Despite having a smaller area and laidback appearance, there are certain attractions in Lanai island of Hawaii, that you may consider visiting. The fact to be considered that due to limited amount of visitors coming, the majority of island seems untouched.
Lanai is also famous for its name “pineapple island”. At one time, Lanai is considered to produce 75% of worlds pineapples. It is unspoiled and untouched to such a level that you will hardly find any traffic lights on the roads.
Fun Fact about Lanai
Lanai is famous for the fact that, Larry Ellison, ORACLE CEO, is owning the 98% of land in Lanai as well as Four Seasons Lanai resort, which is one of the luxurious Hawaiian resorts. Lanai city is the home of more than 3000 Hawaiian who are working in 2% of the land owned by Hawaiian state. Northern part of Lanai has cooler weather whereas the southern western part is hot.
Navigating in Lanai Island
One thing you might be wondering is, how to navigate in lanai. Considering the population of 3000 residents, do you think it makes feasible to allow for good transportation. Yes, your guess is right. There is a single taxi service, but no public transport available. All the visitors planning to visit Lanai must rent a vehicle, usually 4WD is recommended. There are few car rentals in Lanai, some accept cards while a couple may accept only cash.
Lanai off road
On average, per day cost is around $150. Guest of the Four seasons Lanai can take the service of shuttle bus which is complimentary. There is also an option to get a private SUV from the Lanai Four seasons resort for airport travel. This is costing around $70-90. You must ensure early booking of the cars as they are in short supply. There is a Lanai city service, which can help you get to lanai city. Four seasons has special cars for its guests which can be rented.
Please check with the service provider that how much a tow truck will cost, in case you have a problem with your 4WD. On average it will cost $500.Also check with the service provider if you can take the 4WD to any unpaved road.
Attractions in Lanai
Compared to other Hawaiians islands, Lanai has limited tourist attractions. These are
- Hulopoe Beach Park
- Manele Boat Harbor
- Sweetheart Rock(Puu Pehe)
- Manele Golf Course
- Lanai City
- Lanai Culture and heritage Centre
- Garden of gods
- Polihua Beach
- Shipwrecks Beach
- Lanai Petroglyphs
- Luahiwa petroglyphs Lanai
- Cat Sanctuary
Hulopoe Beach Park | Lanai
Hawaii tourists can use ferry from Maui to Lanai to arrive at Manele Boat Harbour, and return journey to Maui, by ferry is also performed at this point. You can have a 10-15 mins walk to reach Hulopoe beach Park. There are paid camping options at the beach park.
Hulopoe Beach park in Lanai is one of the beaches among Hawaiian islands, that appears to be in unspoiled state. You will find lovely white sand and find a charm to walk on it, while watching dark blue waters. Beach is very clean, there are restroom facilities, showers, and shaded areas.
Hulopoe Beach lanai
It is an ideal family beach for snorkelling and swimming activities but not good for surfing sometimes. However, there is no coastal guard, and if you are not confident for your swimming, please avoid. In any case, you should bring your own equipment, as there is no shop at the beach. There are picnic tables and some BBQ pits which make Hulopoe park to be a great picnic location.
If you walk to the south of Hulopoe beach, there is possibility to see spinner dolphins next to the sweetheart rock. In Whale season (December to March), you may see some humpback whales too. Even if you don’t find dolphins, and whales sweetheart rock view is still worth the effort to walk along the coast, until you see it.
Just behind the Hulopoe beach, slightly right, you will find the four seasons resort. Manele Golf Course is also in the vicinity of this area.
Visiting Lanai City
Lanai city is located at the centre of island. From the Manele Harbor, you can reach the city in 25-30 mins as its distance is around 10 miles. Lanai city is the only place on island where vehicle fuel can be refilled. Lanai visitors, if not staying at four seasons resort Lanai or Camping at Hulopoe beach, will probably visit Lanai city for the night stay.
Things to do in Lanai City
The first thing to do in the Lanai city to visit is Lanai Culture and heritage centre. Entry is free, however, considering the fact that its well curated, you can donate something. At the museum you will find how native Hawaiians lived and travelled. You will find pictures and pots used by ancient Hawaiians.
In front of the museum you will find Dole Park which has considerable pine trees. The grass of the park is perfect for children to play. You can also find small shops selling local products.
Garden of the gods Lanai
One of the famous destinations in Lanai island is Garden of the gods. It is termed as the off road drive (difficult) that is recommended to be covered by a 4WD(4 wheel drive). All you will see along the trail is a dirt road and red clay, grass and bushes on the sides of it. While you will be driving here, there is nothing else that you may think of in terms of commercial attractions (no shops, gas stations, restaurants).Perhaps, you may find god in the remote wilderness.
garden of gods lanai
Road can be bumpy and rocky at certain points, therefore, before getting your 4WD/jeep/truck, ensure the tires are in good shape. You may be jumping off your seats every few seconds. Watch your head. At certain areas where you will see small rocks stacked next to each other, which are considered to have cultural significance.
Some part of the garden is so rugged that you feel like in a remote planet in Hollywood movies. There are definitely some sharp turns so keep your speed optimum. In fact, the trail will ensure you are going at the slowest speed.
It is always advised to check the status of roads, before starting your garden of gods trail journey as it makes difficult to travel by certain areas in rainy weather.
Polihua Beach Lanai
Moving on from the Garden of gods, on the same trail, you can reach Polihua Beach after driving for 10 miles. The beach is on the northern extreme of Lanai island. It is the remotest test beach on Island. You will find it to be empty and most secluded beach among Hawaiian islands. There are no guards, washrooms or any gear facilities. The beach has high waves and strong currents, and that is the reason for its emptiness. However the beauty is worth enjoying.
Sunset Lanai
Shipwrecks beach Lanai
Other attraction in Lanai that is worth visiting is the Shipwrecks beach(Kaiolohia), which is on northern eastern part of island. Once you get out of the city, there are no signs to guide you to reach shipwrecks beach. You can see an abandoned ship from world war ii which is stranded since then.
Some visitors find the drive to shipwrecks beach to be adventurous but don’t get the wow factor when reaching the destinations. The beach is not good for snorkelling but beachcombing.
Shipwrecks beach view Lanai
You may see a couple of people Camping here, however, officially only Hulopoe Beach is designated for camping in Lanai. Just like the garden of gods drive, if you have back problems, its better to avoid any unpaved roads drive in Lanai.
Lanai petroglyphs
Closer to the shipwrecks beach is Lanai petroglyphs site. It is a half mile walk away but may require a serious effort, specially if the weather is too hot. According to some visitors, it requires serious search to find the drawings and art work, however, following the trail can show the worn out petroglyphs.
It is important to know that Lanai has two separate places which have petroglyphs. One is close to shipwrecks beach, and called Lanai petroglyphs. The other one is closer to Lanai city and called Luahiwa petroglyphs. Lanai and the Big Island have the remains from the ancient Hawaiian petroglyphs.
Luahiwa petroglyphs Lanai
If you are interested in exploring the Hawaiian rock art from ancient era, you may visit Luahiwa petroglyphs in Lanai. You can locate these outside lanai city after driving for 10 mins in direction of Palawai Basin. It is said that these petroglyphs are spread over 3 acres, however, the major density is around 30 rocks located on a hill. There are numerous characters incised on various boulders.
Visiting the Lanai Cat Sanctuary in Lanai
Lanai cat sanctuary was built to save the local birds from being prey to feral cats . It has a population of more than 500 cats. Cats from the island are brought here and kept well. The bird population has definitely increased.
For cat lovers, its is a heaven and must visit place. Upon entering the lanai cat sanctuary, it is a normal practice to give cat food to visitors who can feed the cats. You will be having a unique experience where around 25-35 cats are sitting around you and waiting for food.
cat sanctuary Lanai
It is recommended that you are wearing proper shoes, instead of sandals as there are bushes on the way to cat houses. Entry to the cat sanctuary is free, and you don’t have to pay anything. However, as this place runs on donations, its good to donate what you can. Its better to bring cash for donations. You can even adopt a cat of your choice.
The sanctuary is open from 10 AM to 3 PM. The sanctuary is open for the whole year. It is also advised to check their website for recommended mode of transport for coming from airport or Lahaina port. You can buy juice and other cold drinks at the sanctuary. Sanctuary is located around 1 mile from the airport. The address is 1 Kaupili Road, Lanai City, Hawaii 96763.
General Tips to travel to Lanai
- Outside the lanai city, mobile signals can be scarce in some places.
- Regarding camping on any of the beaches in Lanai, its always advised to check with locals, as the Hawaiian government camping site does not mention about any hiking permits.
- There are no lights on the roads.
- Area to the north of Lanai city is mostly bumpy and dirt trail and only suitable to explore 4WD or truck.
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