Lanai is the
sixth-largest of the Hawaiian Islands. It is also known as the Pineapple
Island because of its past as an island-wide pineapple plantation.
The only town is Lanai City, a small settlement.
The Hawaiian Islands
stretch 1,500 miles across the central Pacific Ocean. It's comprised
of islands, islets, reefs, and rocks. Although, Oahu is the most
visited island, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island of Hawaii offers
rain forests, volcanoes, pounding surf, sandy beaches, and whale
watching opportunities.
Geography: 140.5
sq mi
Population: 3,193
Religion: Many Religions
Language: English,
Hawaiian is also spoken.
Currency: US Dollars
Time Zone: Hawaii Standard
Time Zone (HST)
Electricity: 110v
Entry Requirements:
Canadian residents must have a valid passport that is valid
for six months past the date of first entry into the United States,
and an onward or return ticket. Other countries, please check with
the U.S. Embassy or Consulate for detail entry requiremetns for
your nationality.
Getting There:
Flying Time to Honolulu (plus 37 min flight to Lanai) from: Los
Angeles: 5 hrs 35 min
New York: 11 hrs 30 min
Chicago: 9
hrs 10 min
Miami: 10 hr 15 min
Vancouver: 6 hrs 10 min
Toronto: 12
hrs 23 min
Travel
Seasons: Peak Season:
(1) December to April; (mid-Decmber - February)
(2) Accommodations are limited during Japan's 'Golden Week',
3 weeks beginning the last week in April.
(3) Mid-June to August, when a large number of families travel
during the summer, therefore the rates are less favorable Low Season: May to mid-June; September to mid-December
Climate:
Oahu experiences excellent year-round weather; The Big Island
of Hawaii is hotter, Molokai & Lanai are drier, Kauai
is wetter, and Maui is more windy.
Seasons:
Spring: Mar - May
Summer: June - August
Fall/Autumn: Sept - Nov
Winter: Dec - Feb
Puu Pehe, a.k.a.
"Sweetheart Rock", is situated about 150 feet offshore between
Manele Bay and Hulopoe Bay along the islands southern coastline.
It is one of Lanais most recognizable landmarks and also the setting
for one of Hawaiis most enduring legends.
Keahikawelo Keahiakawelo,
also known as Garden of the Gods, is an otherworldly rock garden at
the end of Polihua road. Its eerie Mars-like topography is populated
with stacks of mysterious rock towers of all sizes.
According to Hawaiian
lore, this barren landscape is the result of a contest between two kahuna
(priests) of Lanai and Molokai. Each was challenged to keep a fire burning
on their respective island longer than the other, and the winner's island
would be rewarded with a great abundance. The Lanai kahuna, Kewelo,
used every piece of vegetation in Keahikawelo to keep his fire burning,
which is why this area is so barren today.
The rock towers, spires,
and formations formed by centuries of erosion are at their most enchanting
at dusk. The setting sun casts a warm orange glow on the rock sculptures
illuminating them in brilliant reds and purples. It's no wonder why
this is one of Lanai's most popular visitor attractions.
Hulopoe Bay The
beauty of Hulopoe Bay has long drawn visitors and has earned Hulopoe
Beach the title as one of America's best beaches. Located on Lanai's
southern coast, Hulopoe Bay greets you with a stunning expanse of golden
sand and deep blue waters.
Most of the year, this
protected bay is the best spot on the island for snorkeling, swimming,
body boarding, and exploring the many tide pools carved out of volcanic
rock. In the winter months, swimmers should avoid rough conditions.
The area also has a great beach park with picnic tables, barbecue grills,
restrooms, and showers.
As a protected site,
visitors are asked to leave every stone and shell in its place. This
helps preserve the bay for Hawaii's colorful, native fish and sea life.
Acrobatic Spinner dolphins are often seen here, while the winter months
bring visits from Humpback whales. This lovely bay is a popular spot
with visitors and locals alike.
Munro Trail Not
far from Lanai City, is the rustic Munro Trail. Named for George Munro,
the naturalist from New Zealand who arrived in 1890, this 7-mile, one-lane
dirt road offers sweeping vistas amongst the majestic Cook pine trees
introduced by Munro himself.
The trail offers spectacular
views and the 1,600-foot climb in elevation cools the air as you climb.
Along the way, you'll find the stunning canyon views of Maunalei gulch
as well as neighboring Maui. The trail also takes you to the top of
Mount Lanaihale, Lanai's highest peak at 3,368 feet.
The Munro Trail can only
be driven in a rented 4-wheel drive vehicle. You'll want to drive carefully
because conditions can be tricky in some spots. Bring a full tank of
gas, water, food, and a light jacket and check ahead for dry weather
conditions. The trek takes about three hours, so buckle up and enjoy
ride.