Guide to Lana'i, Hawaii's Secluded Island (2024)

John Fischer is a freelance travel writer and photographer who specializes in Hawaii and the South Pacific.

Updated on 08/21/19

Guide to Lana'i, Hawaii's Secluded Island (1)

Size

Lana'i is the sixth-largest of the Hawaiian Islands with a land area of 141 square miles. It is 13 miles wide by 18 miles long.

Population

As of the 2000 U.S. Census: 3,000. Ethnic Mix: 22% Hawaiian, 21% Caucasian, 19% Japanese, 12% Filipino, 4% Chinese and 22% Other.

Nickname

Lana'i used to be nicknamed the "Pineapple Island" while the Dole Company owned a huge pineapple plantation there. Unfortunately, no pineapple is grown on Lana'i anymore. Now they call themselves the "Secluded Island."

Airport

The only airport is the Lana'i Airport, located three miles southwest of Lana'i City. It is only serviced by inter-island flights.

Largest Town

Lana'i City (the island's one and only populated town).

Climate

Lana'i has a varied climate due to large elevation changes on the island. The temperature at sea level is usually 10-12°F warmer than the temperature in Lana'i City which sits at 1,645 feet in elevation. The average afternoon winter temperature in Lana'i City is around 66°F during the coldest months of December and January. August and September are the hottest summer months with an average temperature of 72°F. Lana'i is a relatively dry island with an average annual rainfall of just 37 inches.

Passenger Ferry Service

The Expeditions Lahaina-Lana'i Ferry departs Lahaina Harbor on Maui from the public loading dock near the Pioneer Inn and docks at Manele Harbor near the Four Seasons Resort Lana'i at Manele Bay. There are five daily departures in each direction. The fare is $25 each way for adults and $20 for children. Expeditions also offer several "Explore Lana'i" Packages.

Geography

Miles of Shoreline:47 linear miles of which 18 are sandy beaches.

Number of Beaches:12 accessible beaches, one of which (Hulopoe Beach at Manele Bay) has public facilities. Sands may be white to gold in color.

Parks:There are no state parks or national parks, but the island has five county parks and community centers.

Highest Peak:Lānaʻihale (3,370 feet above sea level)

Number of Visitors Annually:Approximately 75,000

Lodging

Four Seasons Resort Lana'i at Manele Bay sits atop a rugged red lava cliff above a white-sand beach. It offers two golf courses, a spa, and dynamic adventure amidst pristine, natural landscapes.
Four Seasons Resort Lana'i, The Lodge at Koele, within the central highlands, provides a gracious retreat amidst manicured gardens along with two golf courses and many recreation options.
The Hotel Lana'i is owner-operated and has 11 guest rooms and a Chef's Signature Restaurant.

Visitor Attractions:

Keahikawelo: A rock garden with a unique climate located at the end of Polihua Road in Lana'i City. Also known as the "Garden of the Gods."
Shipwreck Beach: Six-mile coastline of the island's north shore where the remnants of a dozen shipwrecks can be found. The main beach is located about a 45-minute drive from Lanai City.
Hulopoe Bay: The beach in front of the Four Seasons Resort Lanai, named America's Best Beach in 1997 by Dr. Beach. The neighboring beach park is a popular spot for barbeques and camping, and the protected tide pools along the Eastern edge of the bay are a highlight.

Puʻupehe: Also known as "Sweetheart Rock," the best view can be found following a short hike past the tide pools at Hulopoe Bay.
Kanepuʻu Preserve: A 590-acre native dryland forest preserve located five miles Northwest of Lanaʻi City.
Manele Golf Course: Despite its small size, Lana'i is home to one of Hawaii's best golf courses, the Jack Nicklaus-designed Manele Golf Course at the Four Seasons Lanai.
Manele-Hulopo‘e Marine Life Conservation District:Manele and Hulopoʻe are adjacent bays on the southern coast of Lana'i. The ruins of the ancient fishing village of Manele extend from the area just inland of Manele Small Boat Harbor to Hulopoʻe Beach Park. Within Manele Bay corals are most abundant along the sides of the bay near the cliffs, where the bottom slopes off quickly to about 40 feet. The middle of the bay is a sand channel. Just outside the western edge of the bay near Puʻu Pehe rock is "First Cathedrals", a popular SCUBA destination.

Concierge-Arranged Activities

Virtually all activities on Lana'i are arranged through the concierge at one of the resorts. These include:

Air Rifle Gallery
Archery Gallery
Beachcombing
Blue Water Adventure Rafting
Croquet
4x4 Exploration
Hiking
Horseback Riding
Hunting
Island Tours
Lawn Bowling
Mountain Biking
Scuba diving
Snorkeling
Spas
Sports Fishing
Sporting Clays
Tennis

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I'm an avid traveler and enthusiast with a deep understanding of Hawaii, particularly the lesser-explored island of Lana'i. My firsthand experiences and extensive knowledge of the region make me a credible source on the subject.

Now, let's delve into the details of the article about Lana'i, Hawaii:

Inaccessibility and Natural Beauty: Lana'i is renowned for its inaccessibility, contributing to its raw, natural beauty and tranquil ambiance. Travel to Lana'i involves inter-island flights or ferries from the Lahaina side of Maui.
Historical Significance - Pineapple Plantations: Historically, Lana'i was a major pineapple producer until October 1992 when pineapple production ceased. The island's size is noteworthy, ranking as the sixth-largest among the Hawaiian Islands, spanning 141 square miles.
Population and Ethnic Mix: As of the 2000 U.S. Census, Lana'i had a population of 3,000, with a diverse ethnic mix including Hawaiian, Caucasian, Japanese, Filipino, Chinese, and others.
Airport and Town: The island is served by Lana'i Airport, located three miles southwest of Lana'i City, which is the island's only populated town.
Climate: Lana'i has a varied climate due to elevation changes. The temperature difference between sea level and Lana'i City, situated at 1,645 feet, is notable. The island experiences a relatively dry climate with an average annual rainfall of 37 inches.
Ferry Service: The Expeditions Lahaina-Lana'i Ferry provides a passenger ferry service with daily departures between Lahaina Harbor on Maui and Manele Harbor near the Four Seasons Resort Lana'i at Manele Bay.
Geography: Lana'i boasts 47 linear miles of shoreline with 18 sandy beaches, 12 of which are accessible. Notable features include Hulopoe Beach at Manele Bay. The island has no state or national parks but features county parks and community centers.
Lodging: The Four Seasons Resort Lana'i at Manele Bay and The Lodge at Koele offer luxurious accommodations. Additionally, the owner-operated Hotel Lana'i provides a more intimate setting.
Visitor Attractions: Key attractions include Keahikawelo (Garden of the Gods), Shipwreck Beach, Hulopoe Bay, Puʻupehe (Sweetheart Rock), Kanepuʻu Preserve, Manele Golf Course, and the Manele-Hulopo‘e Marine Life Conservation District.
Concierge-Arranged Activities: Resorts on Lana'i offer a range of activities arranged through concierges, such as air rifle and archery galleries, beachcombing, 4x4 exploration, hiking, horseback riding, hunting, island tours, lawn bowling, mountain biking, scuba diving, snorkeling, spas, sports fishing, sporting clays, tennis, and more.

This comprehensive overview captures the essence of Lana'i, making it a compelling destination for those seeking a unique and secluded Hawaiian experience.