Lanai
Lanai or Lanaʻi is the smallest inhabited island in Hawaii (141 square miles). It is also known as Pineapple Island because of its past as an island-wide pineapple plantation.
The only city on Lanai is Lanai City. Most of the island's restaurants and shops can be found in the town square that surrounds Dole Park.
Understand
Larry Ellison, the co-founder of Oracle Corporation, owns most of the island.
Get in
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phone: +1 808 565-7942address: Lanai AveScheduled service to Honolulu and Kahului, Maui on Island Air and Pacific Wings.
Go Lanai FerryThe ferry leaves from Lahaina, Maui with several round-trips daily.
Get around
The only rental vehicles on the island are Jeeps. In addition to the agencies listed below, Jeep rentals are sometimes available through private Lana‘i residents.
There is only one gas station on the island and it is in Lana‘i City, so make sure that enough gas is available. Lana‘i may be a small island, but routes such as the Munro trail have limited access and take a long time to traverse.
- Expeditions The Maui-Lanai ferry operator offers Jeep tours and rentals. +1-800-695-2624
- Lana‘i Eco Adventure offers safari-style Jeep Wranglers, complete with ferry pickup. +1 808 565-7373
- Dollar Rent-A-Car offers 4x4 Jeep safari vehicle rentals and mini van rentals. +1-800-JEEP-808
See
Dole Park and War MemorialThe center of family recreational activities with a pavilion, picnic tables, and community center. Several veteran memorials are located in the park commemorating the soldiers that fought and died in World War II and the Korean Conflict.
Kaiolohia (Shipwreck Beach)This secluded beach features a ghostly ship still "wrecked" off shore - the World War II Liberty Ship, one of 22 ferrous-concrete oilers built between 1942 and 1944. After the war several surplus crafts were provided residence on the Lanai reef as an economical means of disposal. This particular vessel withstands the ocean currents and waves and has stood for over 50 years on the reef. A remote hiking trail (Kaiolohia-Kahue) originates from the beach, and petroglyphs can be seen 100 yards inland from the parking area.
Pu'u Pehe (Sweetheart Rock)A trail from Hulopo'e Beach leads to a wonderful overlook of Pu'u Pehe Rock. Along the trail are numerous tidepools, a sea arch, Sharks Bay and Sharks Cove.
Keahiakawelo (Garden of the Gods)4-wheel drive to this otherworldly landscape - beautiful and unique rock formations were formed by thousands of years of erosion, creating pinnacles and buttes in a remote area. On a clear day, visitors can see the islands of Molokai and Oahu from these high elevations.
Nanahoa IsletNanahoa Islet, north of Kaumalapau Harbor on Lanai’s west side, consists of two large pillar stones. According to legend a man named Nanahoa and his wife were turned into these stones.
Hulopoe Beach ParkHulopoe Beach is located in southern Lanai along crescent-shaped Hulopoe Bay, which is protected as a Marine Life Conservation Area. The bay is bordered on each side by boulders, and on the eastern end is a lava terrace lined with tide pools that provide habitat for a variety of marine life. One of the island's safest swimming beaches for children, although there is no lifeguard. There is generally good visibility in the water which makes for excellent snorkeling. Open to the public, with picnic tables, barbecue grills, restrooms and showers.
Polihua BeachA long and wide white-sand beach stretching for more than 1.5 miles along the farthest most northwestern point on Lana‘i. Great for sunbathing, beach walks, exploring, picnics. These activities are best done earlier in the day as the afternoons are frequently very windy with windblown sand.
Kamalupau HarborLocated on the west end of Lana‘i and is accessible by paved road. Breathtaking views of the 1,000 foot cliffs along Lana‘i's South shore.
Luahiwa PetroglyphsClustered at the foothills of the Palawai caldera, these are drawings made on lava rocks by ancient Hawaiian settlers. See figures representing men and women, family units, pets, goats, canoes, and even a possible surfer. The site of the petroglyphs is not marked. Ask for clear directions and road conditions before starting out.
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phone: +1 808 565-7500address: 456 7th St, Lanai CityLarry Ellison renovated the theater to a first-run movie theater that has 2 films on any given day.
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phone: +1 808 215 9066address: 1 Kaupili RoadLanai Cat Sanctuary is a nonprofit animal welfare and conservation organization that protects cats and endangered birds. It is a delightful place to visit for people who love cats.
Do
- Snorkeling and swimming at Hulopoe Beach Park
Scuba diving
Lanai’s southern coast is known for its 'Cathedrals I' and 'Cathedrals II' dives, swim-throughs, archways, and lava structures.
Several Maui-based dive operations offer day trips from Lahaina to the dive sites along the south shore of Lanai (45-minute boat ride).
Trilogy Ocean SportsThe only full service dive operation on the island of Lana‘i, they also offer sailing and snorkeling tours.
Golf
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The Challenge at Manele
phone: +1 808 565-2222An open, oceanside course designed by Jack Nicklaus. 18 holes, par 72. -
The Experience at Koele
phone: +1 808 565-4653Perched in the lush, green highlands of Lanai away from the ocean. 18 holes, par 72. -
Cavendish Golf Course
phone: +1 808 565-7300address: Keomoku Rd. Lanai CityBuilt as a nine-hole, par 36 courses in 1947 for sugar plantation workers on the island. Today, it's a free golfing opportunity for anyone who loves the game. The course features long, straight fairways amid tall Norfolk pines. 9 holes, par 36.
Sleep
Budget
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Blue Ginger Bed and Breakfast
address: 421 Lama St -
phone: +1 808 565-6961Plantation style home with full amenities, 4 rooms.
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Hale Moe
address: 502 Akolu PlSmall (three room) B & B. -
Hulopo'e Bay Campgrounds
phone: +1 808-565-3982Camping allowed by permit - call for information and rates.
Mid-range
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Hotel Lana‘i
address: 828 Lanai Ave -
Jasmin Garden House
address: 547 12th StBed and Breakfast.
Splurge
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Four Seasons Resort Lana'i - The Lodge at Koele
phone: +1 808 565-4000address: One Keomoku HighwayTropical-inspired décor complemented by Koele's natural surroundings and views of the surrounding tropical vistas. -
Four Seasons Resort Lanai at Manele Bay
phone: +1 808 565-2000address: 1 Manele Bay RdVoted one of Travel+Leisure readers' Best Beach Hotels.