Lanai: Trip 3

Posted on February 10, 2020 by sandersnm

A few weeks ago, we went to Lanai for long weekend to celebrate birthdays! We stayed at the Four Seasons, which was just an unbelievable experience. We landed on Friday afternoon, checked in, and had a late lunch.

Our beautiful view.

These beautiful birds are rescue birds. They greet you on your way to your room and say “hello” among other things.

Local Fish Sandwich: tomato, onion, arugula, kalamata olive aioli with white rice & black quinoa

After lunch, we relaxed in our room and enjoyed the sunset from our lanai before dinner at Nobu. Neither of us had eaten at a Nobu before, so we weren’t sure what to expect. It absolutely blew us away. Every single thing we ate was delicious and ended up being our best dinner of the weekend.

Cheers!

Grilled Shishito Peppers

Yellowtail Jalapeño

Crispy Rice with Spicy Tuna

Black Cod Miso in Butter Lettuce

Local Whitefish Tempura

Spicy Tuna Roll

Nobu Lanai FIJI Water Shave Ice: Mango Granita, Red Bean, Tropical Fruit Confit, Locally Grown Tropical Fruits & Fresh Coconut Sorbet

Banana Toban-Yaki: Soy Caramelized Bananas, Pecans, Banana Nut Bread Croutons, Rum Raisin Ice Cream

On Saturday, also Josh’s birthday, we started our morning with a walk to the bay. We were extremely lucky and caught a pod of dolphins entering the bay. After watching them for a bit, we went back to the hotel and had an açai bowl for breakfast. Pretty much the perfect morning.

So, so good.

Such a view!

After breakfast, we left for the Lanai Cat Sanctuary to spend the day with all the cute kitties!

Josh’s cat that he sponsored in place for his birthday.

Kittens who did NOT want to be our friend.

Josh in his element. So happy!

Selfie!

Not so sure about being my friend.

Definitely wanted to be my friend.

After about four hours with the cats, we arrived back at the hotel to a surprise birthday cake for Josh in our room! We enjoyed a couple bites of cake and then got ready for dinner at Lanai City Grille.

So delicious!

House-made chips and crackers with crab dip, pimento cheese dip, and shallot crème fraîche.

Truffle Butternut Squash Bisque

Grilled Mahi Mahi served over local-style fried rice with crispy tempura scallions and sea asparagus in a miso clam broth.

Forcing Josh to love me.

On Sunday, we spent the morning and early afternoon at the beach. We relaxed, read books, snorkeled, and saw a few whales in the distance! Such a completely surreal place to spend the day.

Could spend every day here..no problem…

Doesn’t get much better than this!

Lunch!

After the most relaxing day, we enjoyed dinner at One Forty for our last evening on Lanai. We wanted to try a bunch of items so we ordered smaller plates and shared everything.

Ali’i Mushroom Soup: Crispy Shiitake Mushrooms, Spiced Macadamia Nuts, Crème Fraîche, Chives

Locally Caught Ahi Poke: Sliced Avocado, Hawaiian Kukui Nuts, Maui Sweet Onion, Avocado Puree, Soy Sauce

Kauai Shrimp: Saffron Poached-Grilled Pineapple, Sweet and Spicy Heirloom Tomato Sauce

Smoked Gouda Mac & Cheese

Lemon Sorbet & Fruit

On Monday, we walked the beach, hiked to Pu’u Pehe, and enjoyed time by the pool before we had to (sadly) leave. We are ready to go back!

Perfect weather. Perfect view from the pool.

One last look at our lovely view!

Maui: Trip 4

Posted on January 11, 2019 by sandersnm

To ring in 2019 we headed to Maui to celebrate our friends getting married! We had a beautiful sunrise and some great views of Molokai and Lanai on our flight over.

Lanai

Windmills on West Maui.

We arrived on Saturday morning and had breakfast in Paia at Paia Inn Café.

Pineapple mint jalapeño juice. Delicious but so spicy!

Huevos Rancheros Verde: cumin black beans, two eggs, salsa verde, lime crema, queso fresco, with corn tortillas, and cilantro

After breakfast, we drove around and then headed to Lahaina to check in and get ready for dinner. We made reservations to visit our favorite restaurant, Mama’s Fish House, for dinner.

Crispy Mahi-Mahi Rolls with poha berry and Hamakua mushroom brandy sauce

Seared ahi special

Mama’s Stuffed Fish: Stuffed with lobster and crab, baked with a Macadamia nut crust

On Sunday, we walked around Lahaina and then met at Hale Pa’ahao Prison for the rehearsal before the rehearsal dinner at Old Lahaina Luau.

Hanging out at the prison!

Monday was the big day! The girls started their day at the Royal Hawaiian getting ready for the ceremony. We all got to wear the most incredible flowers in our hair! Caitlin was just stunning and we had a blast getting beautiful!

Beautiful rainbow to start our morning!

Getting beautiful!

Can’t get over how beautiful the flowers were!

Just stunning!

Next stop, the prison! It was a beautiful ceremony with more unbelievable flowers. After the ceremony, we boarded a whale watching boat to cruise around Maui, Lanai, and Molokai. We saw whales and an incredibly sunset.

Jake and Kersten!

Next stop was Down the Hatch in Lahaina followed by dancing at Monkeypod to ring in the new year! It was such a wonderful day celebrating!

Lahaina at night

Shots for Jake’s birthday at midnight!

Lanai: Trip 2 – Day 3

Posted on May 30, 2018 by sandersnm

Our last day started with a short hike to view Puu Pehe rock. Such a beautiful morning and we had it all to ourselves!

Decided to stop and explore the tide pools.

So beautiful!

I wasn’t ready for the picture :). But what a good picture of Josh!

Selfie!

After our hike, we went back to the hotel, packed up our stuff, and checked out of the hotel. Our last stop on our trip was Shipwreck Beach. It was QUITE windy but we had a great view of the largest shipwreck!

After Shipwreck Beach, it was time to return the car and head to the airport. We had such an amazing time and packed a TON in to a weekend!

Lanai: Trip 2 – Day 2

Posted on May 29, 2018 by sandersnm

On our second day, we got up and had breakfast and coffee at the hotel and took full advantage of the big rocking chairs looking out over the front lawn. After breakfast, we packed up the Jeep for our adventures that day.

First stop was the Munro Trail. We didn’t do the whole thing, only the first couple of miles. We found a really cool swing and stopped at a lookout that had some lovely views of Maui and Molokai!

The view on the way to the Munro Trail. Just love those pine trees!

Stables at Koele. So beautiful.

We found a swing!

Just breathtaking!

The next stop was Garden of the Gods. The trail there was insanely muddy with tons of potholes due to the amount of rain Hawaii saw in the early Spring. It made for quite the adventure!

So muddy!

After taking in the view for a bit, we kept going down to Polihua Beach. The last time Josh and I were here, it was SO windy we couldn’t even enjoy it. Luckily, this time it was perfect. We sat for a long time and just enjoyed the empty beach and sunshine!

Heading towards the beach!

Beach pose!

I thought this was a really cool picture.

Jeep shot for Josh.

After plenty of sun, it was time to head back! It took us a little over an hour without any stops due to the rough terrain.

I made a friend.

The Lanai cat sanctuary needs to come find this guy!

Holding on for dear life!

Loved these flowers!

Once we got back, we wandered around Lanai City for a bit and relaxed before dinner at Lanai City Bar & Grille. Dinner was at our hotel, so quite convenient! We sat outside and listened to live music for a couple hours to end our night!

Hotel Lanai!

Delicious drinks!

Calamari

Roasted brussell sprouts

Crispy green beans

Amazing fish special

Caprese salad

Steak

The best thing ever…bananas foster deliciousness!

Lanai: Trip 2 – Day 1

Posted on May 28, 2018 by sandersnm

In April, we took a long weekend trip to Lanai with my mom and Tom. Josh and I left early in the morning on Friday so we could go visit the Lanai Cat Sanctuary, which we missed on our first trip. We picked up our jeep and went to Blue Ginger Cafe in Lanai City for breakfast. After that, we drove back towards the airport to go visit the kitties! We spent three hours (and I could have spent more) feeding them treats, playing with them, and giving them attention. The facility and staff were wonderful and I love their mission. We also sponsored a cat for a year (her name is Ava and she’s pictured below). She’s 11 and SO sweet! Can’t wait to go back!

They had tons of fun hiding places.

Ava! We sponsored her in place.

Just eating my sunglasses.

Naha escaped while we were leaving and wanted to come with us.

How to grow a cat.

They didn’t really want to be friends with us.

The welcome committee.

After we pulled ourselves away from the kitties, we checked in to Hotel Lanai and changed to go pick up Linda and Tom from the airport. After picking them up, we walked around Lanai City for a bit before heading to dinner at One Forty at The Four Seasons at Manele Bay. The dinner setting was beautiful and the food was delicious!

View from dinner!

Salmon poke

Bread and dipping items

Baked Mahi Mahi – Fondant Potatoes, Sicilian Olives, Golden Raisins, Marinated Artichokes, Citrus Aioli

Mushroom Crusted Monchong – Onion Fennel Soubise, Sea Asparagus, Ginger Beurre Blanc

Catalan Shrimp – Meyer Lemon, Tarragon, Lime, Saffron White Wine Broth, Grilled Garlic Bread

Kiawe Smoked Chocolate Mousse – Hazelnut Crunch, Macadamia and Local Honey Ice Cream

Molokai: Trip 3 – Day 4

Posted on May 3, 2017 by sandersnm

Our last day, we woke up and enjoyed coffee and hot bread one last time on our lanai. We also wandered out to the edge of the complex to check out the view. We were able to get Maui, Lana’i and Kahoʻolawe all in one shot. A great way to end our trip!

Maui, Kahoʻolawe, Lana’i

Our lovely airbnb!

Enjoying our view

Mt. Olomana

Posted on February 21, 2017 by sandersnm

A few weekends ago, Josh and I hiked the first peak of three peaks. For me, this was the second time hiking it. It was a beautiful day, not windy and clear enough to see Maui, Lanai and Molokai. Such a great hike!

Lanai: Day 3

Posted on September 5, 2013 by sandersnm

On our last day in Lanai, we decided to do a hike and check out the Lodge at Koele (one of the two Four Seasons on the island). We started our morning with breakfast at Hotel Lanai and then walked about a mile to the Lodge, as the trail started behind one of the two golf courses there.

The Lodge at Koele. Beautiful!

Love the architecture of this building.

We hiked the Koloiki Ridge Trail at a pretty brisk pace as we had to get back for Becca and Ben to catch the shuttle to the harbor. We wanted to make sure we had time to get stuff together and maybe grab a quick snack before we all left Lanai. It turned out to be a beautiful hike! We weren’t expecting much, as we had done everything else on the island. It was recommended by someone staying at Becca and Ben’s b&b as something fun to do but not a necessity. It turned out to be a blast and a great workout! We got a little lost on the way back, but still made excellent time.

Josh found a pinecone!

Becca, Ben and Josh hiking the trail.

Naio Gulch.

Absolutely love this picture.

Beautiful view of both Molokai and Maui on Koloiki Ridge.

Maunalei Gulch.

Becca admiring Maunalei Gulch.

After our hike, we stopped and had smoothies and an açaií bowl at Anuenue Juice Bar & Cafe in Lanai City before heading our separate ways. Becca and Ben headed for the ferry to Maui and Josh and I enjoyed wandering around the shops looking at different things before we headed to the airport. It was such a great trip and even though I feel like we successfully crossed off this island, I would LOVE to go back!

Açaí Bowl

Smoothie special of the day…I can’t remember exactly what was in it besides chocolate, chia and cinnamon.

A memorial for the fallen soldiers from Lanai from multiple wars.

Lanai: Day 2

Posted on September 4, 2013 by sandersnm

On our second day there, we got up and had breakfast at our hotel before venturing out for some more off-roading. We had granola, fruit, coffee and orange juice.

Our breakfast at Hotel Lanai.

After breakfast, we met Ben and Becca and headed to our first adventure of the day in the jeep…the Munro Trail. We were hesitant about this trail because the rental car company said it was closed to jeeps. However, after much research we established that it could be driven and that people did it all the time. It turned out to be the easiest off-roading adventure we had our entire time on the island. It also was the prettiest!

Looking into an offshoot of the Munro Trail.

The incredible views begin…

Josh and I.

Ben and Becca.

Becca and I in the back of the very dusty jeep. We were covered in red dirt.

The Munro Trail.

Random gate that we went through to check out the view.

Pretty awesome view from the jeep.

The Munro trail marker at the end.

Trees along the highway…Ben’s favorite thing.

After the Munro Trail, we headed back to Lanai City to grab some stuff for a picnic and headed toward Shipwreck Beach (Kaiolohia) on the northeast corner of Lanai. We sat on some rocks and enjoyed the views of the 1940s oil tanker that still sits on the reef today after being beached there for the past 70 years. We also were joined by numerous sea turtles hanging out in the water near us. Quite a surreal lunch!

The sign before Shipwreck Beach. I love this picture.

So awesome!

Becca making us lunch!

Enjoying lunch!

Love this one!

After having a peaceful lunch with the turtles, we headed to South Lanai to do some snorkeling along the beach at Hulopoe Bay. Ben had never been snorkeling, so it was a first for him (even though he’s scuba dived). We got some great video footage of our snorkel adventure!

Hulopoe Beach Snorkeling Video

The view of Hulopoe Beach on our way to Pu’u Pehe Rock.

After a couple hours of snorkeling, we hiked a short trail to the left to Pu’u Pehe (Sweetheart Rock). I was expecting it to be a cool iconic rock, but we turned the corner and were blown away by the how striking it was. There is a reason it is one of the most photographed places on Lanai. We walked to the top of the cliffs (where someone was actually proposing right as we got near the top). We had a great view of the small beaches down below. We could also see some of the bright yellow fish we had seen snorkeling earlier from all the way up there (about 100 feet).

Panoramic of Pu’u Pehe.

Small beach.

A long drop!

Looking back at the beaches.

Sea cliffs near Pu’u Pehe.

After climbing back down from viewing Pu’u Pehe, we packed up the jeep and headed back to Lanai City. We returned the jeep, showered and got ready for dinner at Lanai City Grille (which conveniently for us was located in our hotel). I had read nothing but great reviews and wanted to make sure we made a stop here on our trip. The restaurant did not disappoint! We all split entrees and they were still huge portions! It was a great last evening on our vacation :).

Josh and I’s appetizer: Crab Dip with Tortilla Chips.

Becca and Ben’s appetizer: Ahi Poke Tacos.

Pecan Crusted Fresh Mahi Mahi that Josh and I shared.

BBQ Baby Back Ribs that Becca and Ben shared.

Dessert! LCG Bread Pudding.

Lanai: Day 1

Posted on September 3, 2013 by sandersnm

On Saturday, Josh and I headed to our final island (of the six that you can actually travel to) which was Lanai. I will say that we had expectations for a really cool trip, but that the island absolutely blew our expectations away. We had a phenomenal time for the three days we were there and would love to go back even though we saw pretty much everything we could possibly see.

We landed around 7:00 am and picked up our jeep and head to Blue Ginger Cafe for breakfast. We both had breakfast sandwiches and then started our adventure. Almost all of Lanai is seen by off-roading in a jeep….which was pretty incredible and also VERY bumpy in portions!

Lanai Airport

Breakfast sandwich from Blue Ginger Cafe.

Our first adventure was heading to the Garden of the Gods (Keahiakawelo). Garden of the Gods is a natural rock garden…when you are standing in it you feel like you are on Mars…definitely not in Hawaii! It was incredibly beautiful and unique! We also drove through the Kanepuu Preserve to get there. It is the largest remains of a dry land forest in Hawaii. It was quite scenic with the red dirt and pine trees.

On our way to the Garden of the Gods. The red dirt is caked on the trees. Super pretty!

Josh in the Garden of the Gods.

After stopping at the Garden of the Gods, we continued on to Polihua Beach on the north side of the island. The beach was about two miles long and there were only two other people there (which is a lot for this beach). It is located across the channel from Molokai so we had great views! It was incredibly windy, so not the best beach for laying out and getting a tan, but we did sit and enjoy the solitude for a couple of minutes.

The drive was incredible to Polihua Beach!

Driving up to the beach. Great picture!

No one around!

After a very bumpy off-road adventure to Polihua, we headed back toward Lanai City to the south of town to find the Luahiwa Petroglyphs. We had a bit of trouble finding them on the maze of red dirt roads, but once we found them it was pretty cool to see! It is one of the largest collections of petroglyphs in Hawaii and are from the 15th Century when Lanai was first settled by ancient Hawaiians.

This sign pointed to two roads…not helpful.

Finally we made it!

The lava rocks with petroglyphs on them!

After the petroglyphs, we headed further south to continue our education of the ancient Hawaiian culture to Kaunolu Village. Kaunolu Village is the remains of a historic fishing retreat for Kamehameha I. We saw the remains of a heiau, many remains of buildings and Kaneapua Rock.

Halulu Heiau

Panoramic of the shore and Kaneapu Rock.

Kaneapu Rock

After touring Kaunolu Village, we headed back toward Lanai City to grab a quick snack and check into our hotel. We had a smoothie and an açaí bowl at Coffee Works and checked in at Hotel Lanai. Our hotel was incredible. Built in 1923 with 10 rooms and a cottage, it was quite the historic gem and we loved staying there!

My smoothie from Coffee Works.

Josh’s açaí bowl from Coffee Works.

Hotel Lanai. Loved it!

Unique flower in front of our hotel.

Our room!

While I checked in at the hotel, Josh went to pick up Becca and Ben at the airport (we had a two door jeep so it was a tight squeeze with their luggage and three people). They checked in to their B&B and we all met up for dinner! We had calamari and a great pizza at Pele’s Other Garden then headed to Kaumalapau Harbor for the sunset. It was beautiful! We actually got to see the sun hit the water..no clouds blocking it! It was a great way to end our first day on Lanai!