When it comes to escaping the spotlight, America’s elite aren’t booking suites in New York or beach houses in Malibu anymore.
Instead, they’re slipping away to a remote Hawaiian island that looks more like Mars than Maui. And they’re loving every second of it.
Welcome to Lanai—a peaceful, rugged slice of paradise that’s quietly become the go-to destination for celebrities who crave privacy, authenticity, and a little cosmic flair.
A Hidden Gem in the Pacific With No Traffic Lights and Few Tourists
Lanai isn’t your typical island getaway. Tucked in the heart of the Hawaiian archipelago, it’s home to only around 3,000 residents.
There are no traffic lights, barely any public hotels, and you won’t find long lines of selfie-snapping tourists. That’s part of the appeal.
According to Juan Leonis, manager of the Four Seasons Resort Lanai, the island remains Hawaii’s smallest inhabited one—and one of the least visited.
“There are no direct flights from the mainland,” he says, “but that only adds to the allure.”
A Playground Built by a Billionaire With a Passion for Paradise
The transformation of Lanai into a discreet luxury hideout began in 2012 when Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison bought 98 percent of the island.
Since then, he’s turned it into a billionaire’s dreamland.
Worth an eye-popping $89.3 billion, Ellison has been called the country’s biggest trophy-home buyer, and Lanai is the crown jewel in his real estate empire.
He didn’t just purchase land—he reimagined the island from the ground up.
Where Celebrities Come to Vanish From the Public Eye
Lanai has become a magnet for stars like Oprah Winfrey, Tom Cruise, Will Smith, and Jessica Alba—all drawn by the island’s privacy and low-key charm.
The Four Seasons Resort Lanai, completely renovated under Ellison’s vision, is the main draw.
Rooms there can cost up to $5,000 a night, but guests aren’t just paying for luxury—they’re buying peace, quiet, and anonymity.
The resort’s design, by Todd Avery-Lenahan, blends sleek modern elegance with traditional Hawaiian culture.
Think bamboo sculptures, Polynesian boats in the lobby, and oceanfront pools framed by tropical gardens.
A Private Island Feel Without Leaving the Country
Lanai offers a rare mix of rugged terrain, star-studded skies, and old-Hawaii vibes.
Guests can go from luxury spa treatments to watching the stars during a guided Pacific wayfinding session that teaches ancient navigation techniques.
Even the public beach at Hulopoe Bay feels like a private retreat.
Four Seasons staff are on standby with loungers, umbrellas, and tropical cocktails, making sure guests are pampered while lounging near the surf.
Adventures Off the Beaten Path—Literally
Lanai’s natural wonders stretch far beyond the resort.
Adventurous types can grab a Jeep and roam 400 miles of dirt roads to discover untouched corners of the island.
One standout is the Garden of the Gods, a windswept red landscape that looks like it belongs on another planet.
The viewpoint, which once served as an outdoor women’s prison, offers sweeping vistas of neighboring islands.
For more ocean-based adventure, guests often take sunset yacht cruises around the island, catching glimpses of whales and dolphins without another tourist boat in sight.
A Rich History From Pineapples to Penthouses
Lanai wasn’t always a luxury retreat. In the early 20th century, it was home to the world’s largest pineapple plantation, operated by James Dole.
Thousands worked the land, filling crates with golden fruit bound for the mainland.
Now, the old plantation town still stands—offering a nostalgic window into a simpler Hawaii.
“It’s like stepping into a vintage postcard,” says Leonis.
A Luxury Experience Grounded in Human Connection
Leonis believes true luxury isn’t just about high-thread-count sheets or gourmet food. It’s about people.
“It’s the way our team makes guests feel—grounded in genuine care, with a human touch that reflects the aloha spirit,” he says.
That’s why so many guests return for milestone moments—weddings, anniversaries, or just much-needed family time.
“It’s the kind of place where you breathe easier and focus on what matters most.”
Endless Activities for the Curiously Luxurious
Beyond the beach and spa, there’s a full lineup of curated adventures.
The island’s Adventure Park offers ziplining and obstacle courses for all ages.
Golfers flock to the cliffside course designed by Jack Nicklaus, while others try their hand at archery, horseback riding, or clay shooting.
Many activities are available privately—charter a boat, plan a solo hike, or book an intimate horseback tour.
Even the local poke market, Ohana Poke, is a beloved spot, often selling out of its fresh ahi bowls by lunchtime.
Ellison’s Vision for a Future-Forward Island
Ellison isn’t done building. He’s reopened the town’s movie theater, stocked the main grocery store with organic options, rebuilt the community pool, and added football and soccer fields.
Next on the list? A new zipline experience to complement everything from croquet and lawn bowling to UTV rides and carriage tours.
Despite the upgrades, Leonis insists the island’s soul remains untouched.
“We’re always innovating, but the heart of Lanai is still the same—peaceful, low-key, and authentic.”
A Slice of Paradise That Feels Like Another World
Whether you’re sipping cocktails by the beach, stargazing on a mountain ridge, or exploring Martian-like landscapes, Lanai offers something rare: a luxury escape that feels personal, private, and profoundly untouched.
And for celebrities, billionaires, or anyone just craving a break from the world’s noise, that kind of retreat is priceless.