Privacy is the ultimate luxury.
The rich and famous have traded the crowded beaches of Malibu and the high-profile parties of the Hamptons for something far more remote.
Lanai, a tiny Hawaiian island that feels more like a distant planet than part of the United States, has become a favorite vacation spot for the elite.
With its rust-colored volcanic soil, red rock formations, and rugged terrain, Lanai looks out of this world. But this 141-square-mile island offers something even more valuable than an exotic landscape: complete seclusion.
Lanai is the smallest inhabited island in Hawaii, with a population of just 3,000 and not a single traffic light. It has no direct flights from the mainland and few public accommodations, making it the perfect escape.
“We offer an experience that is like Hawaii as it used to be in vintage postcards,” Four Seasons Resort Manager, Juan Leonis, told the Daily Mail.
“To us, true luxury is creating a meaningful sense of belonging, a dedicated focus on how people want to be treated, grounded in genuine care during your stay.”
Celebrities including Oprah Winfrey, Tom Cruise, Jessica Alba and Will Smith are among the celebrities who have recently chosen Lanai for a private getaway.
Bill and Melinda Gates even tied the knot there in 1994, on the 12th hole of the Four Season’s golf course, which is perched dramatically on a cliff above the crashing waves.
“I believe our guests are seeking places where they can experience local culture in an authentic way, along with the natural beauty of Lanai for milestone occasions and family escapes,” said Leonis.
“Lanai has a private-island like ambiance, with minimal tourists, which provides a respite, a place to breathe, spend time with their loved ones or enjoy solitude in a luxury environment.”
Tech tycoon Larry Ellison bought 98 percent of the island in 2012 and has since poured millions into developing it into a luxury haven — without sacrificing its small-town charm.
The Oracle founder renovated the crown jewel of the island, the Four Seasons Resort Lanai, and launched sustainable projects to improve life for locals.
The resort itself spares no expense. With rooms starting in the thousands and climbing to $5,000 a night, guests enjoy museum-quality design, oceanfront pools, celebrity-chef dining from Nobu and Malibu Farm, and top-tier service focused on privacy and personalization.
Beyond the resort walls lies an untamed wilderness waiting to be explored. Guests can borrow white Jeeps to check out over 400 miles of dirt roads, or venture to the island’s most dramatic natural wonder: the Garden of the Gods, a windswept, Mars-like summit that once served as a women’s prison and now offers sweeping views across to Molokai.
Sunset yacht cruises, horseback rides, snorkeling, and stargazing programs that teach ancient Pacific wayfinding techniques all add to the mystique of Lanai. Even the public beach at Hulopoe Bay feels private, with Four Season resort staff serving tropical cocktails and arranging plush loungers.
While the island was once the world’s largest pineapple plantation under the Dole empire in the early 20th century, its modern era reflects a different kind of cultivation — one of luxury, nature, and indulgence.
Despite the upgrades, Leonis insists Lanai hasn’t lost its soul. “The island vibe really hasn’t changed much over the years,” he said. “While we innovate in terms of amenities, the overall vibe is still low-key, relaxed, and authentic.”
