Visit Lanai, Hawaii

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Lanai is the smallest inhabited island in Hawaii. Known as the “Pineapple Island” in recognition of its previous life as a single large pineapple plantation, Lanai has no traffic lights on its scant 30 miles of paved roads. The intimate island is home to 2 upscale resorts in addition to the quaint and relatively affordable Hotel Lanai. The Hotel Lana was built in 1923 by James Dole of the Hawaiian Pineapple Company as a lodge to house the executives overseeing the island’s pineapple production. It was the island’s only hotel until 1990 when the first of 2 upscale resorts currently operated by Four Season’s was opened. The island is divided into 3 distinct regions. South Lanai is the location of world famous Hulopoe Bay, named as one of America’s Best Beaches and the Four Seasons Resort at Manele Bay. Rising from the ocean between Manele Bay and Hulopoe Bay is the picturesque landmark, Puu Pehe (Sweetheart Rock) the site of a tragic legendary tale about 2 ancient Hawaiian lovers. Nearby, The Challenge at Manele is a Jack Nicklaus designed golf course that tests players with cliff-side ocean carries to isolated greens sporting expansive views of the Pacific Ocean. Kaumalapau Harbor is the main commercial seaport for Lanai and one of the best place to view unobstructed romantic sunsets on the island as well as glimpses of migrating Humpback whales between December and May. Kaunolu Village is located at the island’s southernmost tip. The Village was a favorite fishing spot of King Kamehameha and the sacred site of Kehekili’s Leap where legend has it Hawaiian warriors would demonstrate their bravery by diving off a 60-foot cliff. Kaunolu Village is accessible only by 4-wheel drive vehicle. Polihua Beach is the most secluded beach on Lanai, a romantic, off-the-beaten-path destination located in North Lanai, 60 miles from Lanai City. A ghostly shipwreck is found off Kaiolohia, also known as Shipwreck Beach, located on the northeast coast of Lanai. The Kanepuu Preserve, on the west side of North Lanai, is home to 48 species of native plants. Visitors enjoy a rare opportunity to view unusual, endemic plant species and trees like the lama, a native ebony species, and the aiea, a tree once used for canoe building. Central Lanai is the location of Lanai City, the Hotel Lanai and the upscale Lodge at Koele as well as local restaurants and shops. The landscape boasts wide open plains adorned with majestic Cook Pines and, at some of the higher elevations, remarkably cooler temperatures. The Experience at Koele is located in Central Lanai, a world class Greg Norman designed golf course that traverses the grassy mountain meadows. Lanai provides opportunities for snorkeling, diving, horseback riding and clay shooting in addition to golf and other water oriented activities. Hiking and ecotourism are also very popular with visitors. Day trips that navigate the 9 miles across the Molokai Channel to Lanai are offered through the Expedition Ferry from Lahaina, Maui and several air carriers transport visitors from Honolulu (Oahu) and Kahului (Maui). The resorts on Lanai operate an island wide shuttle service that is available to all visitors with the payment of a nominal fee. Car rental companies offer 4-wheel drive rentals for those visitors to Lanai that want to experience some of the more remote attractions on the island.

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