Lanai is just ten miles from Maui, but it feels a world away
Who needs paved roads? Most of the island of Lanai's roads are rough, which adds to the place's incredibly mellow vibe. You'll find luxurious resorts here, with world-class facilities. There's excellent golf. But there are also miles of rugged back-roads to explore in a 4x4 and loads of off-road attractions to discover including Keahiakawelo, also known as 'The Garden of the Gods', and the stunningly lovely Polihua Beach.
Lanai’s unique and friendly small town culture is born of its thrilling plantation and ranching history.
Lanai might be the smallest inhabited island in the State but it has plenty on offer for visitors who want to get away from it all, far from the hustle and bustle, including absolutely unforgettable views from the pine-fragrant Munro Trail.
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Watch dolphins doing their amazing thing at beautiful Hulopoe Bay
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Explore the considerable beauty of the island on horseback
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Try your hand at two of the world's best resort golf courses: The Experience at Koele and Manele Golf Course
Sample all three for a real sense of what Hawaii's island life is all about.
People have only lived on Lanai since the 1500s and it's still an intimate place, famously friendly and always welcoming.
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Discover Dole Park with its shops and restaurants
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The Lanai Art Center is excellent, with art classes, workshops and studio space for visitors and locals
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Visit the Kanepuu Preserve for a self-guided tour of 48 types of amazing local plant life
There's history everywhere you turn here, including the site of King Kamehameha’s best-loved fishing spot and lots of rustic ranches. Ecotourism is also big here, with much of the island looking the same as it always has, beautifully unspoiled and waiting to be explored.
At just 227 kilometres square, the island is a family playground with lots of thrilling activities on sea and land. As you can imagine, the beaches are legendary.
The island's many fine holiday resorts offer all sorts of activities whether you're staying there or not. You can easily spend days on end simply exploring the countrified back-roads and discovering tiny, quiet, sun-soaked beaches, perfect for building intricate sandcastles. Take a trip on horseback to places it's impossible to reach any other way, potter around in the fascinating, life-filled tidal pools at Hulopoe Bay, which won an America's best beach award in 1997. The best place for snorkelling and swimming is the luxurious Four Seasons Resort Lanai at Manele Bay, but steer clear of rough water in winter. Don’t forget to see spinner dolphins in the bay, and in winter keep your eyes open for majestic humpback whales
There's a lovely short walk along the cliffs from the tidal pools to magical Puu Pehe, the Sweetheart Rock, where legend says a broken-hearted warrior leapt to his death after his wife died. At 24m high it provides amazing views. After a day's exploring you can unwind at the luxurious spa at Manele Bay, where a team of professionals know exactly how to pamper you to perfection. Or hire a 4x4 for a trip along the rough road to Kaiolohia, Shipwreck Beach, a 12km stretch of sand with a sinister wrecked tanker left high and dry on the reef. Spooky!