Away from the crowds and hustle of everyday life, Lanai is a destination of exquisite, untouched tranquility. This Island is a true getaway. Here you can wrap yourself in the elegance of two world-class resorts and enjoy the peaceful seclusion that has earned Lanai the name, “Hawaii’s Most Enticing Island.”
The smallest inhabited island in Hawaii, Lanai offers big enticements to its visitors. Two high-caliber courses make it a mandatory stop for golfers. Enthralling sights like the rock formations of Keahiakawelo are scattered throughout the island. Plus its luxurious resorts offer ample opportunities to relax and rejuvenate. It’s true that Lanai isn’t for everybody. And that’s exactly why so many fall in love with it.
Lana’i was once known as the pineapple island, having been bought by pineapple grower James Dole in 1922 and turned into the largest pineapple plantation in the world. He also conceived its main town, Lana’i City, in the early 1920s as the hub of the fast-expanding pineapple industry. Today the plantation now covers less than 100 acres. So the company merged and refocused its efforts on tourism, building two exclusive resorts each with world-class championship golf courses created by golf legends Greg Norman and Jack Nicklaus. For those who want to get away from it all, Lana‘i is an ideal choice. It has 47 miles of coastline and is 13 miles by 18 at its widest point, yet with a population of only just over 3000 – most of whom live in Lana‘i City – and about 100,000 visitors a year, you can spend all day relaxing on a beach, hiking or playing golf without seeing another person. Microsoft boss Bill Gates ensured privacy when he got married and spent his honeymoon on Lana‘i in 1994 – he rented the entire island and invited just 130 guests to witness the 15-minute cliff-top ceremony.
Those without his billions may have to share paradise with a few other guests, and if they don’t want to just flop on a beach or relax in the hotels there are plenty of activities available.
Active options in Lana‘i, in addition to golf, include swimming off beautiful white-sand Hulopoe Beach, snorkelling off the cliff-lined west coast, and cycling or hiking the eight- mile Munro Trail through rainforest to Lanai’s highest point, Lana‘ihale. Among the island’s sights are the lava pinnacles of the Garden of the Gods and the ghost town of Keomuku, once a thriving sugar estate. Nearby Shipwreck Beach, which has a World War II rusting hulk on the shoreline, is excellent for beachcombing. This treacherous stretch of coast has claimed many vessels over the years as they tried to navigate the channel between Moloka‘i and Lana‘i. You can watch whales offshore in winter and see the ancient Luahiwa Petroglyphs, considered the
best-preserved in all Hawai‘i.
Quick facts:
- Experience some of the world’s finest golfing at Koele or Manele.
- Off-road up Munro Trail along the volcanic ridge of Lanaihale for spectacular views.
- Experience the moonlike rock formations of Keahiakawelo or the “Garden of the Gods.”
- See the hulking World War II-era ship still trapped on Shipwreck Beach.
Things to do
Unwind
Far away from skyscrapers, traffic, and crowds, this is an island beckoning you to take time out for yourself. Serene waters and secluded beaches offer the perfect places for reflection. Immaculate golf courses and an excess of outdoor activities help make leisure your top priority. World-class resorts offer the perfect sanctuaries for relaxation and revitalization. We all deserve some time to ourselves and Lanai is more than happy to oblige.
Indulge
Aspire to do less. Sleep in. Take the time to fully appreciate brunch. Under-plan your day. On Lanai, indulging yourself can be a full-time job.
At Lanai’s two opulent resorts, treat yourself to every blissful luxury. Linger over an exquisite dinner. Succumb to an hour and a half massage. Soak in the whirlpool until your toes prune. And if there’s time, perhaps you can make it to the beach. If not… oh well. Perhaps you can squeeze it in tomorrow.
General
Away from the crowds and hustle of everyday life, Lanai is a destination of exquisite, untouched tranquility. This Island is a true getaway. Here you can wrap yourself in the elegance of two world-class resorts and enjoy the peaceful seclusion that has earned Lanai the name, “Hawaii’s Most Enticing Island.”
The smallest inhabited island in Hawaii, Lanai offers big enticements to its visitors. Two high-caliber courses make it a mandatory stop for golfers. Enthralling sights like the rock formations of Keahiakawelo are scattered throughout the island. Plus its luxurious resorts offer ample opportunities to relax and rejuvenate. It’s true that Lanai isn’t for everybody. And that’s exactly why so many fall in love with it.
Lana’i was once known as the pineapple island, having been bought by pineapple grower James Dole in 1922 and turned into the largest pineapple plantation in the world. He also conceived its main town, Lana’i City, in the early 1920s as the hub of the fast-expanding pineapple industry. Today the plantation now covers less than 100 acres. So the company merged and refocused its efforts on tourism, building two exclusive resorts each with world-class championship golf courses created by golf legends Greg Norman and Jack Nicklaus. For those who want to get away from it all, Lana‘i is an ideal choice. It has 47 miles of coastline and is 13 miles by 18 at its widest point, yet with a population of only just over 3000 – most of whom live in Lana‘i City – and about 100,000 visitors a year, you can spend all day relaxing on a beach, hiking or playing golf without seeing another person. Microsoft boss Bill Gates ensured privacy when he got married and spent his honeymoon on Lana‘i in 1994 – he rented the entire island and invited just 130 guests to witness the 15-minute cliff-top ceremony. Those without his billions may have to share paradise with a few other guests, and if they don’t want to just flop on a beach or relax in the hotels there are plenty of activities available.
Active options in Lana‘i, in addition to golf, include swimming off beautiful white-sand Hulopoe Beach, snorkelling off the cliff-lined west coast, and cycling or hiking the eight- mile Munro Trail through rainforest to Lanai’s highest point, Lana‘ihale. Among the island’s sights are the lava pinnacles of the Garden of the Gods and the ghost town of Keomuku, once a thriving sugar estate. Nearby Shipwreck Beach, which has a World War II rusting hulk on the shoreline, is excellent for beachcombing. This treacherous stretch of coast has claimed many vessels over the years as they tried to navigate the channel between Moloka‘i and Lana‘i. You can watch whales offshore in winter and see the ancient Luahiwa Petroglyphs, considered the best-preserved in all Hawai‘i.
Quick facts:
Things to do
Unwind
Far away from skyscrapers, traffic, and crowds, this is an island beckoning you to take time out for yourself. Serene waters and secluded beaches offer the perfect places for reflection. Immaculate golf courses and an excess of outdoor activities help make leisure your top priority. World-class resorts offer the perfect sanctuaries for relaxation and revitalization. We all deserve some time to ourselves and Lanai is more than happy to oblige.
Indulge
Aspire to do less. Sleep in. Take the time to fully appreciate brunch. Under-plan your day. On Lanai, indulging yourself can be a full-time job. At Lanai’s two opulent resorts, treat yourself to every blissful luxury. Linger over an exquisite dinner. Succumb to an hour and a half massage. Soak in the whirlpool until your toes prune. And if there’s time, perhaps you can make it to the beach. If not… oh well. Perhaps you can squeeze it in tomorrow.
©2009 HAWAII VISITORS AND CONVENTION BUREAU
Contact & location
Hawaii, U.S.A.
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This travel guide also includes text from Wikitravel articles, all available at
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This travel guide also includes text from Wikipedia articles, all available at
View full credits