Shane McCoy Fermelia shows us around her Thanksgiving vacation spot

Freelance writer Shane McCoy Fermelia’s family visits Hawaii for a Thanksgiving getaway every year. Fermelia’s favorite destination is Lana’i, an island so small and personal that there are only two hotels and one bed and breakfast. The gorgeous spot offers rustic sports like horseback riding and archery, as well as beach-y activities like jet skiing on the turquoise waters of Manele Bay—all in all, everything you need for a delightfully rounded holiday. Here, Fermelia shares her favorite things to do in Lana’i.

Shop

“Lana’i is not a shopper’s paradise, but there are interesting local artisans who show their work in the galleries around the main square in Lana’i City. I found a Koa wood bracelet there that I cherish.”

Eat

“The Lana’i City Grille in town is farm-to-table and always has original and delicious meals. Several nights a week the restaurant has live music, too! And my family never misses the fabulous Thanksgiving dinner at The Lodge at Koele. It’s an old plantation house and I love the rustic, old-Hawaiian feel.”

Sleep

“We stay at the Four Seasons Manele Bay because it’s close to the water and my son loves to play on the shore, plus they have lots of great beach activities. The Lodge at Koele is a great place to stay if you want to do sports like horseback riding, archery, tennis, and golf.” [Photograph: Peter Vitale/Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts]

Do

In a typical day, we’d all spend the morning swimming in the glassy waters of Manele Bay, and then my husband and I would go for a round of clay pigeon shooting at Lana’i Pine Sporting Clays. In the afternoon, I’d indulge in the hotel spa, and then meet my family for dinner at the Lana’i City Grille for the catch of the day!