Tiny island that looks like Mars becoming new celeb hotspot

The Pacific paradise Lanai has a population of just 3,000, and seems a world away from its tourist-packed peers such as Oahu and Maui.

The reason for the island’s surge in famous visitors over the last few years is due to it being bought by tech titan Larry Ellison, who bought 98% of the island in 2012 and transformed it into a billionaire’s playground.

Larry recently secured his position as the ninth richest person in the world, worth a staggering £66.6billion

The island itself is home to little public accommodation, due to its speciality in attracting the super-rich.

Lanai boasts recent visitors including Tom Cruise, Jessica Alba, Will Smith and Oprah Winfrey.

The island’s centrepiece is the luxurious Four Seasons Resort Lanai, which was completely renovated by Ellison and boasts rooms that can cost up to a staggering $5,000 a night.

Bill and Melinda Gates held their wedding here in 1994, tying the knot at the Four Seasons Lanai golf course.

Four Seasons Resort manager Juan Leonis said that it is still the smallest inhabited island in Hawaii despite its popularity with many famous faces, he told DailyMail.com.

‘And we also probably receive the least amount of visitors,’ he continues. ‘We take a little more effort to get to, with no direct flights from the mainland, but we believe that simply adds to the attraction.’

However, the island wasn’t always a five-star celebrity paradise; it was once the world’s largest pineapple plantation.

“This island once produced most of the world’s pineapples before its next chapter as a vacation destination, and closure of the plantation,’ Leonis said.

‘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.’

The island is also home to an abundance of natural beauty, with gorgeous white sandy beaches and a place known as ‘Garden of the Gods’, which is a sweeping Mars-like landscape formed by red volcanic soil.

Another popular activity is a sunset cruise around the island, offering prime opportunities for whale and dolphin spotting.

‘Our guests enjoy an unhurried pace, lack of crowds and friendly people, but don’t have to give up the comforts of a luxury resort and a range of activities,’ Leonis continued.

‘The island vibe really hasn’t changed much over the years, a part of its charm. While we constantly innovate in terms of the amenities we offer, the overall vibe is still low-key, relaxed and authentic.’