This Hawaiian Island Has No Stoplights, No Crowds, and Two Ultra-luxe Hotels-How to Visit

"You can visit here and see the beauty of the island by looking around and going about your day. However, it's deeper than you can see. What's missed is the stories told, so seek out our history and our roots, then you will truly understand."

"Lanai is rugged, a bit dusty, and shockingly barren in some areas; when driving across the island, you'll pass through the open plains of the Palawai Basin, once home to the world's largest pineapple plantations."

"There are only three hotels on Lanai-and two of them are part of the Four Seasons brand. Then, there's the fact that 98 percent of the island is owned by Silicon Valley billionaire Larry Ellison, who purchased the land in 2012."

Lānaʻi remains an overlooked Hawaiian destination due to its atypical landscape of Cook pine trees rather than palms, limited hotel options, and ownership by billionaire Larry Ellison. The 140-square-mile island features only three hotels, two operated by Four Seasons. Its appeal emerges gradually through activities like surfing, sailing, hiking, and astronomy. The island lacks typical tourist infrastructure including stoplights, flashy restaurants, clubs, and superyachts. Lānaʻi City serves as the sole town. Cultural advisor Shayne Kunimitsu emphasizes that true understanding requires exploring the island's history and roots beyond surface-level observation. The landscape includes the Palawai Basin, formerly home to world-class pineapple plantations.

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