Just recently, I spent several days with Adam on Lānaʻi as part of the New Media Artist-in-Residence Program, and am suitably amazed by the sheer number of things to do on this small Hawaiian island.
On Lānaʻi, you’ll find about 3,000 residents, some of the reddest soil in the world, strange rockscapes, thick forests and deep valleys, and misty-soft views of clouds on the mountains of Molokaʻi and Māui. The water looks dark teal from the surface but is perfectly clear from below — and full of tropical fish. There are rolling hills, soaring cliffs, white-sand beaches (including the state’s longest), white egrets on wing, a scent of plumeria on the breeze and even a stable full of friendly horses.
You could come to Lānaʻi on a day trip from Māui (it’s about 30 minutes by ferry), but on an island that wants nothing more than to see you slow the heck down, it seems almost painful to rush the experience.
I’d recommend dedicating at least a long weekend and making Lānaʻi a trip unto itself.
With two “I-was-meant-for-this-lifestyle” Four Seasons resorts (Manele Bay and Lodge at Koele) and one comfortable, low-key Aqua Resorts property (Hotel Lanai) to choose from, you could have three separate Lānaʻi vacations: oceanside, countryside and gently amidst Lānaʻi City, the island’s one, quiet town.
But no matter where you stay (and this could easily be the secondary message of this entire blog), be a traveler and not just a guest. Go explore. It won’t take long on any given day, and you’ll find a fascinating history and adventures that will definitely surprise you.
For now, please allow me to introduce Lānaʻi — in pictures.
The ferry marina that welcomes (non-committal) day-trippers from Maui
Cook Island pine trees were brought to Lana'i in 1890 by a New Zealander named George Munro; on an island that generally gets little rain, these trees ingeniously capture moisture from the air
Manele Bay (pronounced ma-NEH-lay) is the focal point for the adjacent Four Seasons and a popular local spot for snorkeling, swimming and tidepooling; spinner dolphins come here almost every morning to play
Just opposite from Manele Bay, Shark's Cove has some of the island's best snorkeling and diving; you can hike alongside it to the top for a view of iconic Sweetheart Rock
The best pool on the island belongs to the Four Seasons Lana'i at Manele Bay
Enroute to the Kanepuu Preserve, home to about 50 kinds of carefully protected native plants, you'll wend your way through a forest of thin but sturdy ironwood trees
The Garden of the Gods is Lana'is own little Grand Canyon, a wholly unique landscape in Hawaii
On Lana'i, even the weeds are unusual -- and beautiful
The heart of Lana'i City is Dole Park, as in pineapples; from 1922 to 1985, the fruit was king on Lana'i, and everyone in town joined the business as soon as they turned 15
Beside Dole Park, you'll find a '59 Nash Metropolitan parked outside the Dis 'N Dat jewelry/tchotchke shop
The 7-mile Munro Trail bumps its winding way to the highest point on the island; hike it or take a 4 x 4
In the wake of the pineapple industry's departure, the island's red soil is almost entirely leached of nutrients; however, at the only working farm on Lana'i, locals Bennie and Alberta have managed to grow enough organic produce to sell in every market in town
Also impressive, the Victorian orchid house at the Lodge at Koele
...and Koele's well-manicured bougainvillea hedge
The shoreline fronting the Kolohi Channel is the longest stretch of white sand in the Hawaiian islands
Along this northern stretch of the island, you can find Shipwreck Beach, where the World War II vessel Liberty was long ago put out to a watery pasture
Not far from Shipwreck Beach, tucked underneath a tangle of mesquite, you'll find ancient Polynesian petroglyphs carved into the rocks; more can be found in the central south
Mists hang low over the East Lana'i Valley
For about 80 years, whole swaths of Lana'i were used for cattle ranching; now, the horses at Koele have the land to themselves
Cats on Lana'i have a shelter all to themselves, and you can go and volunteer -- or just get some snuggles
___________________________
See also
Lana’i: The Big Picture of a Tiny Island
__________________________
I am always interested in getting off the beaten path to places I have been before and Lana’i looks like just that for Hawaii!! I am dead set on seeing a volcano erupt, which is why I picked The Big Island this year, but next time I am out that direction, I’d probably hit somewhere like Lana’i:-).
Love the pictures!
Thanks for sharing about Lana’i. You never hear much about this beautiful island. I just love the cattle ranching photo. We hope to make it there next year while visiting Kauai. (@Elizbean375)