Lanai, The Secluded Isle
- More Info: Description | Lanai Virtual Tour
Description
Lanai was given the nickname The Pineapple Island after it had been bought by the Dole Company in 1922 and was considered the largest pineapple plantation in the world. After the demise of most of the pineapple industry in Hawaii, the island was sold once again in 1985 and eventually it was decided to build two luxury hotels near Hulopo'e Bay. Today, the island is referred to as The Secluded Island and for a very good reason.
Relatively unknown and unvisited, Lanai has some of the state's most beautiful untouched beaches, an impressive rain forest and deep canyons. At the top of Lana'i Hale, the highest point on the island at 3,370 feet, you can see all of the Hawaiian Islands on a clear day, except Kaua'i and Ni'ihau. Hulopo'e Bay has one of Hawaii's most beautiful award-winning beaches with excellent swimming and body surfing as well as shady picnic areas with barbeques. Because it is a Marine Life Conservation District, snorkeling is also excellent there. Then there is the Garden of the Gods, a fascinating canyon of wind carved sand and lava formations whose colors change throughout the day. Nearby is Polihua Beach, a secluded two-mile long white sand beach. Not recommended for swimming because of strong currents, it is great for picnicking or just simply strolling.
Kaunolu Bay was once the favorite fishing spot of Kamehameha the Great and the ruins of the ancient Kaunolu Village on the bluff above the ocean are considered the most extensive and best preserved in the state. It has been reported that the King's soldiers proved their courage by plunging more than 60 feet from the bluffs into the ocean. The Luahiwa Petroglyphs on the slopes of the Palawai Basin are among the best preserved in Hawaii.
Finally, there is the charming (and only!) town of Lanai City, home to most of the island's population (about 2,500). Centered around Dole Square, there are old-time grocery stores, a theatre showing first run movies and the weekly Saturday Market. For such a small island, activities seem endless. You can play golf, tennis, go horseback riding, mountain biking, hike all over the island, try out sporting clays or archery and most water sports known to man.
Lanai, The Secluded Island is the perfect place to totally relax, explore, discover new and unusual sights and just basically have a memorable time on a memorable island.
