"Friends and family don't sit here when we gather in the kitchen, feeling a bit removed"...Then do you eat at the island instead? What is done in this space?

If the space is for gathering in comfort and away from the utility of the kitchen prep area, then consider built-in, low wrap around seating next to the stairs and around to the window area with deep, comfortable cushions and use a coffee table concept where all guests can enjoy the exterior view and still maintain reasonable "contact" with anyone in the kitchen while maintaining access to the stairs and door to patio.

I would add a bench for seating along with the two chairs. It probably feels "removed" because only two people can site there while everyone else gathers where there is more seating. You can create a nice little nook that everyone would want to sit at...those windows are to fantastic to not take advantage!