The Lodge at Koele, Lanai

Hawaii Part II: Lanai, home of Four Seasons Lanai and The Lodge at Koele

I recently visited Hawaii to attend a rewards event for a company I partner closely with to make many of my clients’ travel arrangements. I was honored to be named one of their top 75 performers in the country and jumped at the opportunity to bring my family and create an itinerary for us that would include all of the places I love best in this amazing part of the world.

On the ferry to Lanai

After spending some time on Oahu and Maui (see my blog post entitled “Hawaii Part I:  Oahu and Maui”), my family made its way to the secluded island of Lanai, home to two well-known and well-respected Four Seasons properties: Four Seasons Manele Bay and the Lodge at Koele.  We chose to take the ferry and very much enjoyed the scenery along the way.  One of the most memorable moments of our trip occurred on the return ferry trip, when a pod of spinner dolphins decided to swim and play alongside the boat for part of the journey!

View of Maui from the ferry
View of Maui from the ferry

Manele Bay’s setting on a bluff above the water is incredibly beautiful.  We spent many hours watching the waves hit the cliffs below us from our oceanfront suite, as well as enjoying the golden sand beach which could be accessed via a scenic path from the hotel.

View from our Oceanfront Suite at Four Seasons Manele Bay
View from our Oceanfront Suite at Four Seasons Manele Bay
On the beach at Four Seasons Manele Bay
On the beach at Four Seasons Manele Bay

The grounds at Manele Bay were perhaps my favorite in all of Hawaii.  I looked forward to my walks through the courtyard that led to our suite, not only because it was so gorgeous, but also because of the wonderful smell the plumeria trees gave off every time I walked by.

Grounds at Four Seasons Manele Bay
Grounds at Four Seasons Manele Bay
Evening in lobby at Four Seasons Manele Bay
Evening in the lobby at Four Seasons Manele Bay

As with all Four Seasons properties, my children were welcomed and pampered throughout their stay at Manele Bay.  They are still talking about feeding the koi and the lizard hunt the staff at Kids For All Seasons took them on during one of their afternoons there.  Children 5 and under dine free at Manele Bay as well, and there are kid friendly menus at all of their restaurants (and at Koele).

Feeding the koi at Four Seasons Manele Bay
Feeding the koi at Four Seasons Manele Bay

We took advantage of the hotel shuttle that ran constantly between Manele Bay and the Lodge at Koele so that we could experience the sister property just a few minutes “up-country” from the beach.  The drive was beautiful, and arriving at Koele made us feel as if we were visiting another island altogether.

At the Lodge at Koele
At the Lodge at Koele
Exterior view of the Lodge at Koele
Exterior view of the Lodge at Koele

Koele is lush, serene and a completely different experience from Manele Bay.  The temperature is typically 10 degrees cooler, and the elegant country feel of the property creates a unique experience for guests.   The staff greets every arrival with a traditional Hawaiian chant and then whisks you to their gorgeous lobby complete with roaring fireplace.

Lobby at Lodge at Koele
Lobby at Lodge at Koele
A world away at the Lodge at Koele
A world away at the Lodge at Koele

There is no shortage of activities to enjoy at Koele.  Riding horses and shooting sporting clays are some of the more popular activities, but there’s also a lovely pool overlooking a pond and a full croquet court, to name a few.  One of the newer amenities is the petting farm located at the Stables at Koele.  My children had a blast feeding the pot-bellied pigs and goats!

Petting farm at the Lodge at Koele
Petting farm at the Lodge at Koele
Hanging out with Lola and Henry, Koele's resident pot-bellied pigs
Hanging out with Lola and Henry, Koele’s resident pot-bellied pigs
Stables at the Lodge at Koele
Stables at the Lodge at Koele.

You might also like

A family trip to remember in Hawaii for these lucky clients
Travel Planning Services

Summer Recap and Looking Ahead to 2024

Another busy season of travel is quickly coming to a close, and what a summer it’s been for KG Travel clients! Where did everyone go? I think the better question is where did they NOT go, especially went it came to travel across Europe.

Read More »
A beautiful beach sides with boats and mountains
Specialty Travel

SeaDream Yacht Club

I recently had the opportunity to sail aboard SeaDream for the first time – and to say I’m hooked is an understatement!

Read More »

Are you ready to travel?