Reasons to Visit Lanai

Lanai is an undisturbed, splendid jewel of the tropics, with stunning beaches, snorkeling, excellent diving, ecological adventures, sea kayaking, tennis, fishing, hunting, hiking, and 4-wheel off-road excursions. The island isn't uninhabited, however. There are also world-renowned golf courses, two 5-star resorts, and warm, friendly locals.

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Peaceful, tropical, lavish - this is Hawaii's "Private Island," the place that the richest man in the world, Microsoft mogul Bill Gates, chose for his wedding, and the ideal place for a bit of tranquility. Born of Palawai's volcanic explosion, this is the sixth largest of Hawaii's eight islands, and it remains as a small, untarnished agricultural community with nary a traffic light to disturb your carefree wanderings. Lanai epitomizes the American melting pot of ethnic diversity, including residents of Filipino, Korean, Japanese, Chinese, European, and Portuguese ancestry, as well as native Hawaiian families, to create a vivacious culture with a Polynesian flavor.

In the 1930s, Lanai was a pineapple plantation exclusively owned by the Dole Company. Since 1993, however, Lanai's economy has branched out to include other agriculture and ranching, and its main source of income is from tourists visiting 2 of the world's poshest resorts, where many of the island's 2,800 residents are employed. World-class golf courses, stunning white beaches, fascinating lava formations, archaeological mysteries, and the spectacular Pacific surf: this is Lanai!

Approximate Air Travel Time

• New York City: 11.5 hrs
• Miami: 11 hrs
• Philadelphia: 11.5 hrs
• Boston: 12.5 hrs
• Los Angeles: 6 hrs
• Chicago: 9.5 hrs
• Dallas-Fort Worth: 8.5 hrs
• San Francisco: 6.25 hrs

Areas Within Lanai

Lanai City

This is the place most of Lanai's residents call home, so strike up a conversation in Dole Park, where the townspeople congregate under Cook Island pines - some reaching over 90 feet in height! Shop at The Local Gentry for fashionable attire, or get some coffee at Lanai Coffee Works. Find other shops, restaurants, a health-food deli, and handmade souvenirs among the rows of tin-roofed cottages and rainbow colored plantation houses. Central Lanai

Kanepu'u

Stroll through the Garden of the Gods, named by a traveler who was astounded by the red lava cliffs and eerie rock formations. Adjacent is the Native Hawaiian Dry Land Forest, where rare species of plant life flourish. North

Kaiolohia (aka "Shipwreck Beach")

A wrecked WWII Liberty Ship rests exposed on the reefs between Lanai and Maui, and petroglyphs are found here, too. East

Manele Bay

This marine conservation district is a great place for snorkeling, scuba diving, and fishing, as well as the departure point for a ferry to Maui. South Coast

Hulopoe Bay

With a stunning white-sand beach, this marine preserve includes picnic areas and mild surf for outstanding swimming. South Coast

Kaunolu

Historic sights abound, including a Hawaiian ghost village and a heiau (temple). Southwest Coast

Polihua Beach

Witness a miracle of nature! The name comes from the Hawaiian words poli (cove or bay) and hua (eggs), chosen for the spot where endangered Pacific Green Sea Turtles come to lay their eggs. This is also an excellent spot for whale-watching (November to April), though not for swimming. Northwest Coast

Topography

Lanai is a small, Central Pacific island just below the Tropic of Cancer. It encompasses only 141 square miles and is 13 miles wide by 18 miles long. The island includes coastal areas, dryland forest, and mixed forest foliage among its volcanic landmass, with impressive gorges and red lava cliffs. There are green mountains, many orchards, and mostly red dirt roads rarely interrupted by pavement.

Climate of Lanai

Lanai is a fairly arid island with a trade wind-moderated temperature ranging between 78°-85° in summer and 72°-76° in winter. Evenings are cooler, as are the higher elevations. For example, Lanai city tends to be approximately 10° cooler than the beach areas. Ocean temperature ranges between the mid-70°s and low 80°s, depending on the season. The standard daily forecast calls for copious sunshine.

What To Do & See on Lanai

The Experience

A world-class, 18-hole course designed by Greg Norman. Play serious golf among cool ponds, graceful streams, and the fresh scent of pine, koa, and eucalyptus trees.

The Stables

Take horseback-riding lessons, 1- to 4-hour rides, and grab a peerless view of Lanai's grandeur!

Lanai Eco-Adventure Center

Guided hikes, roadbike treks, kayaking, and snorkeling expeditions - there's no better way to see the island's flora and fauna, marine life, and unique topography.

The Challenge at Manele

An award-winning 18-hole golf course fashioned around Lanai's natural lava fields and rock formations, designed by golf legend Jack Nicklaus. Imagine the fun of playing alongside stunning ocean views under a tropical blue sky with the Pacific Ocean as a water hazard!

Koloiki Ridge Hike

A 5-mile jaunt, round trip from the Lodge at Koele. You'll be treated to great sites like the "Cathedral of Pines" and fantastic views of east Lanai.

Polihua Beach Trail

At the west end of Lanai, this takes you through the Garden of the Gods - a perfect way to greet the day! End up on Polihua Beach, where you may be able to spot some endangered Pacific Green Sea Turtles.

Mountain Biking

Ride the trails and spot axis deer and wild turkeys in the beautiful countryside as you bike down the Munro Trail, rated by visitors as "one of the best land adventures on Lanai." Keomuku Road offers another superior biking quest, and its downhill slope makes it an easy ride. You can catch a glimpse of Shipwreck Beach from the road, and end your journey past the Keomuku ghost village with its old church and Hawaiian temple.

Hulopoe Beach Park

Located in the Marine Life Conservation District of Lanai, this is a superior spot for picnicking and swimming. Its large tidal pool is calm and safe enough for children. There is an underwater Marine Park with frequent dolphin sightings. Perfect for exciting snorkeling, it is also Lanai's only surfing beach.

Kanepuu Preserve

Owned by the Nature Conservancy, this dry forest area offers a glimpse into the geological pre-history of the Hawaiian Islands. The short walk is a fabulous photo opportunity, with over 49 plant species native to Lanai, including the sandalwood and Hawaiian gardenia, which are endangered.

Luahiwa Petroglyphs

These extremely well preserved bits of history are imprinted on 34 boulders.

Dining on Lanai

Lanai is home to a diverse ethnic population, and the food reflects this cultural gathering by embracing the techniques and ingredients of Filipino, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, and traditional native Hawaiian heritages. Enjoy the sensual flavors of haupia, a custard-like coconut sweet, and the snack treat called pu-pu, which translates as a small fish but actually means any kind of hors d'ouerves. Local produce includes superior seafood, delectable fruits, and wild game fused into creative inventions by master chefs.

Nightlife on Lanai

The nightlife is modest and virtually entirely contained within the resorts, but there is a remarkable variety of entertainment available relative to the limited venues. There are activities for all, from dance parties on the beach, to comedy acts, to folk music performances. Check with your concierge nightly to see what is lined up for the evening, because many activities are impromptu and you might miss them if you stick to pre-printed schedules!

For more Travel Tips and Advice for your Lanai Vacation, Lanai Honeymoon or Wedding on Lanai - ask a Hawaii Travel Advisor!

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