For a quick getaway, the family and I were going to head over to Lana'i — perhaps to camp out or just sleep on the boat.

However, while reading The Advertiser one Sunday, we saw an ad for a kama'aina discount at the Four Seasons which tempted us just too much. I had always heard that the service was outstanding there, and we were impressed when we called up the hotel after docking, and in just a few minutes our driver arrived, and picked up our daughter and our luggage to bring to the van. It's just a very short drive up to the hotel, arriving at a beautiful lobby that looks out over the pool and down to the ocean. We were given kukui nut and shell lei, quickly checked in, and then walked all the way to our room.

It was an awesome room with an even better bathroom. The best part was all the items for our daughter. When we called to make our reservations, they got her name and age, and outfitted the room with a crib, baby toiletries and her name (in Hawaiian) in sponges in the tub.

The next morning, we headed to the breakfast buffet, which lived up to its online reputation, then packed up for the beach. Again, personalized service is the name of the game for this hotel, so we showed up at the beach and the beach attendant set up our chairs, umbrella, towels and even brought a bunch of beach toys.

The kama'aina discount also includes food and some other activities, though our trip was too short to include much else — but don't let this great deal pass you by. The mellow pace and the friendly atmosphere of Lana'i can't be beat.

Liz Smith lives in Pa'ia with her husband and young daughter. She recently started her own public relations company, Liz Smith PR. Check out her blog at http://valleyisleviews.honadvblogs.com.