Lanai
Hawaii's tranquil "Pineapple Island," with luxury resorts, snorkeling at Hulopoe Bay, the Mars-like Garden of the Gods and Shipwreck Beach.
Lānaʻi is the sixth-largest of the Hawaiian Islands, lying west of Maui and part of Maui County. It covers about 364 km² and has around 3,000 residents. In the 20th century it was Dole's pineapple plantation, earning the nickname "Pineapple Island"; today 98% of the land is owned by Oracle founder Larry Ellison, and the island is a quiet, exclusive luxury retreat centered on two Four Seasons resorts. There are no traffic lights and only about 50 km of paved road; most sights are reached on red-dirt tracks, so renting a 4WD Jeep is the standard way to explore (roads are poor after rain, and rental companies prohibit some stretches).
The island divides into three areas: on the south shore, Manele–Hulopoe Bay is the hub for resorts and snorkeling, with Sweetheart Rock and the Fisherman's Trail within walking distance; in the central highlands, Lanai City—the only town—has Dole Park, small shops and restaurants, and the Culture & Heritage Center; the north and northeast hold the Garden of the Gods, Polihua Beach, Shipwreck Beach and the abandoned village of Keomuku, which take a full day of off-roading.
Getting there: take the Expeditions ferry from Lahaina Harbor on Maui to Manele Harbor in about 45–60 minutes (humpback whales are often seen in winter), or a small plane from Honolulu to Lanai Airport in about 35 minutes. It's warm and dry year-round, with whale season December–April. Plan 2–3 days; for a day trip, take the early ferry from Maui and focus on snorkeling Hulopoe Bay and Sweetheart Rock. Supplies and dining options are limited and pricey, so confirm your hotel and rental car before you go.
Top sights
- Hulopoe Beach – Lanai’s most beautiful white-sand bay, a marine preserve where you can snorkel among tropical fish. Spinner dolphins often swim into the ba…
- Puʻupehe (Sweetheart Rock) – A sea stack about 24 meters tall rising from the ocean, tied to a tragic legend. It is Lanai’s signature landmark.
- Keahiakawelo (Garden of the Gods) – A red-earth wasteland on the northern highlands, strewn with wind-eroded boulders. It is often described as Mars-like, and it is especially…
- Shipwreck Beach (Kaiolohia) – A desolate beach stretching more than 10 km along the northeast shore. Beyond the reef lies a concrete oil barge stranded during World War…
- Lanai City & Dole Park – A plantation town founded in the 1920s for pineapple workers. Around Dole Park, shaded by Cook pines, stand colorful wooden houses with sma…
- Munro Trail & Lānaʻihale – A forest dirt road along the island’s central ridge, climbing to the 1,026 m summit. On clear days you can see several other Hawaiian islan…
- Polihua Beach – An uninhabited white-sand beach about 3 km long on the northwest corner of the island, where green sea turtles come ashore to nest. You may…
- Kaunolū Village Site – A National Historic Landmark and one of the best-preserved ancient fishing village sites in Hawaii, with a temple platform and the fishing…
- Lanai Cat Sanctuary – An open-air shelter caring for more than 600 stray cats, where visitors can cuddle the cats freely while helping protect the island’s endan…
- Lānaʻi Culture & Heritage Center – A small museum beside Dole Park that tells the story of Lānaʻi, from ancient Hawaiian times through the ranching era to the pineapple plant…
- Luahiwa Petroglyphs – A group of boulder petroglyphs on a hillside about 3 km southeast of Lanai City, with hundreds of ancient figures including people, dogs an…
- Kapihaʻa Fisherman's Trail – A coastal trail along the lava cliffs of the south shore, passing ancient fishing village remains, with views back to Sweetheart Rock and c…
- Keomoku Village & Ka Lokahi o Ka Malamalama Church – An abandoned sugar plantation village among coconut palms on the east coast, where the wooden Kalokahi Okamalamala Church of 1903 has been…
Where to eat
- Blue Ginger Cafe – A family-run longtime favorite in Lanai City, famous for its hearty loco moco and breakfast fried rice, and the island'…
- Lanai City Grill – A dinner restaurant inside the century-old Hotel Lanai, serving island pub fare with local venison and seafood, with li…
- Nobu Lanai – A Nobu outpost in the Four Seasons resort overlooking Hulopoe Bay, known for its miso black cod and yellowtail sashimi…
Itineraries
- Maui & Lanai: Road to Hana & Island Escape – Drive Maui's volcanic sunrise and the Road to Hana, then take the ferry to Lanai for a two-night stay.