Hawaii
A Snob’s Guide to Lanai
For an island owned by the second richest man on earth, Lanai is surprisingly unpretentious. Well, a caveat: it has two fabulous 5-star hotels, one an oceanfront Four Seasons, and the other its wellness-focused sister property, Sensei Lanai, a Four Seasons Resort. Even still, absent are signs of the dreaded one-percentification that has afflicted other once-sleepy idylls. No Starbucks. No country clubs. No superyachts polluting the Pacific. No Gulfstreams crowding the tiny airstrip. In other words, Lanai, which is Hawaii’s smallest publicly accessible island, remains blissfully unspoiled.
Billionaire Larry Ellison—who bought 98% of this Hawaiian island for $300 million more than a decade ago—has pretty much seen to that, leaving much of Lanai just as Mother Nature intended (while also pumping in an additional $500 million for its general beautification, infrastructure, sustainability initiatives, and much-needed restorations of both hotels). Between the Four Seasons and the Sensei, there isn’t much else—there aren’t even any traffic lights. It almost calls to mind what Big Island was like ten years ago.
“Lanai is not for the guest who is looking for busy nightlife and lots of shopping,” says Avi Phookan, general manager of Four Seasons Resort Lanai. “With only 3,000 residents and a small plantation town, this is like Hawaii as it used to be in vintage postcards. An unhurried pace, lack of crowds, friendly people.”
Not that any of this implies there is nothing to do here. As one would expect, Four Seasons boasts an extensive menu of activities to fill up those sunny days: snorkeling (some of the best in Hawaii, per popular opinion), deep-sea fishing, sailing, golf and tennis, mountain biking, hiking, sporting clays, and horseback riding. There is an observatory on site for fantastic skygazing, as well as an adventure park nearby to keep the kids entertained. The food, too, will satisfy the most discerning of coastal elite palates (hint: it’s Nobu).
But also core to the ethos of both Four Seasons and Sensei properties is the sensitivity to—and respect for—the island. “Ancient Native Hawaiians lived sustainably on Lanai for many years,” Phookan says. “We are committed to caring for the land and understanding, preserving, and sharing the island’s culture, traditions, and history.” This is evident in projects like Sensei Farms—which uses solar energy to power its greenhouses and not only supplies the produce at the resorts, but also in supermarkets throughout Hawaii—as well as in the resort’s partnership with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to protect native flora and fauna, the coral reefs, and endangered seabird habitats. Hula, lei making, ukelele classes, lauhala weaving, and workshops in the kitchen garden are all part of the daily repertoire, too.
Lanai’s Hidden Gems Sensei Lanai’s verdant display of native flora and blue chip art (pictured here: Burning Desire by Marc Quinn).
There are only 30 miles of paved roads on Lanai, so go off-road! Rent a 4×4 jeep, pick up sandwiches from the gas station (there is only one), and make your way to Polihua Beach for its white sand calm. Ganosti’s is also great for lunch, and don’t miss a visit to Hale Keaka, Lanai’s gorgeously restored historic movie theater. And for a unique round of golf, check out Cavendish, a charmingly rustic—and free to play—9-hole course that very few people know about.
Sensei Lanai is only 20 minutes away but might as well be in another world. Nestled smack dab in the middle of the island, the beach paradise vibe of Four Seasons gives way to something more Goop-meets-ryokan. Wellness is the MO here, but the approach is gentle. Of course you can certainly measure your VO2 max and assess your diet with an on-site nutritionist and get your fill of all the bio-hacking and longevity-promoting metrics befitting a Silicon Valley titan (Ellison founded Sensei with Dr. David Agus, who heads up his Institute for Transformative Medicine). But you can also just bide your time doing yoga, meditating, and soaking in an onsen (the property has 10). And have chocolate cake for dessert without feeling bad about it (sustenance here comes courtesy of Nobu, too).
A spa hale.
While the onsen garden is a magical little oasis discreetly tucked away on Sensei’s lush grounds (a profusion of rare palms, anthuriums, philodendrons, and giant grammatophyllum orchids is interspersed with larger-than-life sculptures by the likes of Botero, Lalanne, Koons, and Jaume Plensa from Ellison’s personal collection), it might come second to Sensei’s spa program. Every personalized treatment takes place in your own private hale (Hawaiian for home), a 1,000-square-foot sanctuary furnished with an infrared sauna, outdoor and indoor showers, a deep soaking tub, and a backyard onsen pool for you to play, steam, and luxuriate in after a session.
“True luxury is creating a meaningful sense of belonging and a dedicated focus on how people want to be treated, grounded in genuine care,” says general manager David Emig, who points out that Sensei happens to be a particularly popular destination for sabbaticals. “We get people staying 30 days at a time, recharging, relaxing, and getting best practices from our team to take back home.” Might these include the keys to immortality? You’ll just have to go see for yourself.
Leena Kim is an editor at Town & Country, where she covers travel, jewelry, education, weddings, and culture.
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The search for Honolulu’s next police chief is moving into the next phase.
The Honolulu Police Commission announced it has narrowed the candidate pool to six semi-finalists, selected from an initial list of 11 applicants identified by a recruitment firm.
“The commissioners feel these six applicants exhibited the leadership and management skills necessary to lead an organization as large, complex and critical to the community as the Honolulu Police Department,” said member of the Honolulu Police Commission, Chair Laurie Foster.
“Those qualities were identified in part by surveys and stakeholder interviews conducted by the recruitment firm,” she added.
The names of the semi-finalists have not been released. Officials said confidentiality is being maintained at this stage to encourage applicants who may still be employed elsewhere.
The candidates will next be interviewed by stakeholder panels made up of community members and others who interact with the Honolulu Police Department.
The commission is expected to select finalists during a May 6 meeting, with those names to be announced afterward.
Finalists will then participate in additional interviews and a public appearance before the commission votes on the next police chief at a public meeting scheduled for May 20.
Copyright 2026 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.
Pending Home Sales Increased From February to March in the U.S.
Despite higher mortgage rates, pending home sales in the U.S. were up 1.5% in March from the prior month while recording a 1.1% year-over-year decline, according to the National Association of Realtors. On a monthly basis, pending home sales were up in the Northeast and South, while they declined in the Midwest and West. Year-over-year contract signings, however, were down in every region but the South. Realtor.com
‘Untouched’ Scottish Island Selling for £350,000
An island in Scotland will be sold at auction this week with a guide price of £350,000 (US$473,441). Insh Island last sold in 2019, when the National Trust for Scotland sold it for a reported £353,000. The National Trust acquired the island from the will of a man who reportedly lived in a cave for 30 years. Daily Record
Iran War Puts a Pause on Hawaii’s Housing Market Recovery
Hawaii’s housing market was set to be on the road to recovery this year, with local interest rates predicated to decline. However, the war with Iran has caused rates to shoot back up, diminishing buyer confidence. Hawaii’s high concentration of condos and second homes keeps Hawaii’s average mortgage rates slightly higher. Pacific Business News
Unlivable Waterfront Home Outside Melbourne Sells for A$2.38M
An unlivable property in Williamstown, Victoria—a suburb of Melbourne—has sold at auction for A$2.38 million (US$1.7 million), more than A$680,000 over its reserve price. Despite its rundown condition, the sale price isn’t surprising to most, as it’s one of the last opportunities to build on the waterfront. Domain
Hawaii offers a wide range of small towns across its islands, each with its own draw. The state has hikes among active volcanoes near Volcano Village and long stretches of coastline like Waimanalo Beach on Oahu. One town below sits on a crescent-shaped bay that has drawn visitors for decades. Another holds a winery on volcanic slopes. The list ahead covers seven small towns spanning beach and inland Hawaii.
Hanalei
On the north shore of Kauai, the census-designated place of Hanalei is known for a laid-back atmosphere, a crescent-shaped bay, and a small collection of shops and restaurants. Hanalei Beach is a stretch of fine sand and clear water, and has been featured in films including The Descendants and South Pacific. It has been ranked among the state’s best beaches, with picnic tables, good surfing, and kayaking all within reach. Within walking distance is the Hanalei Inn, a small retro-style lodging near downtown.
Further into town is the Wai’oli Mission House, a historic two-story missionary home built in 1837 and preserved as a museum. Tours run from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, covering the lives of the missionaries who lived there. Near Black Pot Beach is Pat’s Taqueria, a Mexican food truck serving Hawaiian-style tacos, burritos, and quesadillas within walking distance of the Hanalei Pier. Locals and visitors both favor it for its locally sourced ingredients.
Pāʻia
In the north of Maui is Pāʻia (also spelled Paia), a walkable community with local surf shops, restaurants, and ocean views. Lower Pāʻia Park is one of the more photographed beaches in the state, with calm waters good for snorkeling, surfing, and swimming. Basketball courts, a skatepark, and a youth center sit nearby. Near the beach, the Surf Club is an event venue for weddings, dinners, and corporate or private functions, with a short walk back to downtown.
Wabisabi Soba and Sushi is a sushi restaurant on the Hana Highway known for its 100 percent buckwheat Jyuwari soba noodles. The interior and garden lean Japanese, and the restaurant is BYOB. The Rip Curl Surf Shop in downtown stocks swimwear, boardshorts, surf accessories, hats, surfboard covers, and apparel for anyone heading out to the waves.
Waimanalo
On the east side of Oahu is Waimanalo, a community with a three-mile stretch of beaches, a laid-back culture, and an agricultural character. At the eastern end of town is Sea Life Park Hawaii, an aquarium and animal sanctuary home to dolphins, sharks, sea lions, native fish, rays, and birds. Visitors can interact with animals in the water, visit penguin habitats, meet sea lions, and see sea turtles. Waimanalo Beach is a wide stretch of white sand backed by the Ko’olau Mountains, with turquoise water for swimming and surfing, and Waimanalo Beach Park shaded by ironwood trees. Parking is limited, especially on weekends and holidays, so arriving early is best.
Further inland, Olomana Golf Links is an 18-hole par-72 course with the Ko’olau Mountains in the background. Former U.S. President Barack Obama has played here, and professional golfer Michelle Wie trained on the course. The Waimanalo Forest Reserve is farther still, with quiet hikes on trails such as the ‘Ohana Trail and the Maunawili Ditch Trail, home to wild birds, small mammals, and reptiles, along with views of Maunawili Falls within the 500-acre reserve.
Volcano
Volcano, or Volcano Village, sits as the gateway to Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park in a cool, damp rainforest setting. The park is home to two active volcanoes: Kīlauea, one of the most active volcanoes in the world, and Mauna Loa, the largest shield volcano in the world. The rest of the park holds geographical features that often require multiday trips to reach. Visitors can view lava eruptions, hike, and explore the rolling hills of the Kahuku Unit.
In the heart of town, the Lava Lodge at Hale Kilauea offers cottages for visitors exploring the park. Each cottage has a small tropical garden. The hotel is within walking distance of the Lava Rock Cafe, which serves burgers, pancakes, and local Hawaiian dishes. Volcano Winery is one of only a few wineries in the state, with views of Mauna Loa and a rare chance to taste Big Island wines on the Big Island itself.
Lānaʻi City
At the center of the island of Lānaʻi is Lānaʻi City, a plantation town with historic homes, local restaurants and shops, and a walkable center. On Lanai Avenue, Dreams Come True Bed and Breakfast is a renovated property with mountain views and a garden. Further up in town, the Lānaʻi Culture and Heritage Center preserves the island’s history, traditional cultures, and plantation past through photographs and artifacts.
The Lānaʻi Art Center is within walking distance of the Culture and Heritage Center. It serves as a studio space for local artists, features a gallery, offers classes and workshops, and is the island’s main community arts program. On the outskirts of town is the Koloiki Ridge Trailhead, a roughly 5-mile trail that follows old cattle paths and opens up to panoramic views of the island.
Honokaa
On the northeastern coast of the Big Island is Honokaa, a census-designated place with plantation-era architecture and a role as gateway to Waipi’o Valley. The Honokaa Heritage Center is a museum covering the town’s history, with research materials and exhibits of photographs and artifacts. The center hosts the Hāmākua Sugar Days Festival every October, dedicated to the state’s plantation history with parades and a festival fair. South of the heritage center is the Hāmākua Country Club, a nine-hole course and one of the oldest on the island, set 1,200 feet above sea level with views of the Pacific Ocean. Carts are available for rent, and the course hosts tournaments.
Waipi’o Valley is just west of town. It was the boyhood home of King Kamehameha and is considered one of the most sacred places on the Big Island. Trails such as the Muliwai Trail lead into the tropical valley, where coconuts, green bananas, and papayas grow. Note that valley access is currently restricted to Hawaii residents.
Makawao
Upcountry from Paia is the census-designated place of Makawao, a community with boutique shops, art galleries, and an upcountry character. Makawao Public House is a gastropub serving local fare and paying tribute to the town’s past. On Baldwin Avenue, Banyan Tree Bed and Breakfast sits on 2.5 acres of gardens with cottages for stays, a short drive from local restaurants and shops.
On the southern outskirts of town is the Kahakapao Loop Trail, a 5.9-mile route in the Makawao Forest Reserve that is a popular hiking and mountain biking spot. At roughly 4,000 feet, the rainforest setting offers a cooler alternative to a beach day. At the northern edge of town, the Hui No’eau Visual Arts Center operates as a cultural hub with a gallery, classes, workshops, a gallery shop, and exhibits by local community members.
Small-Town Hawaii
Hawaii’s small towns provide a different side of the state from the major resorts, with local character, natural features, and regional history. Makawao draws visitors to the Makawao Forest Reserve. Volcano offers access to two of the state’s most active peaks. Waimanalo’s white-sand beach anchors the east side of Oahu. Each of these communities offers something different from the others, but all share a strong sense of place.
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