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More often than not, you will have an entire stretch of sand all to yourself. It's no wonder Lanai is known as Hawaii's "Most Exclusive Island." While most visitors seem to enjoy just sitting and soaking it all in, you can also choose among popular water sports including snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing, and deep-sea fishing. One of the island's most prized attractions is glorious Hulopoe Bay, a marine conservation area prized by divers and snorkelers for its vivid tropical reef fish. Here you can spend days splashing in the warm waters, where spinner dolphins are just as likely to frolic.
Getting Around
Resort guests have access to shuttle buses that link Manele Bay Hotel with the Lodge at Koele, the airport and stops in town and along the way. Inquire with your hotel concierge desk. Depending on your lodging arrangements, you may be met at the airport and transported to where you'll stay.
Lana`i is unique among the Hawaiian Islands in many respects. For one thing, it has only about 25 miles of paved road. The rest of the roads are Lana`i's famous red dirt. And since Lana`i doesn't get too much rain in the lower elevation plains, most of these roads are usually dry and dusty. But when it rains, the roads can be a mess. The mountain Munro Trail is known to be difficult after a rain, so those going offroad must be aware of this and check on the local road conditions first.
Whether you're exploring Lana`i by bike, car, on foot or otherwise, a good map would be helpful. The Map of Moloka`i and Lana`i, by James Bier, published by the University of Hawai`i Press, is an excellent detailed full color topographic map of the two islands. It's a very useful resource to navigating your way and finding the special attractions and sights on each island. Look for the latest edition in shops around the islands.
The airport is about 3½ miles southwest of Lana`i City in the Palawai Basin, a wide open dry plain formerly used for pineapple plantation fields. Lana`i City, where most of the island's 3,000 souls live, is located almost exactly in the middle of this irregular lima-bean-shaped island. To the east are the hills and summit of Lana`ihale - at 3,370 feet, the island's highest point. Dry, sloping gulches and valleys from the higher interior taper down to the coastline all around the island.
Lana`i City has a fortuitous location at the 1,700-foot elevation level near the foothills of the island's main mountain. This keeps the town's climate delightfully cool and breezy compared to the surrounding dry, dusty and hot plains, where the pineapples used to grow. The town is marked by towering Norfolk Island pine trees planted years ago. In the afternoon when the tradewinds pick up, it's not unusual for banks of clouds and light mists to come blowing through the town and the towering pine trees. This gives the town a cool, quasi-alpine atmosphere.
From town, it is about 7½ miles south to the Manele Bay Hotel, Challenge at Manele Golf Course and Hulopo'e Beach Park. The Lodge at Koele sits just at the northeast edge of town, along with the Experience at Koele Golf Course. From just past the Lodge at Koele, the Keomuku Road #430 descends 8½ miles downslope to the northeast coast, Shipwreck Beach and other sites along the Keomuku coastal road. The Polihua Road extends west just past the Lodge at Koele for 6½ miles. This is nothing more than a dirt road running through old pineapple fields now used for cattle grazing. The road passes through the Kanepu`u Dryland Forest Reserve and the Garden of the Gods, with its artsy rock formations and wind-eroded hillsides, before descending on a very rugged 4WD road to Polihua Beach on the northwest coast.
The Kaumalapau Highway 440 is the road that runs about eight miles from town to the airport and continues downslope to Kaumalapau Harbor, where the supply barges from Honolulu land Lana`i's weekly shipment of goods and groceries. It's not much of a scenic drive but it does provide a view of the island's west coast area.
You won't find a lot of traffic on Lana`i and what traffic there is will be moving slow. So drive with caution. The roads won't allow fast driving, except perhaps for a stretch across the Palawai Basin from Manele Bay or the airport. But Lana`i is so small, there's no need to hurry.
Lana`i is about as rural and laid-back as Moloka`i, maybe more so. And, like Moloka`i, it doesn't have even one traffic light as yet. So take your time and enjoy this delightful little corner of Hawai`i, a place with one foot still in the past.
Car Rentals & Car Service
Rental cars and Jeeps are expensive on Lana`i, much higher than other areas of Hawai`i. But a rental car or Jeep may be your best bet if you intend to see some of the backroad areas or sights on Lana`i. If you plan to stay at either of the two major resorts and not venture much beyond them, you probably won't need your own vehicle. You could rely on the resort shuttles or book a tour to see the Lana`i sights. But if you like the freedom and independence of having your own wheels, explore at your leisure and discover the treasures of Lana`i's famed Munro Trail across the highest peaks, Shipwreck Beach and the unique Garden of the Gods area of west Lana`i. Typical daily rental rates are: Jeep Wrangler $119; compact 4-door $60; minivan $129; large van $175.
Lana`i City Service (a Dollar Rent A Car outlet), This operator specializes in renting 4x4 Jeep Wranglers to explore Lana`i's backcountry mountain and coastal offroad areas. They also have compact 4-door cars, mini-vans and deluxe 15-passenger vans for large groups. Rentals include airport and/or hotel transport/pickup, personal briefing on Lana`i attractions, sites, operation of the Jeep 4x4 and a Jeep Safari guidebook on Lana`i.
Rabaca's Limousine Service, This operator provides airport/hotel shuttle service as well as custom-designed tours on Lana`i.
Bicycle-Moped Rentals & Tours
If you want a biking adventure on Lana`i, you'll find the island well adapted to it. The low traffic roads lend themselves well to casual exploration, whether along the high mountain ridge Munro Trail and through the forest or a downhill trek to Shipwreck Beach and along the northeast shore to historic sites, or even exploring the incredible rock formations of the Garden of the Gods on the island's west end.
Lana`i City Service, In addition to their rental cars, Jeeps and vans, they also have bicycle rentals and mopeds by the day or week; call for current rates.
Chris' Adventures, This outfitter offers day trips to Lana`i from Maui via ferry boat. Bikers then tackle the daunting and beautiful Munro Trail, which follows the island's highest mountain ridges and forests for scenic views of valley, gorge and coastline. This is a day-long trek for experienced riders only. Rates begin at about $110 per person.
Touring Lana`i
The following operators can provide island tours on Lana`i to the major sights and attractions, plus other adventure activities as well. Call them for details. Standard hiking adventures begin at $69 per person. Standard kayaking adventures begin at $89 per person. Half-day guided van tours of Lana`i begin at $75 per person.
Lana`i Adventure Company, This outfitter specializes in sea kayaking, snorkeling and hiking excursions around Lana`i. Enjoy the clear waters surrounding Lana`i and see dolphins, sea turtles and reef fish in their natural environment. Hike and explore Lana`i's rolling hills and valleys, cool mountain highlands, dryland gulches and windswept coastlands. Discover something of the old culture and lifestyle of Lana`i long ago.
Lana`i City Service, This operator offers fully guided 4x4 van tours of Lana`i. This is a comfortable air-conditioned van tour to some of the best sites on the island, such as the Munro Trail and Shipwreck Beach. Includes continental breakfast on the mountain slopes of the Munro Trail and time to beachcomb the remote coastal beaches of the north side of Lana`i. Tours are half-day, but custom tours can be arranged.
Lana`i's Best Activites
On Foot
There are many backcountry 4x4 vehicle roads, hunters' trails and foot trails across the island that are suitable for day hiking. Check with the hotel concierge or The Lana`i Company for details on other roads and trails not listed here. The Lana`i Company, runs most hotels and lodging on the island and oversees the visitor industry.
Koloiki Ridge Hike is a three-hour, five-mile round-trip beginning behind The Lodge at Ko`ele. Pick up a brochure/map of the hike from the hotel concierge. The trail heads uphill from the golf course clubhouse, winding along the ridge above Kaiholena Valley. Follow the trail markers. As the trail ascends, it passes the golf course fairways and leads to the "Cathedral of Pines," a tall stand of Norfolk Island pine trees. The trail continues on into Hulopo`e Valley and links up with the mountain ridge Munro Trail, a well-traveled cross-island backroad. Turn right onto the Munro Trail heading to Kukui Gulch. The Munro Trail can be very muddy and slippery in wet weather. It passes through a thick patch of yellow ginger on the opposite side of the road from Kukui Gulch. The next marker is at an area of colorful eroded bare hills. Just past this point is a stand of large sisal plants, resembling desert agave plants. Around a sharp curve there is a straight stretch of road. About 50 yards past the curve, take a left turn. Watch for a trail marker. The trail here heads through a tunnel of low thicket branches that leads to Koloiki Ridge. Out of the trees, the trail opens to stunning vistas of rugged east Lana`i, including Naio Gulch and Maunalei Valley. Continue on to a stand of Norfolk Island pines at trail's end on Koloiki Ridge. This area is brushed with cooling tradewinds and a view making the hike well worth it. Return to The Lodge at Ko`ele the same way.
Munro Trail (see On Wheels section below) is a 10½-mile backcountry 4x4 vehicle trail that is also used for biking and hiking. The road crosses the highest mountain ridges and peaks on Lana`i and provides some of the most spectacular vistas on the island. This is not an easy hike and can be muddy and slippery in wet weather. The trail runs from a mile west of The Lodge at Ko`ele on Highway 430, the Keomuku Road, to about 4½ miles east of Lana`i City on Highway 440, the Manele Road. The road follows the mountain ridges to Lana`ihale, the island's highest point at 3,370-foot elevation. On a clear day, there are steep gulches and valleys to see, views of Palawai Basin and the old pineapple plantation fields, dense forest areas and swirling misty clouds. At the higher elevations, the cooling tradewinds can be quite gusty. The eastern end of the road passes through old pineapple fields before linking with the Manele Road and this is one of Lana`i's famous dusty red dirt roads. You might see Axis deer, wild turkeys and other game animals and birds along the way. Take lots of water and snacks.
Polihua Beach Trail, five-mile round-trip, is at the west end of the island and begins after passing through the Garden of the Gods area, 6½ miles west of The Lodge at Ko`ele. The Garden of the Gods is a colorful area of wind-eroded rock formations and exposed cliffsides. The trail down to the beach becomes very narrow and rugged at a point past the open eroded rock formations. The trail terminates at a small sandy beach on this windswept northwest tip of the island. There is a large area of shifting sand dunes formed over the ages by the relentless wind. The beach is a seasonal nesting ground for the protected Hawaiian sea turtles. This is a warm, dry, sunny area so take lots of water and sunscreen.
Lanai Golf & Tennis
Both of Lana`i's resort hotels have tennis courts for guest use. There is also a public court at the school in Lana`i City.
Cavendish Golf Course is a public nine-hole, par-36 short course at the edge of town and in front of the nearby Lodge at Koele. The course is free to residents and resort guests. Others who use it are expected to leave a donation for maintaining the course.
The Experience at Koele is a cool 18-hole golf layout in the high country behind Lana`i City at 2,000-foot elevation. The fairways meander across hilly terrain among dense stands of forest and brushlands. They are marked by deep ravines with stands of pine, koa and eucalyptus trees. Cool gusty tradewinds blow clouds of mist through the course. The course is also marked by a number of ponds and flowing streams. It was designed by golf professional Greg Norman and is one of Hawai`i's classic courses. It has received wide acclaim.
The Challenge at Manele is a beautiful oceanside golf layout of 18 holes extending from behind Hulopo`e Bay and the Manele Bay Hotel to Kaluakoi Point and Huawai Bay. The course was sculpted from natural lava fields and rocky outcroppings. Golf legend Jack Nicklaus designed the course. Three holes use the Pacific Ocean as a water hazard, making for a thrilling challenge. From most any point on the course, there are expansive vistas of ocean, beach, bay and blue sky. This course has also received wide acclaim. Greens fees are $125.
Lanai Shopping
Lana`i's town center surrounds Dole Park right in the heart of town. The park has magnificent towering Norfolk Island pines planted many years ago. The town location upcountry gives it a generally comfortable climate with cooling breezes. The handful of shops and stores around Dole Park on Seventh and Eighth Streets make for interesting small-town browsing and exploring. A shopping venture will also give you a glimpse into the lifestyle of a very small, quite isolated rural community in modern Hawai`i.
Richard's Shopping Center, 565-6407, is a general store with groceries, clothing and more.
Dis N' Dat Shop,565-6061, is a general sundry store with a little of everything and some unique gifts.
Akamai Trading, 565-6587, sells sundries, with snacks, small gifts and souvenirs.
Pine Isle Market, 565-6488, is a general store with groceries, liquor, sundries.
Lana`i Family Store, 565-6485, carries clothing, accessories.
Maria M's Boutique, 565-9577, carries clothing for women and children.
Heart of Lana`i, 565-6678, is a gift shop with made-on-Lana`i arts and crafts, products and gifts.
Lana`i Art Program, 565-7503, carries locally made arts and gifts.
Lanai Hunting
Adventurers can enjoy hunting on Lana`i for its famed Axis deer and Mouflon sheep as well as game birds like wild turkey, pheasant, partridge and quail. Non-resident license is required; fee is $100. For details, contact:
The Lana`i Company Game Management Office, The Lana`i Company, which oversees all operations on the island, has hunting packages available only for Axis deer. These guided hunts include permit and guide fee and are $750 per person; state hunting license fee of $100 is extra. Contact the game management office for details. All hunting must be arranged well in advance.
Department of Lands and Natural Resources, Game Management-Lana`i, or Forestry and Wildlife Division Information, no charge to calling party, ask for ENTERPRISE-6315. All other hunting on Lana`i for deer, sheep and game birds is seasonal and must be arranged in advance. Contact either number above for details and information; they can assist with arranging guides and licenses.
Lanai On Wheels
Lana`i has some fantastic backcountry roads that are a biker's delight. These country roads and trails will give you a view of Lana`i that few other visitors see, especially those who stay only at the island's resorts. Be sure to take along plenty of water, food, sunscreen and a hat for warm open sunny areas.
Munro Trail is a 10½-mile 4x4 vehicle trail that can also be a biker's ultimate challenge on Lana`i (see On Foot hiking section above). This is one of Lana`i best land adventures. The route passes over Lana`ihale, the highest mountain peak on the island. It follows the mountain ridges through high country forestlands and provides spectacular views of valleys, gulches and distant coastal areas. The trail is named after George Munro, manager of the Lana`i Ranch Company, who began a reforestation program for Lana`i in the 1930s. The narrow, winding and rugged road can be rutted, muddy and impassable during wet weather. It's also a chance to see the backside of Lana`i. Few visitors take this road.
Manele Bay Hotel-Lana`i City via Manele Road is a 7½-mile ride in either direction. This ride along a fine paved highway passes through the wide open spaces of the Palawai Basin, the old pineapple fields of the island. It is a warm, dry region buffeted by gusty trade winds. From the hotel to Lana`i City west is a steep winding ride the first 3.2 miles, leveling off at the flatlands of the basin. There is a gradual rise to Lana`i City in the distance for the final few miles. The town sits at the foot of the mountains and thus has a much cooler and breezier climate than the dry coastal areas. If you're riding back to the Manele Bay Hotel, it's mostly downhill.
Lana`i City-Garden of the Gods is a delightful country ride on one of Lana`i famous red dirt roads. Be prepared to get dusty! This is a 13-mile round-trip from The Lodge at Ko`ele at the west edge of town to the Garden of the Gods. The route begins at the tennis courts and horse stables and extends out through cattle pastures. It is a mostly flat country ride with only some slight, gradual climbs. If it's been wet, the road can be muddy and have ruts in places. The road continues on for over four miles to Kanepu`u Preserve, a dryland forest preserve of endangered native Hawaiian plants and trees maintained by The Nature Conservancy. Stop here to explore the preserve, watch for wild turkeys, pheasant, partridge, quail, and maybe even an Axis deer or two. The road continues another 1.7 miles before entering the Garden of the Gods area. This area is marked by unique and colorful rock formations and exposed cliffs, eroded by the strong tradewinds that scour the area. The early morning or late afternoon sun provides special lighting for nature photographers. Take lots of water and snacks.
Keomuku Road/Highway 430 is Lana`i's ultimate "downhill coast." This is an 8½-mile downhill ride on a paved but winding road to the remote north shore of the island. The road runs west from The Lodge at Ko`ele and turns north not far out. After a short stretch of flat road, as the saying goes, "its all downhill from here." The route winds along the ridge between Naio and Halulu Gulches. There are nice views of this north side of Lana`i, distant gulches and ravines, coastal areas, the reef and ocean. As you approach the road's end near the coast, to the left up the coast, the old World War II cargo ship stranded on the reef is visible. Thus the name given to "Shipwreck Beach." At the end of the road, you can go right to the site of old Keomuku Village and other historic sites further down the coast. But this is a rugged coastal road. You can also turn left and follow the coastal road to near Shipwreck Beach. You'll have to walk a mile or more to get really near the ship itself. And, unless you want to bike back up the hill you just came down on, you'd better have arranged a pickup to haul you and your bike back to the top.
Lanai Beaches
Hulopo`e Bay Beach Park is on the south coast just opposite the Manele Bay boat landing and anchorage, below the Manele Bay Hotel. This is a wide, golden beach with great body boarding, surfing and good for swimming. But beware of strong undertows in heavy surf conditions. Hulopo`e is a marine reserve and the snorkeling is also excellent, with lots of marinelife to be seen. This beach is listed in the annual "Top 10 Best Beaches" national survey conducted by the University of Maryland. Hulopo`e was rated the #1 beach in the US in that survey for 1997. Five other Hawai`i beaches made the top 10 listing.
Shipwreck Beach, near Kaiolohia Bay on the north shore near the end of Highway 430. The coast track running from road's end is for 4WD vehicles and passes long stretches of beach and rocky coastline. The beach gets its name from the large World War II-era liberty ship sitting high on the reef. This stretch of beach is good for exploring and sunning. Not recommended for swimming or snorkeling due to the strong currents throughout the area.
Club Lana`i is on the east coast seven-eight fairly rough bouncy 4WD miles along the coast from the end of Highway 430; this beach area is where ferries shuttle day visitors over from Maui for a day of relaxation and fun.
Lopa Beach is a couple of miles past Keomoku Village on the east coast trail and is a nice picnic site and beach area, good for sunbathing only; no swimming. Lopa has a gulch going inland and is noted as a summer south swell surfing area. It is the location of one of four ancient fishponds in the area.
Polihua Beach is on the far northwest tip of Lana`i and is accessible by a rugged 4WD trail leading downslope from the Garden of the Gods area. This is not a swimming beach, however, as it is often windy and rough surf is common. The area is marked by a long stretch of sand dunes and blowing sand can be extreme at times. The beach is noted for the sea turtles that nest here. In Hawaiian, poli means "cove or bay" and hua means "eggs." Thus, Polihua is a place where turtles lay their eggs. This is a scenic, windswept area remote from just about everything else on Lana`i. | 
