Lanai

A lanai is a covered outdoor living space originating from Hawaiian residential architecture, where the mild tropical climate makes outdoor rooms a natural extension of the home. In Hawaii, the lanai is considered an essential part of daily living, serving as a space for relaxation, dining, entertaining, and even sleeping in the warm island air. The term has since been widely adopted across tropical and subtropical regions of the mainland United States, particularly in Florida, where screened lanais are a near-universal feature of residential construction. The distinguishing characteristic of a lanai compared to a generic porch or patio is its integration into the home's floor plan as a true outdoor room rather than a mere appendage. A lanai is typically roofed and may be open, screened, or even glass-enclosed depending on the climate and the homeowner's preferences. In Florida-style construction, the screened lanai often encompasses a swimming pool and surrounding deck, creating a large, insect-free outdoor living complex. Modern lanai design emphasizes comfortable furnishings, outdoor fans, lighting, and sometimes even outdoor televisions and sound systems to create spaces that rival the comfort of indoor rooms.