Why Lanai, Hawaii, should be more than a day trip on your itinerary
Lanai is the sixth largest in the Hawaiian Island chain — Photo courtesy of Maui Visitors Bureau
Planning a trip to Hawaii may include visions of Oahu’s iconic skyline complete with Diamond Head or witnessing the natural beauty of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, but the lesser-known Hawaiian island of Lanai offers something the other islands don’t: wide open spaces.
Known as the “Pineapple Isle,” thanks to its past as a Dole pineapple plantation, Lanai is the sixth largest in the Hawaiian Island chain.
Despite booming growth on neighboring islands, Lanai (also written as Lāna’i, the traditional spelling) has maintained the feeling of untouched Hawaii with its limited paved roads and no traffic lights. The slower pace makes unplugging achievable, thanks to limited Wi-Fi across the island.
With beaches that stretch without another person in sight, mountainous terrain dotted with Cook Pines, and a historic small town where everyone knows your name, the landscape may have you wondering what sort of magical world you’ve entered. The answer? Lanai. Here’s everything you need to know about the island.
Where is Lanai?
Lanai is known to some as “Pineapple Isle,” as it was once the largest pineapple plantation in the United States — Photo courtesy of Maui Visitors Bureau
The island of Lanai sits across the Auau Channel from the Hawaiian island of Maui. Only 140 square miles in size, Lanai is the smallest publicly accessible island in Hawaii.
Who owns Lanai?
While privately owned, Lanai is open to the public — Photo courtesy of Maui Visitors Bureau
Larry Ellison, cofounder of software giant Oracle Corporation, owns 98% of Lanai, which he purchased for $300 million in June 2012. The state of Hawaii and individual homeowners own the remaining 2%, which includes the harbor and private open spaces.
After the purchase, Ellison created Pūlama Lanai to manage, preserve, and protect the precious land and natural resources of Lanai. Though owned by Ellison, approximately 3,000 people live on the island of Lanai, and it is open to visitors.
How to get to Lanai
Catch a flight on Lanai Air or take a ferry ride to reach paradise — Photo courtesy of Four Seasons Resort Lanai
Lanai is accessible by air and boat, but there are no direct flights from the continental U.S. to Lanai. From mainland airports, the first step is a flight to larger Hawaiian airports, such as Honolulu or Kahului.
From there, fly from Oahu or Maui on Mokulele Airlines, or Lanai Air from Oahu, with flights into Lanai Airport (LNY). Guests choosing to travel by sea can book a transfer on Expeditions ferry service, which runs a limited schedule out of Ma`alaea Harbor in Maui.
Getting around on Lanai requires booking a taxi, shuttle, or rental car. Make reservations in advance due to limited supply.
Vote Now: Best Summer Travel Destination (10Best Readers’ Choice Awards 2024)
Where to stay on Lanai
Four Seasons Resort Lanai overlooks protected marine preserve of Hulopoe Bay and neighboring islands Maui, Molokai, and Kahoolawe — Photo courtesy of Four Seasons Resort Lanai
Four Seasons Resort Lanai, Sensei Lanai, and Hotel Lanai in the heart of Lanai City are the only three hotels on the Lanai.
The only oceanfront hotel is the luxurious 213-room Four Seasons Lanai property, perched on a cliff above Hulopoʻe Bay. A USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Award winner, it features a championship golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus, two pools, five restaurants, and a yoga studio featuring aerial hammocks.
Also a Readers’ Choice Award winner, Sensei Lanai is an adults-only wellness retreat tucked within the mountainous upcountry Lanai. The resort allows guests to choose between a structured itinerary of activities — think spa treatments, hikes, and meditations — or an a la carte approach.
Opened in 1923 and extensively renovated in 2018, Hotel Lanai offers visitors the opportunity to stay in the heart of Lanai City, with island favorites like Blue Ginger Cafe, Lanai Wai Juice Truck, and Mike Carroll Gallery, no more than a short walk away.
What to do on Lanai
Lanai City has maintained its historic charm — Photo courtesy of Maui Visitors Bureau
Though small, the island has something for every type of traveler. To help create an immersive experience, the Lāna‘i Culture & Heritage Center offers a free app for a guided walking tour of historic Lāna‘i City, plus info on hikes, driving tours, and island history.
Hiking trails
Lanai offers a variety of hiking trails that cater to all skill levels, from easy walks to challenging treks. Notable trails include the Munro Trail, the Koloiki Ridge Trail, and Kaunolu Village.
Vote Now: Best Hiking Trail (10Best Readers’ Choice Awards 2024)
Garden of the Gods (Keahiakawelo)
Located 45 minutes from Lanai City, Garden of the Gods, or Keahiakawelo, features unique rock formations across red-hued terrain and panoramic views of the island. Note: You need a 4×4 vehicle to access Keahiakawelo.
Golf at Manele
Imagine playing 9 or 18 holes where the course water hazard is the Pacific Ocean. Lanai’s Manele Golf Course, a Jack Nicklaus Signature course located within the Four Seasons Resort, is perched atop 200-foot sea cliffs. Even if you don’t play, consider riding along to enjoy the views.
Sweetheart Rock (Pu’upehe)
Located 150 feet off the southern coast of Lanai, Sweetheart Rock is a popular landmark between Manele and Hulopoe Bay and offers stunning views of the sunset. Local legend tells the origin tale of the iconic formation, which begins with a warrior and maiden who were in love. The maiden was tragically killed by a storm surge, and the warrior climbed atop the rocky island to bury her before throwing himself into the sea.
Lanai Adventure Park
Ready for an adrenaline rush? Whether zip lining over Kaiholena Gulch, traversing an aerial tower, or hopping on an e-bike for an island tour guided by a local expert, Lanai Adventure Park offers something for the whole family.
Shipwreck Beach (Kaiolohia)
About 30 minutes north of Lanai City, a wrecked oil tanker from the 1940s sits just offshore. Towering and ominous against the blue waters and coastline, the tanker is just one of many ships that have wrecked in Lanai’s notoriously rocky and shallow channel. Visiting Kaiolohia requires a four-wheel drive.
Lanai Cat Sanctuary
Animal lovers should visit the Lanai Cat Sanctuary, home to hundreds of free-roaming cats. Visitors can interact with the felines and learn about conservation efforts.
Snorkeling at Manele Bay
The waters off of Lanai are full of marine life, including coral reefs, tropical fish, spinner dolphins, Hawaiian green sea turtles, and reef sharks. Manele Bay is a popular spot for snorkeling adventures thanks to calm waters near shore. Be sure to use reef-safe sunscreen.
Polihua Beach
Accessible via a rough dirt road, Polihua Beach offers a secluded escape with 2 miles worth of pristine sands and panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. An ideal spot for sunbathing, it’s often empty, save for Hawaiian green sea turtles who may make their way to shore.
Lanai City
Stroll through Lanai’s city center, known for its plantation-style buildings, art galleries, and boutiques. Don’t miss the Lanai Culture & Heritage Center for insights into island history and culture.
Let yourself unwind
Lanai is the ultimate destination for solitude, so whether you find a hammock, beach chair, pool lounger, or patch of sand, relaxing in the sunshine is one of the island’s premier offers.
Can you go to Lanai for a day trip?
Lanai makes a great day trip from Maui — Photo courtesy of Four Seasons Resort Lanai
Yes, you can go to Lanai for a day trip. Spending a single day on Lanai is possible. Catching an early morning ferry ride from Lahaina or a flight from Honolulu allows a full day of exploring Lanai’s rich cultural history and untouched natural beauty before grabbing the last flight or ferry back to your origin.
Sail Trilogy also offers an eight-hour day trip to Lanai, which includes breakfast and a lunch barbecue, exploring island favorites, and snorkeling. Charters leave daily from Ma’alaea Harbor on Maui.
