famed Japanese-Peruvian fusion cuisine. The restaurant offers a similar menu to other locations, featuring fresh seafood and sushi that pair beautifully with the spectacular ocean views.

There’s also Sensei by Nobu at Sensei Resort, so you have two to choose from!

Malibu Farm

Malibu Farm offers a refreshing farm-to-table experience emphasizing organic, fresh food. Set in a relaxed, poolside environment, it’s perfect for a leisurely meal.

You’ll savor dishes crafted from seasonal ingredients sourced directly from local farms, ensuring every bite is as fresh as flavorful.

The Break

The Break at Four Seasons Lanai
Casual dining and games at The Break

The Break is where you can unwind with craft cocktails and light bites amid stunning sunsets in a casual lounge atmosphere. It’s a place to gather and share small plates while enjoying local beers and unique wines. No reservations are required here.

VIEWS

VIEWS at Manele Golf Course offers lunch (salads, sandwiches, wraps, appetizers) and drinks with panoramic views of the ocean, and it’s open to resort guests and day visitors alike. No tee time is necessary, though you should make a reservation.

In-Room Dining

Enjoy the convenience of in-room dining, whether savoring a quiet meal, indulging in a romantic dinner, or feeding a hungry family. The extensive menu is available throughout the day.

Reach More Restaurants by Free Shuttle


You can reserve dining at Sensei Lanai (the other Four Seasons) and take the free shuttle between the resorts. Another popular place to go offsite is Lanai City Bar & Grill inside the historic Hotel Lanai. Reservations here are available about 60 days out so keep an eye on them.

Resort Amenities and Activities

Four Seasons Lanai Resort is an ideal escape for those seeking relaxation, but you’ll want to take advantage of the myriad of activities on offer that complement your beach vacation.

I think this resort suits active people particularly well because nothing is too far away.

Pools and Beach Access

View of the pool and palm trees out to the beach at Four Seasons Lanai.
View of Manele Bay Four Seasons Lanai

The resort boasts two stunning pools, including an adults-only retreat with a serene atmosphere perfect for unwinding. Guests can relax in comfortable lounge chairs or reserve cabanas for a more private escape.

The Four Seasons Resort Lana’i offers convenient beach access, with a pristine white sand beach just a short stroll from the property. Whether swimming or sunbathing, the tropical surroundings provide the perfect backdrop for a day by the water.

Family walking along the beach near Four Seasons Lanai
Enjoy the beach with family.

Water Activities

Lanai’s clear waters provide amazing opportunities for snorkeling, scuba diving, and even seasonal whale watching. I recommend trying snorkeling at Hulopoe Bay, where you might catch a glimpse of vibrant marine life.

The Guest Experiences team works with Lanai Ocean Sports should you want to arrange an excursion like a private sunset catamaran sail.

Hawanawana Spa

Relaxation reaches new heights at the Hawanawana Spa. The spa offers island-inspired treatments using locally sourced ingredients. The resort also features wellness classes, private training, and an outdoor movement studio with breathtaking views. They’ve even introduced Sound Therapy treatments, including “Aerial Meditation” in hammocks.

Manele Golf Course

ocean view from golf course at Four Seasons Lanai
Ocean view from golf course at Four Seasons Lanai

Golf enthusiasts reserve tee times at Manele Golf Course, a signature Jack Nicklaus-designed 18-hole course. The course offers breathtaking coastal views and challenging holes, providing an unforgettable golfing experience. Make sure to book your tee time in advance.

Golf Logistics


  • If you’re taking the ferry, golf clubs don’t count as oversized luggage.
  • Many clients ship with our site partner Luggage Free.
  • If you plan to play a lot of golf, you can ask them about a temporary golf club membership which might be more cost-effective.
  • Club rentals are complimentary for all guests.

Fitness and Tennis

The resort’s fitness center is equipped with modern machines and free weights. Personal training sessions are available for those who enjoy staying active.

You can also take lessons and participate in various drill classes on two outdoor Plexipave cushion courts or the Har-Tru Green Clay court. They also have junior tennis clinics for ages 5-13. And, of course, there’s pickleball!

Outdoor Adventures

Beyond the beach, the Lanai Adventure Park is a must-visit for active guests. Located near the Sensei retreat (a quick shuttle ride away), this facility features a Zipline course with sweeping ocean views and an Aerial Adventure Tower—a two-story ropes course that is perfect for teens.

For a ground-level thrill, rent E-Bikes to explore the red-dirt trails or book a guided 4×4 Jeep excursion to reach remote sites like Shipwreck Beach.

Cultural Activities

Immerse yourself in the local culture with activities like lei-making and hula lessons offered by the resort. These hands-on experiences provide insight into Hawaiian traditions and are suitable for all ages.

The resort also organizes excursions to explore the island’s rich history and heritage.

Is It Kid-Friendly?

Children playing at the Beach at Four Seasons Lanai.
Children playing and enjoying the beach

Absolutely. The Kids For All Seasons program offers supervised activities introducing children ages 5–12 to Hawaiian culture and marine life. Reserve at least 24 hours in advance.

I get a lot of requests for kids who are 4, but it’s Hawaii law and insurance that prohibits the resort from allowing kids a day younger than 5 to attend KFAS unsupervised.

Family-friendly amenities, including cribs, babysitting services, and kid-friendly menus, make this an excellent choice for families.

Make Four Seasons Resort Lanai Reservations with VIP Amenities

We can attach Four Seasons Preferred Partner benefits to your stay that include:

  • Daily full breakfast for two people per bedroom
  • A hotel credit per stay (varies based on whether booking a room, suite, or residence)
  • Upgrade of one category, subject to availability at check-in
  • Preferred check-in/out times, subject to availability
  • Seasonal exclusive promotions only accessible to Preferred Partner agencies—you will need to ask us below for the full details
Four Seasons Preferred Partner logo
A server walks thorugh the Four Seasons Lanai hotel lobby with drinks on a tray.
Four Seasons Lanai hotel lobby

Final Thoughts

Four Seasons Resort Lanai is the kind of place where people like to end their Hawaii stays, mostly because you can just take Lanai Air back to Honolulu. But it’s also because our clients feel like this is the pinnacle of Hawaii experiences, and they are glad to save the best for last.

*Photos are courtesy of Four Seasons Resort Lanai.

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