So the majority of folks who come to Hawaii look for the really big hotels that are huge brands in paradise – Hilton, Marriott, Outrigger, Westin, St. Regis. Many of those are fabulous. Travelers looking to get off the beaten path and go cheaper look for condos or B&Bs. Rare are the off-the-radar, smaller but still extremely high-quality hotels that are both personal and luxurious, intimate and sufficiently pampered. Here’s the first of a roundup that covers three hotels off the radar for many travelers.

Hotel Lanai ($99/nt)
828 Lana‘i Avenue, Lana’i City, Hawaii 96763
(808) 565-7211

There are two grand Four Seasons resorts on Lanai and then there is the Hotel Lanai, the only other hotel on the Pineapple Isle. This small (11 room) inn was taken over by events company entrepreneur Mary Charles in 2005, and she has invested heavily to upgrade the place – to nice effect. The rooms are generously sized and kitted out with plantation-style furniture. The hotel restaurant, Lanai City Grille is now overseen by Maui-based world-class chef Bev Gannon (of Hailemaile General Store) so this tiny property may well have the best food on the island. The location, in downtown Lanai City (which retains its retro small-town charm) is convenient for walking. Why stay here? Because on Lanai you can get access to amazing uncrowded beaches and hiking way off the beaten path. And if you want a more pocket-sized hotel to stay in, the Hotel Lanai is the ticket.

Hotel Lanai