Discover Lanai: Hawaii's Hidden Celebrity Escape

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Lanai, a small island in Hawaii, has become a new vacation destination for Hollywood celebrities. Despite being situated in the heart of the Hawaiian archipelago, it differs from Maui and Oahu, which are bustling tourist spots. This secluded island offers unique scenery and a tranquil atmosphere.

Lanai is home to only 3,000 inhabitants and covers an area of 364 square kilometers. With its rust-colored volcanic soil, red rock formations, and rugged terrain, Lanai appears to be a stunning island. There are few paved roads, no traffic lights, and limited accommodation options. There are no direct flights to the island, hence it's not surprising that it has become the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle.

Celebrity Holiday Destination

The island was once the world's largest pineapple plantation. Businessman James Drummond Dole employed thousands of people on the island to manage his fruit kingdom. After the plantation closed, the island transformed into a tourist destination.

According to Juan Leonis, the Manager of the Four Seasons Resort, the island's ambiance has remained largely unchanged over the years. "A part of its charm. While we constantly innovate in terms of the amenities we offer, the overall vibe is still low-key, relaxed and authentic," he said, as quoted by Daily Mail.

In 2012, Larry Ellison, one of the founders of Oracle, purchased 98 percent of the island. He developed it into a luxurious place without neglecting its original small-town atmosphere. This included renovating the Four Seasons Resort Lanai and launching sustainable projects to improve the locals' livelihoods.

According to Forbes, the ninth richest person in the world also re-opened a movie theater, supplied the main market with organic food, rebuilt a community swimming pool, and added a football field to the island.

The island has now become a holiday destination for Hollywood celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey, Tom Cruise, Will Smith, and Jessica Alba. Even Bill and Melinda Gates chose the island for their wedding in 1994, holding the ceremony at the 12th hole of the Four Seasons Lanai golf course. An iconic spot with dramatic views and the sound of crashing waves.

Garden of the Gods in Lanai, Hawaii. Shutterstock

Luxury Amid Seclusion

Leonis stated that Lanai has an atmosphere akin to a private island. There are few tourists and plenty of places to rest, breathe fresh air, spend time with loved ones, or enjoy solitude in a luxurious environment. Hulopee Bay, a public beach, feels like a private beach.

"I believe our guests are seeking places where they can experience local culture in an authentic way, along with the natural beauty of Lanai for milestone occasions and family escapes," he said.

During the renovation of the luxury resort, Ellison collaborated with designer Todd Avery-Lenahan. He aimed to create a luxurious retreat that combines contemporary design with traditional Hawaiian elements. This is evident in the interior, where guests can walk past intricately carved bamboo furniture, museum-quality shells, and a large traditional Polynesian canoe in the lobby.

The room rates can reach up to US$5,000. For this price, visitors can enjoy two oceanfront swimming pools surrounded by gardens and dine at Nobu and Malibu Farm, two celebrity hotspots. The hotel rooms and suites prioritize privacy.

"To us, true luxury is creating a meaningful sense of belonging, a dedicated focus on how people want to be treated, grounded in genuine care during your stay," said Leonis.

Exciting Activities in Lanai

There are many activities that tourists can engage in on Lanai. One of them is to explore the dirt roads with a Jeep and take in the spectacular views at the Gardens of the Gods, a vast landscape resembling Mars due to its formation from red volcanic soil. Formerly used as an open-air women's prison, this windy peak also offers views of the expansive Molokai.

Other activities include sunset cruises around the island's waters to see whales and dolphins, snorkeling, fishing, electric biking, and hiking. The Adventure Park offers activities for the whole family to enjoy, as does the Lanai Cat Sanctuary, a favorite spot for animal lovers, as mentioned on the Go Hawaii website.

"Guests and residents can look deep into the night sky at various celestial bodies such as planets, star clusters, galaxies, nebulae, and the spectacular moon following a program about Pacific wayfinding," said Leonis.

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