If Lanai is the only island being visited, then Manele may be a better choice for fun and sun -- it tends to be at least five degrees warmer during the day. But if you're going to do more than one island -- we did three -- then the experience at Manele can easily be duplicated and exceeded elsewhere. The Lodge is truly unique. Nowhere else in Hawaii can you get an upcountry experience amid such opulence.
The week we were there it was about one-third full and it felt like you belonged to a private club. One thing I neglected to mention was upon arrival they wait for you at the front when you come in on the airport van. You get a non-kitschy lei greeting, a cold towel and a glass of pineapple juice while they give you a tour of the place. Check-in was done in our upgraded room.
Will you have a good time if you wind up at Manele instead? Of course. Just don't forget to get on the van and head up the mountain to see what life is like in the country.