Known as Hawaii's "Most Secluded Island," Lanai also holds the nickname "The Pineapple Island" because it was once home to the world's largest pineapple plantation (Dole). Since the phasing out of the pineapple industry in the early 1990’s, Lanai has transformed itself from a pineapple plantation into a five-star resort destination. Home to just 5,000 residents, couples searching for privacy and seclusion will love it -- those looking for a rollicking nightlife will not. Lanai is rich in ancient Hawaiian history, full of natural wonders, and an outdoor-lover’s paradise.
Location
The tiny island of Lanai sits in the middle of the Hawaiian Island chain, with Maui to the east, Molokai to the north and the grand Pacific Ocean to the west and south. Lanai was formed about 1.5 million years ago by the volcano Palawai and is currently about 140 square miles in size. The island has only 30 miles of paved roads, one airport, and one plantation village, Lanai City, where virtually the entire island population lives.
Weather/Conditions
Lanaionditions is in the rain-shadow of its neighbor island Maui. As such, it receives very little rain and, as noted by its baked red color, it is one of the driest islands in the chain. Lanai's climate is generally uniform throughout the year, with summer high temperatures ranging from 80-90 degrees Fahrenheit and winter low temperatures ranging between 54-67 degrees Fahrenheit. Because of the shelter provided by the larger neighbor islands, Lanai is not known for large waves, making it ideal for beachgoers favoring gentle surf conditions. Water temperatures range from approximately 80 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer to the mid- 70's in the winter, and the clear waters are known for being fantastic for diving.
Vibe
The island is an interesting mix of rugged and high end. Most of Lanai is only capable of being explored by 4x4 vehicles. Yet, Lanai is home to two five-star resorts and golf courses. The overall vibe is respectful, secluded and laid back.
Places to Stay
The island's main accommodations include the upscale Lodge at Koele, modeled after an English country manor; the elegant, seaside Manele Bay Hotel, a world-class resort situated near one of the island's finest beaches; and, the cozy and fairly inexpensive Hotel Lanai, which was originally built in 1923 to accommodate Dole Plantation executives. There are also a limited number of bed and breakfasts and rental homes scattered through the island's central region.
Shopping
If you’re looking for a little retail therapy, this isn’t the island for you. Lanai is best known for its outdoor activities like hiking, whale watching, sailing, snorkeling, and diving. However there are a few options, such as Mike Carroll Gallery, which features fine art, Lanai Plantation Store, featuring clothing and apparel, a shop at each of the resorts, plus a handful of general and grocery stores. If you’re in the mood to really shop, you can easily hop a ferry to Maui.
Transportation
Lanai offers no public transit system, but the island's hotels do offer guests free shuttle service to and from the airport. Car rentals are available, but since many of Lanai's attractions are found at the end of rugged dirt roads, you'll want a 4x4 vehicle to explore, which you’ll pay for – the average rate is about $130 per day. Cars are a bit less, averaging approximately $50 per day.
Top Attractions
Garden of The Gods
Approximately six miles northwest of Lanai City, in Kanepu’u, sits a windswept brick red, lunar landscape of rocks and giant boulders. At sunset, the brick-red terrain is bathed in a spectrum of desert hues.
Munro Trail
Accessible by foot, mountain bike, or 4-wheel-drive, this scenic seven-mile-long road follows the tip of the mountain to the island's highest point, Lanai'hale, at 3,370 feet. From here, you’re afforded breathtaking views of plunging canyons and the entire island of Lanai, and on a clear day, five other islands as well.
Shipwreck Beach
Down on the island's eastern coast lies Shipwreck Beach, a haven for beachcombers. Named for the remains of a World War II liberty ship rusting offshore in the channel between Lanai and Maui, this eight-mile strand captures everything from nautilus shells to timbers and assorted ocean-going debris. Some inland rocks even bear petroglyphs. The ocean here can be rough and is not recommended for swimming.