Airlift Updates on Lanai

Mar 01, 2014

Ohana by Hawaiian will begin flights to Lanai and Molokai in March. // © 2014 Hawaiian Airlines 2

Transitioning from everyday life to vacation mode just got easier. Thanks to the debut of an exclusive lounge in Honolulu International Airport, guests of Four Seasons Resorts Lanai can wait for their short flight to the 140-square-mile island in style.

Since airlines don’t fly directly from the U.S. mainland to Lanai, incoming Four Seasons guests frequently change planes in Honolulu. But now, as soon as they land, a member of the Four Seasons staff greets and escorts them to the adjacent commuter terminal.

When clients reach the 1,000-square-foot lounge, they enjoy complimentary amenities such as food, beverages, iPads, Wi-Fi access, charging stations, luggage holding areas, magazines, newspapers and high-definition televisions. A concierge stands ready to help travelers check into their hotel ahead of time and make activity and restaurant reservations.

The new full-service airport lounge is the first of its kind in Hawaii.

“The lounge allows Four Seasons a unique opportunity to not only be a leader in luxury hotel travel, but most importantly to offer a sophisticated yet relaxing setting for our guests prior to setting foot on the island,” said Tom Roelens, general manager of Four Seasons Resort Lanai.

Airlift on the Rise
At present, two carriers — Island Air and Mokulele Airlines — provide air service between Oahu and Lanai. That will change with the launch of a new turboprop service from Ohana by Hawaiian. Starting March 18, the Hawaiian Airlines subsidiary is offering twice-daily roundtrip service between the two islands.

Ticketing for the 30-minute Ohana by Hawaiian flights is available on Hawaiian’s website. In the future, the carrier will feature value-added packages in partnership with the two Four Seasons Lanai properties.

Ohana by Hawaiian is using 48-passenger ATR-42 aircraft for the Lanai flights. It will begin interisland service between Honolulu and Molokai, with three daily trips beginning on March 11.

Meanwhile, to encourage Lanai bookings, Four Seasons is running a fourth night free promotion at Manele Bay, with nightly rates starting at $459. A third-night-free deal at Lodge at Koele starts at $389 per night.