Discovering a Hidden Paradise at Sensei Lana'i, a Four Seasons Resort

Location

With a population of just around 3,000, Lana’i is Hawaii’s least populated island open to visitors. As you soar above the island on your private charter flight, you’ll be captivated by the island's untouched expanses — a perfect introduction to the unique experience ahead.

Traveling to Lana’i is effortless. Rates currently include roundtrip charter flights from Honolulu to Lana’i via Lana’i Air. Begin your journey at the private hangar near Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu, and get ready for an unparalleled travel experience. The check-in process is seamless, making it the easiest airport experience you’ll ever have.

While you wait for your flight, enjoy complimentary gourmet snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. When it’s time to board, you’ll be whisked across the tarmac in a golf cart, headed toward your aircraft. Depending on your flight, you may find yourself on a comfortable PC-12 seating eight or a larger SkyCourier with space for 19 — either way, it’s an extraordinary way to start your trip.

Upon arrival, a personal Sensei guide will greet you and escort you to the resort in a luxury vehicle, offering insights about both the resort and the island during the short, scenic ride. Sensei also provides a complimentary shuttle every hour to Lana’i City or to the family-friendly Four Seasons Lana’i by the beach, ensuring easy access to local attractions.

Who should visit

Sensei Lana’i is an ideal destination for every type of traveler. Need a wellness reset? This is the perfect retreat. Looking for a romantic getaway — honeymoon, anniversary or simply because your relationship deserves it? This is the place. Traveling solo in search of peace and rejuvenation? You’ll find it here. Planning a friends’ trip to reconnect and create memories? Look no further.

Accommodations

Sensei keeps accommodations simple and elegant. The standard room is the 450-square-foot Koele Room (King or two Double beds), while the 500-square-foot Koele Deluxe Room (King) offers a little extra space and a larger lanai. For those seeking more room, a limited number of suites are available, though they book quickly, so it’s wise to reserve in advance.

The rooms feature a serene, neutral white décor, creating a peaceful atmosphere. When the curtains open, the vibrant greens of the surrounding landscape beckon, inviting you to step outside and explore the resort. Each room comes with a spacious lanai (balcony) where you can enjoy a morning coffee, read a book or simply relax as the symphony of birds fills the air.

Dining

The resort’s main dining venue, Sensei by Nobu, offers an exceptional culinary experience. The glass pavilion that houses the restaurant is a stunning modern conservatory, providing an inviting space to enjoy each meal. True to the resort’s focus on health and wellness, the dishes are thoughtfully crafted to nourish your body while delighting your taste buds. If the weather is inviting, request a seat on the outdoor deck, where you can take in stunning views of the koi pond and the expansive beauty of the property.

Sensei by Nobu

Enjoy the koi pond and stunning property views from Sensei by Nobu

For a quick bite, head to the Garden Bar off the lobby, order light bites from your lounge chair poolside or indulge in room service. If you’re looking to explore off-property dining, the resort’s complimentary shuttle will take you to the various dining options at the Four Seasons Lana’i or to one of the many local restaurants in Lana’i City.

Amenities and activities

One of the most unique features of this resort is its Japanese onsen garden. Stroll along the path and discover eight private onsens hidden within the meticulously landscaped garden. Before you indulge in a soak, simply flip the sign from Vacant to Occupied to ensure complete privacy. Onsen Number 1 is conveniently located along a paved path, making it accessible for those with limited mobility, while Onsens 2–8 are nestled along winding rock paths and over charming mini-bridges, offering a more secluded and intimate retreat. Enjoy the serenity of these retreats, available 24 hours a day — an evening soak under the stars is a must.

A private onsen in the onsen garden beckons guests to soak and relax

The resort offers a variety of complimentary wellness classes daily, from core strength sessions to yoga and mindfulness practices. The yoga pavilion is a serene and beautifully designed space, offering the perfect environment to deepen your practice and connect with your inner peace. Meanwhile, the well-appointed exercise pavilion provides everything you need for a personalized workout, including refreshing water, chilled towels and fresh fruit, ensuring a truly rejuvenating experience.

Take advantage of the resort’s complimentary tours, including garden walks, ranch tours and art strolls. For some fun, try the 18-hole putt-putt course located adjacent to the property. Simply stop by the front desk for a putter and ball, and enjoy a leisurely round.

Jaume Plensa's Talaia looming on the hill overlooking the property

Jeff Koons' Aphrodite, stands tall in the lobby at Sensei

The property itself is a living masterpiece, with a meticulously curated collection of sculptures and other art pieces scattered throughout the grounds. It’s a delightful experience to stumble upon each new work, seamlessly integrated into the lush landscaping and vibrant foliage. The collection, both indoors and outdoors, invites discovery at every turn. The towering Talaia statue, perched on the hill above the resort, stands as a striking focal point, setting a purposeful and inspiring tone for the entire property.

For those who love to unwind by the pool, the expansive area offers a variety of seating options, a winding pool and several hot tubs, allowing you to alternate between lounging, swimming and soaking. The semi-private areas with lounge chairs scattered around the pool, provide quiet spots to relax without ever feeling crowded. The serene atmosphere ensures a peaceful retreat, where you can enjoy the space at your own pace.

While the resort is inland, a short shuttle ride will take you to the family-friendly Four Seasons Lana’i on the beach. Enjoy full beach services, including chairs, a cooler of water, complimentary snorkel rentals and an attentive staff ready to meet your every need. Take a relaxing walk along the sand or dive into the clear waters of this protected marine reserve, where dolphins and whales are often spotted.

In addition to these complimentary activities, the resort offers a wide range of paid experiences, including horseback riding, guided hikes, whale watching, sailing, a ropes course, 4x4 Jeep adventures, biking, archery, tennis, sporting clays, golf and more.

Spa

Indulge in a spa treatment that promises to be an unparalleled experience — one of the most luxurious and rejuvenating of your life. This isn’t just a spa visit — it’s an unforgettable escape focusing on self-care at its finest. Every detail, from the serene ambiance to the expertly crafted treatments, is designed to elevate your sense of well-being and leave you feeling utterly pampered. After just one visit, every other spa experience will pale in comparison, as you’ll have discovered a new standard of luxury. It’s an investment in yourself, a splurge that is undeniably worth it, offering a level of relaxation and revitalization that stays with you long after you leave.

Relax in the deep Ofuro soaking tub in your private spa hale.

Your treatment begins in a private 1,000-square-foot hale (house), where you can unwind and center yourself before your session. Each treatment includes 30 minutes of private time in the hale, where you can enjoy private amenities like the Japanese soaking tub, infrared sauna, cold plunge, onsen and indoor or outdoor shower. Each of the ten spa hales is fully equipped with these luxurious amenities, exclusively reserved for the private use of the client, ensuring an intimate and personalized wellness experience.

Choose from a wide range of treatments, from massages to facials, or opt for one of the featured signature treatments. Regardless of your choice, you’ll be pampered and leave with an unforgettable spa experience. For couples celebrating a special occasion, consider a relaxing couples massage and enjoy the private time in the hale afterwards. If you’d like to simply enjoy the tranquility of the spa without a treatment, you can reserve time in the hale to relax and enjoy its amenities.

Enjoy your spa hale's private outdoor plunge pool and onsen.

Sensei Lana’i offers a transformative experience, blending relaxation, wellness and connection in one of the most beautiful and thoughtfully designed resorts in the United States. Whether traveling solo, with a partner or with friends, this is a place where you can truly unwind, recharge and connect — with yourself, with others and with nature. The magic of this resort is undeniable, and the memories you create here will stay with you long after you leave.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Hawai'i page.