Lana'i - The Enticing Island
Fast Facts
Size: 140 square miles, the smallest of the main islands
Coastline: 47 miles
Distance from Oahu: 28 miles
Highest Elevation: 3,366 feet (Lana'ihale)
Population: 3,000
Number of Golf Courses: 2
Main towns & resorts: Lanai City, Koele, Hulopoe Bay
Island colour: Yellow
Nicknames:The Pineapple Island & Hawaii's Private Island
Visit Lanai and you will discover an idyllic and romantic setting. With a population of only 3,000 people Lana'i is, to all intents and purposes, a private island, with life revolving around the three properties: the two exclusive Four Seasons resorts at Manele Bay on the coast and the upcountry Lodge at Koele where you'll also find Hotel Lanai, an old Hawaiian country inn.
Life proceeds at a more gentle pace in Lanai and relaxation is the order of the day. Take a refreshing swim at the island's best beach, the picturesque Hulopo'e Beach Park, snorkel the island's cliff-lined west coast or examine historic petroglyphs at Shipwreck Beach.
A number of suppliers offer activities including horse back riding (a great way to explore), kayak tours, catamaran sailing trips to include scuba, snorkelling and BBQ, deep sea angling and more.
It is a good spot for hiking but getting around the island can be difficult. There are few paved roads and local conditions vary greatly. Whether you plan to explore by car (with limited road access) or on foot, make sure to research your route thoroughly and find out from the locals what to expect.
The only town on Lanai is grandly named Lanai City and is right in the middle of the island in the cool upland area surrounded by trees. No more than a few blocks wide, Lanai City boasts a handful of shops, family restaurants and tin roofed residential homes around a pretty little park and it is certainly pleasant to have a wander around.
If you are staying in Maui it is easy enough to arrange a day trip to Lanai. There is a local ferry from Lahaina Harbour or you can hop on one of the frequent air service between the islands. A helicopter tour of Lana'i and Molokai from Maui is also a popular option, allowing you to enjoy the stunning natural beauty of both islands.
Lanai's Highlights:
Lana'i Pine Sporting Clays - the only clay pigeon shooting course in Hawaii.
Keahiakawelo - confusingly also known as 'Garden of the Gods' despite there being no actual garden. It is an intriguing wind-sculpted rock formation, reminiscent of a lunar landscape at its best in the early morning and late afternoon light. Some say they are strangely beautiful, others say they are just rocks!
Polihua Beach - Polihua means "eggs in the bosom" and Polihua Beach on Lanai's north western coast is where Hawaii´s endangered green sea turtles used to nest in large numbers. Thanks to conservation efforts the turtles are now beginning to return.
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Hawaii Island Information
At one time, nearly one fifth of the world's pineapples came from Lanai. Over 98% of Lanai is privately owned by a company who used to run the island as a pineapple plantation.
Great Value Hawaii in 2010!If we find cheaper prices on your travel dates we'll pass the savings on to you!
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