Lanai is loved for its contrasts. The wilderness really is wild, empty, harsh yet utterly beautiful. It feels like a different planet. And Lanai City itself is full of old-school plantation-style charm. Whether you’re hiking the Munro Trail, taking shade under the ohia lehua trees or playing a round of golf against a breathtakingly pretty backdrop, you'll love Hawaii’s 'most enticing island'.
The Kanepuu Preserve conservation area is home to 48 native plants, some of which are incredibly rare.
Visit the strange, weird and wonderful Garden of the Gods, a unique formation of red lava which, according to legend, was made by gods dropping rocks while gardening.
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Play world class golf at championship-level Manele golf course
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Explore the island's wild remote areas in a 4x4 or on foot
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Mellow out on the splendid two mile sandy, secluded Polihua Beach, only accessible by 4x4
Life slows right down as soon as you hit this incredibly relaxed place. It's the land of rare green sea turtles, called honu, and you might even spot a pod of enormous, gentle humpback whales during the winter months.
Visit the Terrace, an American bistro at the Lodge at Koele. Sample cold drinks at the Tea Room Bar, with its range of fabulous cocktails.
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The Lodge at Koele, which offers championship golf, horse riding, clay pigeon shooting, croquet and bowls
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Hiking trails, from the gloriously scenic Munro Trail to the Puu Pehe, AKA Sweetheart Rock
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Visit the Mike Carroll Gallery to view award-winning paintings and artworks by him and his tribe of guest artists. A feast of paintings, carved bowls, photos, jewellery and local antiques awaits you
Fishing and boating excursions, the island's Culture and Heritage Center and quirky Pine Island Market are hot on your island agenda, and you can chill out at the friendly Hotel Lanai, with its own small pub.
Lanai is the sixth-largest Hawaiian island but just 3200 people live there, most in Lanai City. There are only 30 miles of made-up roads and not a single traffic light.
Eating out on Lanai is a real treat, with a multitude of different foods available in the island's many restaurants. You can visit the awesome Kanepuu Preserve to find out about how the island's dizzying heights have affected its fascinating flora and fauna, surprisingly different from the other Hawaiian islands. Or head north for Kaiolohia beach, known locally as Shipwreck Beach, home to a dramatic sight – a massive wrecked ship out in the waves providing a gently decaying but chilling reminder of the sea's dangers. Take a 4x4 drive to Kaunolu Village, the romantic and slightly spooky remains of a historic royal fishing retreat with spectacular views of Shark Fin cove and the southern sea cliffs.
Love history and mystery? Visit Kaunolu Village, the site of the ruined Halulu heiau temple, fascinating petroglyphs and a place called Kehekili’s Leap where warriors once dived from a dizzying 60 foot cliff. It's a sacred place and it's important to be respectful of it. Pamper your senses at the Spa at Manele Bay, where you'll find all sorts of rejuvenating treatments particular to Hawaii. Try the sensual, rhythmic lomilomi massage. Have a special massage with hot stones (pohaku), designed to soothe painful muscles. Or choose a luxurious facial rich in exotic local ingredients.