Lanai

LANA’I, Hawaii’s ‘Secluded Island,’ is rather unspoiled and a new, yet very desirable wedding destination especially since Bill Gate’s decision to make it his wedding destination. It has long been known as the ‘Pineapple Island,’ because until recently, nearly the entire island was, a Dole Company pineapple plantation. Tourism on the island is developing and it is now home to two new world class resorts.

The Lodge at Koele is considered to be among the world’s most elite resorts and describes itself as a ‘bastion of old-world elegance and Hawaiian grace.’ Cond√© Nast Traveler has named it the #1 place to stay in the U.S. and the #1 golf resort in the world. It is an opulent English Tudor mansion situated in the ‘uplands’ and offers mountain vistas, horse back riding, hiking, and championship golf. Although the Lodge at Koele has magnificent ceremony locations they cannot accommodate more than 50 for indoor receptions.

The Manele Bay Hotel offers the same genteel luxury but in the style of a Mediterranean resort overlooking Hulopoe Bay. It was ranked the #2 golf resort in the world and has earned the devotion of many discriminating travelers who come back year after year. Manele Bay can only accommodate small groups inside as well and larger groups of approximately 100 by the pool. Ceremonies can take place at either hotel with a reception to follow at the Lana’i Conference Center, which is perched on a knoll above the Manele Bay Hotel and has been designed to reflect both old kamaaina and Mediterranean villa styles. The center features more than 12,000 square feet of reception space including the Kaunolu Ballroom and the Moana and Kumulani Terraces