Everyone From Hawaii Should Take This One Awesome Vacation Before They Die
With no traffic – or any traffic lights – Lanai is the sixth largest Hawaiian Island, and the smallest inhabited Hawaiian Island at approximately 141 square miles. The island is home to approximately 3,100 residents, and is often known as the Pineapple Island, due to its history as an island-wide pineapple plantation.
With sweeping panoramic views, stunning beaches, and an excess of charm, a trip to Lanai truly is the vacation dreams are made of. While the island is small, a plethora of amazing activities makes planning a vacation overwhelming – luckily for you, we’ve highlighted the best of the best in terms of accommodations, activities, and even restaurants for your trip to this secluded island paradise.
The Hotel Lanai is located in Lanai City, and is set in a restored 1923 plantation home that was built for Dole pineapple executives.
The Lodge is currently closed and undergoing extensive renovations, and is set to open later this year.
The resort is home to sophisticated rooms and suites, as well as four luxury restaurants, two stylish bars, a pool, two hot tubs, and golf course.
The town features a variety of charming shops, boutiques, and eateries.
Keahiakawelo, also known as Garden of the Gods, is a magnificent rock garden located at the end of Polihua Road, 45 minutes from Lanai City. According to Hawaiian legend, the landscape is a result of a contest between two kahuna (priests) from Lanai and Molokai. They were challenged to keep a fire burning on their respective islands longer than the other. Kawelo, the kahuna from Lanai, used all vegetation in Keahiakawelo to keep the fire burning – which is why the area is so barren.
If you head about a half hour north of Lanai City – in a vehicle with four-wheel drive – you will find Shipwreck Beach, a windy eight-mile stretch of sand that has been the site of various shipwrecks. As a matter of fact, the hull of a 1940s ghostly oil tanker is still beached on the reef, giving the beach a sense of surreal beauty.
Both courses are meticulously designed, award-winning, and combine dynamic golf with beautiful views and dramatic natural terrain.
Experienced scuba divers will fall in love with the Cathedrals, underwater pinnacle formations formed by underwater lava tubes and illuminated by shimmering rays of light.
Named in honor of George Munro, the naturalist from New Zealand who arrived to Hawaii in 1890, the Munro Trail is a 12.8-mile, one lane dirt road that offers sweeping views of the gorgeous rainforest. The trail takes you to the top of the House of Lanai at 3,370 feet, and can also be biked or hiked.
Puu Pehe, often referred to as Sweetheart Rock, is not only a magnificent natural landmark but a geological formation steeped in Hawaiian legend.
The story goes that there were two lovers, a Hawaiian maiden named Pehe from Lahaina and a warrior from Lanai named Makakehua. He was extremely taken with her beauty, and he hid her in a sea cave at the base of Manele’s cliffs. One day, while gathering supplies, he noticed a storm coming and started back to Pehe, who had drowned by the massive waves. Makakehua was devastated and wailed out to his ancestors to help him climb the steep rock island where he eventually buried her and jumped into the pounding surf below.
The story goes that there were two lovers, a Hawaiian maiden named Pehe from Lahaina and a warrior from Lanai named Makakehua. He was extremely taken with her beauty, and he hid her in a sea cave at the base of Manele’s cliffs. One day, while gathering supplies, he noticed a storm coming and started back to Pehe, who had drowned by the massive waves. Makakehua was devastated and wailed out to his ancestors to help him climb the steep rock island where he eventually buried her and jumped into the pounding surf below.
Hulopoe Bay, a protected marine reserve, is a picturesque crescent-shaped bay ideal for snorkeling as well as a popular area for seeing spinner dolphins and even humpback whales.
So, what are you waiting for? There is never a wrong time to experience Lanai’s magnificent natural beauty and old world Hawaii charm.
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