Vacation On Lanai
WELCOME TO VACATION ON LANAI… Lanai is regarded as the most special island in Hawaii. It is only accessible by boat or plane. The drive from the airport to your hotel can take about 45 minutes. Your destination for a vacation of a lifetime – almost 20% of what Lanai is owned by Larry Ellison, the third richest person on Earth.
If you are looking for the best Hawaiian vacation, then you have to visit Lanai. Lanai is one of the largest islands in Hawaii, although it is less than 1/3 the size of Maui or Oahu. If pristine white beaches, clear waters and sunshine are your idea of a Hawaiian vacation and you don’t mind a smaller island, then Lanai is the perfect choice.”
If you are looking to get away from it all and just unwind, then a vacation on the Hawaiian island of Lanai is exactly what the doctor ordered.
I was sick of the same old-same old and decided I needed a vacation. A real trip somewhere that is different, far away from everyday stresses. Lanai seemed perfect. Tucked away in a Hawaiian paradise, Lanai is home to some of the world’s best snorkeling and scuba diving. The beaches are pristine and secluded. And the sea turtles on this island were not disturbed by tourist boats so they’re actually fairly friendly!
The Island of Lanai (aka the pineapple island) offers seclusion, lush greenery, and an unspoiled Maui-like atmosphere. The island is connected to Maui by a ferry that takes 25 minutes but it has its own flavor and unique features that set it apart from any other vacation destination in Hawaii.
Recently, I’ve taken my family on vacation to Lanai, Hawaii. It’s was a wonderful and relaxing experience. I had the amazing opportunity to visit The Four Seasons Resort Lanai at Manele Bay during this trip. The resort was calming, peaceful and quite refreshing for me and my family.
Vacation On Lanai
Just a short 40 minute ferry ride from Maui or a quick 30 minute flight from Oahu gets you to Lanai. Known as the Pineapple Island, Lanai was once home to the Dole Pineapple Plantation producing 75% of the world’s pineapple! Read more The Most Amazing Facts About Hawaii
Lanai, pronounced La-nah-ee is the 3rd smallest Hawaiian island and the smallest publicly accessible inhabited island. When landing at the ferry port in Manele Harbour from Maui we took the complimentary shuttle take us to the Four Seasons Resort Lodge at Koele. This was where we stayed for the first couple of nights and then we moved on to the Four Seasons Manele.
There are only three hotels on the island and we stayed at them all. Our final night was at the Hotel Lanai in Lanai City. They all have their charms and they are all worth starting in to split up the nights on Lanai as each location is very different. We suggest staying at the ranch for three nights and then move to the beach for the next half of your trip with a final night at the Lanai Hotel.
Things To Do In Lanai
There is no doubt that the beaches and clear waters of Hawaii are the top draw to the islands and Lanai is no different, but there are a lot of attractions in Lanai that are unique to the island. A trip to Lanai involves the perfect mix of watersports, cultural experiences, and pampering that will make this a trip to remember. So let’s get started!
Rent a Jeep for a Day
For our first day on the island, we rented a jeep to see some of Lanai’s top off-the-beaten-path attractions. Having a jeep is a great way to get around as some of the terrains on Lanai is rugged and exciting. A lot of Lanai’s attractions are best reached by four-wheel drive.
Garden of the Gods – Keahiakawelo
Keahiakawelo is also known as the Garden of the Gods is a located 45 minutes from Lanai City on the northwest side of Lanai. Its otherworldly lunar landscape features a massive rock garden filled with rock towers and boulders.
Legend has it that t it was created as a result of a contest between two the two kahunas (priests of Lanai and Molokai to see who could keep a fire burning longer. If you want to feel like you are walking on Mars, this is the place to be.
- Getting there: It’s best to see it by jeep rental for a day.
Polihua Beach
Polihua Beach is a 2- mile stretch of beach that offers gorgeous views of the neighboring island of Molokai. This rugged day trip in Lanai is a beautiful secluded beach that is perfect for beachcombing. It’s about 60 miles from Lanai City and about a half-hour past the Garden of the Gods. If you are lucky, you may see green sea turtles or spy a humpback whale from the shore.
Lanai Cat Sanctuary
It was over a century ago that the cats came to the Hawaiian Islands on whaling ships. They reproduced and overpopulated the islands endangering the endemic bird species and wreaking havoc on the ecosystem. Many residents saw these cats as pests and poisoned and trapped them. But today, the Lanai Cat Sanctuary is working to keep the cat population is under control and the birds are coming back.
Set on two acres of land, the Lanai Cat Sanctuary keeps up to 300 cats and has a no-kill policy. If you are visiting the Island of Lanai, arrangements can be made at the Four Seasons to visit the center. They don’t charge a penny and you will be picked up by a volunteer who will bring you to the sanctuary for a pet and purr session. Or you can help out with some gardening, painting, and grooming.
Kaiolohia (Shipwreck Beach)
Kaiolohia, also known as Shipwreck Beach is a 6 mile stretch of coastline that is located on the north shore of Lanai. Large swells and strong trade winds have caused more than one shipwreck off its coast. When visiting the beach, you’ll see a 1940s oil tanker that still remains beached on Kaiolohia Bay’s coral reef. The ghostly rusted hull creates an eerie scene.
From the beach, you will also see great views of both Molokai and Maui. While you are there, be sure to check out the Poaiwa Petroglyphs. They are located along the trail a short distance from the beach.
Keomuku Village
Wander through the remnants of the past at Keomuku Village located on the east coast of Lanai. It was a fishing village until 1899 when plantation owners moved in turning it into a sugar plantation. Explore the abandoned village and the remains of the Ka Lanakila o Ka Malamalama Church that was recently restored, as well as the area where the sugar plantation was once in operation. It is well worth visiting this lesser known attraction on Lanai.
Lanai Cultural and Heritage Center
Located at the old Dole Pineapple Administration Building the Lanai Cultural and Heritage Center takes you through the history of Lanai. We didn’t know much about Lanai before visiting and this was the perfect introduction to Lanai and its pineapple history. It is a great first stop on Lanai to help you understand the sights you will be exploring and the people you will meet.
Horseback Riding at Koele
The luxurious Lanai Four Seasons Koele has beautiful stables on the grounds. You can go for a stroll to see the horses relaxing in the fields, or you can book a horseback riding experience. The rugged terrain of Lanai was made for a good trail ride.
Dolphin and Whale Watching
From December to May, the island of Lanai becomes one of the best places for whale watching in the world. The Auau Channel is located Lanai, Maui, and Molokai attracts more than 10,000 humpback whales who migrate to its warm shallow waters.
Lanai Snorkel and Scuba Dive
The crystal clear waters of Lanai make for beautiful snorkeling. Seasoned scuba divers will enjoy exploring the Lanai Cathedrals. Popular dive sites in Lanai are First Cathedral and Second Cathedral that were formed from massive underwater lava tubes.
Enjoy a relaxing sail aboard one of Trilogy’s state of the art catamarans to a protected cove on the western shore of the island, where you will be able to snorkel and view the underwater life that awaits you.
Manele Golf Course
We aren’t much on golfing, but a visit to the Manele Golf Course is a must. Located at the Four Seasons Manele Bay, the world-renowned Manele Golf Course was designed by Jack Nicklaus. Even if you are not into golf, we recommend having lunch at its restaurant for gorgeous views. PS. Bill Gates has played a round here.