Lanai
Lanai The Pineapple Isle!
Lanai stands as a serene oasis in the Pacific, inviting travelers to unwind amidst its natural beauty and intimate charm. Whether exploring the marine wonders of Hulopoe Bay, discovering the mystical landscapes of the Garden of the Gods, or savoring local cuisine in Lanai City, every moment on this island is a celebration of tranquility and authenticity. Embrace the allure of Lanai, where simplicity meets sophistication, and experience the heart of Hawaii in its purest form. Aloha and welcome to the tranquil embrace of Lanai!
Surf Spots
Lanai Surf Spots
Polihua Beach: This remote beach on the northwestern coast of Lanai is one of the best surf spots on the island. The waves can get big, so it’s best for experienced surfers.
Lopa Beach: This beach on the eastern coast of Lanai has some good surf breaks, but it can be tricky to find the right spot. It’s best to go with a local guide.
Manele Bay: This beautiful beach on the southern coast of Lanai can have some fun waves, but it’s best to check the conditions before heading out.
Shark Fin Cove: This small cove on the southwestern coast of Lanai can have some good waves, but it’s best for experienced surfers.
Shipwreck Beach: This long, sandy beach on the northern coast of Lanai can have some fun waves, but it can also be dangerous due to strong currents.
Club Lanai: This private beach club on the eastern coast of Lanai can have some good waves, but it’s only accessible to members and guests of the club.
Hulopoe Bay: This popular beach on the southern coast of Lanai can have some small waves, but it’s best for beginners or longboarders.
The Four Seasons Resort at Manele Bay: This luxurious resort on the southern coast of Lanai has a protected cove that can have some small waves, but it’s best for beginners.
Kaumalapau Harbor: This small harbor on the southwestern coast of Lanai can have some small waves, but it’s best for beginners or longboarders.
Kaiolohia (Shipwreck Beach) Cove: This small cove on the northern coast of Lanai can have some small waves, but it’s best for beginners or longboarders.
Hiking Trails
Lanai Hiking Trails
Munro Trail: This 12.8-mile trail runs through the center of Lanai and offers panoramic views of the island’s rugged landscape.
Kaunolu Trail: This 2.2-mile trail starts at the Kaunolu Village site and winds along the coastline, offering stunning views of the ocean and the island’s cliffs.
Shipwreck Beach Trail: This 2.2-mile trail starts at the parking area for Shipwreck Beach and winds along the coast, offering views of the beach, ocean, and the island’s rugged terrain.
Koloiki Ridge Trail: This 4.4-mile trail starts near the Cavendish Golf Course and winds through the hills of Lanai, offering panoramic views of the island’s interior and coastline.
Kaiolohia (Shipwreck) Trail: This 1.5-mile trail starts at the parking area for the Kaiolohia (Shipwreck) Beach and winds along the coast, offering views of the beach, ocean, and the island’s cliffs.
Puu Pehe Trail: This 0.6-mile trail starts at Hulopoe Bay and leads to the top of Puu Pehe, also known as Sweetheart Rock, offering stunning views of the ocean and the island’s coast.
Kanepuu Preserve Trail: This 1.5-mile trail winds through the Kanepuu Preserve, a rare dryland forest on Lanai that is home to a variety of native plant species.
Polihua Beach Trail: This 4.2-mile trail starts at the end of the dirt road that leads to Polihua Beach and winds through the island’s interior, offering views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
Munro Trail to Lanaihale: This 5.5-mile trail is a branch of the Munro Trail and leads to the summit of Lanaihale, the highest point on Lanai, offering panoramic views of the island and the surrounding ocean.
Kaiholena Trail: This 3.2-mile trail starts at Kaiholena Beach and winds along the coastline, offering views of the beach, ocean, and the island’s cliffs.
Golf Courses
Lanai Golf Courses
The Challenge at Manele: Located at the Four Seasons Resort Lanai, this 18-hole, par-72 golf course is designed by Jack Nicklaus and offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
The Experience at Koele: Also located at the Four Seasons Resort Lanai, this 18-hole, par-72 golf course is designed by Greg Norman and offers challenging play through wooded terrain.
Cavendish Golf Course: This 9-hole golf course in Lanai City is located in the center of the island and offers a fun, relaxed golf experience for players of all skill levels.
The Lodge at Koele Golf Course: This 18-hole golf course is located in the cool uplands of Lanai and features lush green fairways and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
Manele Golf Course: Designed by Jack Nicklaus, this 18-hole, par-72 golf course is located on the southern coast of Lanai and offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.
Challenge Course: This 9-hole, par-3 golf course is located at the Four Seasons Resort Lanai and is perfect for golfers looking for a quick round or beginners looking to improve their skills.
Munro Trail Golf Course: Located in the uplands of Lanai, this 9-hole golf course offers panoramic views of the island’s rugged landscape.
The Experience Golf Course: Designed by Greg Norman, this 18-hole, par-72 golf course is located at the Four Seasons Resort Lanai and offers a challenging and scenic golf experience.
Koele Golf Course: This 18-hole golf course is located in the cool uplands of Lanai and features beautiful fairways and greens surrounded by lush vegetation.
Lana’i City Golf Course: This 9-hole golf course is located in the heart of Lanai City and offers a fun and affordable golf experience for players of all skill levels.
Bike Trails
Lanai Bike Trails
Munro Trail: This 12.8-mile trail is perfect for mountain biking and offers panoramic views of the island’s rugged interior.
Koloiki Ridge Trail: This 4.4-mile trail is another great option for mountain biking and offers challenging climbs and scenic views of the island’s interior.
Shipwreck Beach Trail: This 2.2-mile trail is a fun and easy ride that offers stunning views of the coastline and the island’s cliffs.
Lana’i City to Kaumalapau Harbor: This 10-mile ride starts in Lanai City and winds through the island’s interior before descending to Kaumalapau Harbor on the west coast.
Polihua Beach Trail: This 4.2-mile trail is a challenging ride that takes you through the island’s interior before descending to Polihua Beach on the northwest coast.
Kanepuu Preserve Trail: This 1.5-mile trail winds through the Kanepuu Preserve and is a great option for beginner bikers or those looking for a leisurely ride.
Keomoku Road: This 9-mile dirt road winds through Lanai’s pine forests and offers scenic views of the island’s interior.
Palawai Basin Road: This 6-mile road winds through the Palawai Basin and offers views of Lanai’s rugged landscape and coastline.
Kaunolu Trail: This 2.2-mile trail is a challenging ride that starts at the Kaunolu Village site and winds along the coastline, offering stunning views of the ocean and the island’s cliffs.
Hulopoe Bay to Manele Bay: This 2-mile ride takes you along Lanai’s stunning southern coastline, offering breathtaking views of the ocean and the islands of Maui and Kahoolawe in the distance.
Attractions
Lanai Attraction
Garden of the Gods: Located in the northwestern part of Lanai, the Garden of the Gods is a unique geological site that features a lunar-like landscape of rock formations and red soil.
Munro Trail: This scenic hiking trail winds through the central part of Lanai and offers panoramic views of the island’s rugged landscape.
Lanai Culture and Heritage Center: This museum in Lanai City showcases the island’s rich cultural heritage and history through exhibits and artifacts.
Shipwreck Beach: Located on the northern coast of Lanai, Shipwreck Beach is a long stretch of sand that is known for its rugged beauty and large waves. The beach is a popular spot for beachcombing and hiking.
Lanai Cat Sanctuary: This non-profit organization provides a sanctuary for hundreds of cats on the island of Lanai. Visitors can take a tour of the sanctuary and interact with the cats.
Hulopoe Bay Marine Preserve: This protected marine reserve on the southern coast of Lanai is home to a variety of marine life, including Hawaiian green sea turtles and spinner dolphins.
Lanai Pine Sporting Clays: This shooting range in the central part of the island offers clay target shooting in a scenic outdoor setting.
Puu Pehe (Sweetheart Rock): This iconic rock formation off the coast of Manele Bay is a popular spot for sunset viewing and photography.
Koloiki Ridge Trail: This hiking trail in the central part of Lanai offers scenic views of the island’s interior and coastline.
Beaches
Lanai Beaches
Hulopoe Bay: This is one of the most popular beaches on Lanai, with crystal-clear water and white sand. It’s a great spot for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing.
Manele Bay: This beautiful beach is located next to Hulopoe Bay and is another great spot for swimming and snorkeling.
Polihua Beach: This remote beach on the northwestern coast of Lanai is a great spot for swimming and surfing, but be aware that the surf can be rough.
Shipwreck Beach: This long, sandy beach on the northern coast of Lanai is a great spot for swimming and sunbathing, but be aware that there can be strong currents.
Kaumalapau Harbor: This small harbor on the southwestern coast of Lanai is a great spot for swimming and fishing.
Club Lanai: This private beach club on the eastern coast of Lanai has a beautiful pool and is a great spot for swimming and sunbathing.
The Four Seasons Resort at Manele Bay: This luxurious resort has a beautiful pool and is a great spot for swimming and relaxing.
Kaiolohia (Shipwreck Beach) Cove: This small cove on the northern coast of Lanai is a great spot for swimming and snorkeling.
Shark Fin Cove: This small cove on the southwestern coast of Lanai is a great spot for swimming and sunbathing.
Puu Pehe Beach: This secluded beach on the southern coast of Lanai is a great spot for swimming and relaxing, but be aware that the surf can be rough.
Hotel Deals
Towns Of Lanai
Lanai is a small island located in the Hawaiian archipelago, with a total land area of 140.5 square miles. The island has a population of around 3,100 people, and the main industries are tourism and agriculture.
There are only two towns on the island of Lanai, which are:
Lanai City: Located in the central part of the island, Lanai City is the largest town on the island and the main commercial and residential center. According to the 2020 United States Census, the population of Lanai City is 2,650 people.
Manele Bay: Located on the southern coast of Lanai, Manele Bay is a small community that is primarily focused on tourism. It is home to the Four Seasons Resort Lanai and the Manele Bay Harbor, which is the main point of entry for visitors arriving on the island by boat.
Overall, Lanai is a very sparsely populated island with limited economic activity. Its remote location and small size make it a popular destination for tourists looking for a secluded and peaceful getaway.
10 favorite coffee shops on Lanai:
Coffee Works: Located in Lanai City, Coffee Works is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. They offer a variety of coffee drinks, pastries, and light fare.
Blue Ginger Cafe: This cozy cafe in Lanai City is known for their organic coffee, smoothies, and breakfast items.
Pele’s Other Garden: This charming coffee shop in Lanai City offers a variety of coffee drinks, baked goods, and light fare.
Mike Carroll Gallery and Cafe: This art gallery and cafe in Lanai City serves coffee, tea, and light fare, and features local artists’ works.
Lanai Ohana Poke Market: This market in Lanai City serves delicious poke bowls, sandwiches, and coffee drinks.
Lanai Pine Sporting Clays & Coffee Farm: This coffee farm in the heart of Lanai offers coffee tastings and tours, as well as sporting clay shooting.
Island Cup: This food truck in Lanai City serves coffee, smoothies, and breakfast items.
Cafe 565: Located in Lanai City, Cafe 565 serves coffee drinks, sandwiches, and baked goods.
10 favorite family restaurants in Lanai.
Lanai City Grille: Known for its diverse menu and family-friendly atmosphere.
Blue Ginger Café: Offers a range of dishes suitable for families, including breakfast options.
Pele’s Other Garden: A casual spot with a variety of dishes to cater to different tastes.
Cafe 565: Popular for its local and international cuisine, suitable for families.
Lanai Ohana Poke Market: Great for families looking for fresh and flavorful poke bowls.
Richard’s Market: A local market where you can find fresh ingredients for a family picnic or meal.
Hotel Lanai Restaurant: Offers a historic setting and a family-friendly menu.
Surf to Summit Adventures & Café: Ideal for families seeking outdoor activities and a place to dine.
Blue Pineapple: A cafe with a relaxed atmosphere, serving breakfast and lunch options.
Four Seasons Resort Lanai Restaurants: If you’re looking for a more upscale experience, the resort offers dining options suitable for families.
Here are some options for boat and air transportation in Lanai:
Ferry: The Maui-Lanai Expeditions Ferry provides daily service between Lahaina Harbor on Maui and Manele Bay on Lanai. The ferry ride takes about 45 minutes each way and offers stunning views of the islands.
Charter Flights: There are several companies that offer private charter flights to Lanai from other Hawaiian islands. A popular company is Mokulele Airlines.
Commercial Flights: Hawaiian Airlines operates daily flights between Honolulu and Lanai’s airport, located in Lanai City.
Private Yachts: Manele Bay on Lanai’s southern coast is a popular destination for private yachts and sailboats. The harbor offers moorings and anchorage for vessels of various sizes.
Water Taxi: In addition to the Maui-Lanai ferry, there are also several water taxi companies that offer transportation between Lanai and other nearby islands, such as Molokai and Maui.
There are no public buses, and rental cars are not always available, so it’s a good idea to plan ahead and arrange for transportation in advance if possible.
Favorite fine dining on Lanai:
The Lodge at Koele: This luxury resort on Lanai offers fine dining at The Terrace, where seafood is the specialty.
One Forty American Steak: This restaurant at the Four Seasons Resort Lanai offers fresh seafood and steaks in a beautiful setting.
Nobu Lanai: This upscale Japanese restaurant at the Four Seasons Resort Lanai offers a range of seafood dishes, including sushi and sashimi.
Canoes Lanai: This waterfront restaurant in Lanai City serves fresh seafood, as well as burgers, salads, and other dishes.
Sensei Lanai, A Four Seasons Resort: This luxurious resort on Lanai has a restaurant that offers fresh seafood and other Hawaiian-inspired dishes.
Hot fishing spots on Lanai:
Manele Bay: This bay on the southern coast of Lanai is known for its abundant fish population, including yellowfin tuna, wahoo, and mahi-mahi.
Kaumalapau Harbor: This harbor on the western coast of Lanai is a popular spot for shore fishing, with a variety of fish species available.
Hulopoe Bay: This bay on the southern coast of Lanai is a popular spot for shore fishing, with a variety of fish species available.
Shark Fin Cove: This cove on the southern coast of Lanai is a popular spot for shore fishing, with a variety of fish species available.
Kapihaa Bay: This bay on the northern coast of Lanai is a popular spot for deep-sea fishing, with a variety of fish species available.
10 favorite ice cream shops on Lanai:
Local Gentry: This gift shop in Lanai City also serves ice cream from Roselani Ice Cream, a popular brand in Hawaii.
Coffee Works: This coffee shop in Lanai City also serves ice cream and sorbet made with locally sourced ingredients.
Mike Carroll Gallery and Cafe: This art gallery and cafe in Lanai City serves ice cream, as well as coffee and light fare.
Sensei Lanai, A Four Seasons Resort: This luxurious resort has an ice cream parlor that serves gourmet ice cream and sorbet.
Blue Ginger Cafe: This cafe in Lanai City also serves shave ice, a Hawaiian treat similar to a snow cone.
The Lodge at Koele: This luxury resort on Lanai offers homemade ice cream and sorbet at its restaurants.
Canoes Lanai: This waterfront restaurant in Lanai City serves a variety of desserts, including ice cream and sorbet.
Lanai City Bar & Grille: This restaurant in Lanai City serves a variety of desserts, including homemade ice cream.
Lanai Ohana Poke Market: This market in Lanai City also serves ice cream from Roselani Ice Cream.
Anuenue Juice Bar: This juice bar in Lanai City serves smoothies, acai bowls, and ice cream made with locally sourced ingredients.