Hawaii Vacation Destination
Lanai
The smallest of the six principal islands of the Hawaiian archipelago, Lanai is for those seeking of a real getaway vacation where they can relax, enjoy the scenery and indulge themselves at one of the islands two upscale luxury resorts: the Lodge at Koele and the Manele Bay Hotel.
With a total landmass covering only 140 square miles, the population of Lanai is of an equally small scale at about 3,200 residents; most of which live in Lanai's only town, Lanai City. Nicknamed the Pineapple Isle, Lanai was at one time given over entirely to the world's largest pineapple plantation when the island was purchased by James Dole in 1922.
Today, although agriculture and ranching still play and important role in the economy of Lanai, the island is better known as an upscale vacation destination where the two luxury resorts, the Manele Bay Hotel and The Lodge at Koele, offer guests a posh and pampered stay. The island also features two championship golf courses, the Challenge at Manele and the Experience at Koele.
Aside from golf and opulent accommodations, Lanai offers quite a few things to see and do. Pictureque Hulopoe Beach is perfect for an idyllic swim; Kaunolu Village on the south side of the island is the location of some of the best-preserved ruins and petroglyph carvings from ancient Hawaii; Shipwreck Beach is a haven for beachcombers who never tire of finding Nautilus shells and other items given up from the sea; the windswept plateau known as the Garden of the Gods features an almost lunar-like lanscape of interesting rock formations; .
A short distance from Lanai City visitors will find the Munro Trail climbing up through stands of Norfolk pines, planted in the early 1900s by naturalist George Munro of New Zealand, and up to the highest point on the island, Lanaihale. The experience is unique and on a clear day, five other nearby islands are visible.
Lanai's Main Attractions
- Hulopoe Beach
- Munro Trail
- Shipwreck Beach
- Garden of the Gods
- Manele and Koele Championship Golf
Island Facts
- Official Island Flower: Kaunaoa
- Official Island Color: Orange
- Highest Point: Lanaihale - 3,370 feet
- Average Temperatures Range: 66° to 73° Fahrenheit