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This island is a nature-lover's dream-come-true. Dirt roads, desolate pineapple fields, ancient ruins and secluded beaches provide endless opportunities to explore. Unlike the Big Island of Hawai'i and the island of Maui, most of Lanai's wilderness is open to the public. Anyone with a 4x4 vehicle, a map and several hours can find their way into the heart of the island.
Hiking Upcountry In Lana'i, hiking is more than an activity; it's almost a means of transportation. Many of the island's sights can only be reached on foot or on a bike. The most popular place to hike or mountain bike is the Munro Trail, which starts at the old city cemetery just past the Lodge at Koele. The trail wends its way through a pine forest. After a couple miles it splits in two. One way leads to the Koloiki Ridge. The main trail continues on up to the Lanaihale, the highest lookout point on the island. From the point, it's possible to see all the Hawaiian Islands (except for Ni'ihau and Kaua'i) on a clear day.
Garden of the Gods/Kanepu'u Preserve/Polihua Beach Starting at Lanai City, take the dirt road known as the Polihua Trail westward. It's approximately a 45-minute drive to the Kanepu'u Preserve, a unique dryland forest area that is home to dozens of near-extinct species. Hawai'i has more than a dozen preserves, but this is one of the only ones that is open for self-guided tours.
The next popular sight along the trail is the Garden of the Gods, a barren plateau dotted by lava rocks and giant boulders. The rocks and red earth make a rather otherworldly vista, especially at sunset.
Further along the trail is Polihua Beach. At some point it will be necessary to pull over and park the vehicle, hiking the remainder of the trail. Polihua is a magnificent strip of beach, great for walking and taking pictures. It is a protected area, home to nesting sea turtles. It is not a good spot for swimming, and anyone tempted to take a barefoot beach walk should look out for needle-sharp kiawe thorns.
Kaunolu Village Ruins Another great daytrip for people with a four-wheel drive is the trip out to Kaunolu. The place is chock-full of history and aesthetic beauty. It has been a significant place to the Hawaiian people for hundreds of years. It can be reached via a dirt road that branches off from Route 440 East, cutting through pineapple fields. Before reaching Kaunolu, adventurers will reach the Luahiwa Petroglyphs, which are thought to be the best-preserved petroglyphs on the island. Also located here is Halulu Heiau, an ancient temple and place of refuge. The cliffs that surround this place are quite imposing, ranging from 84 to 2,000 feet above the coastline. Warriors of old used to prove their bravery by leaping from a point 80 feet above the water; modern-day cliff diving enthusiasts have recently re-discovered the spot.
Scuba Diving Several world-class dive sites are located off the coast of Lanai. Sea turtles, spinner dolphins and schools of exotic tropical fish populate the warm waters offshore. Wrecked ships, reefs and lava tubes surround the island, making for days (if not hours) of underwater sightseeing. Among the most popular dive sights are the Cathedral, a two-story lava tube that resembles the interior of a great Renaissance chapel, and the Arm Chair where two underwater lava formations look like giant stone benches or chairs.
Dive tours leave from Maui every day, but only a few boats are actually based out of Lanai. Trilogy Excursions is the largest. Extended Horizons visits more than a dozen dive sites off the island shore. Lanai Eco-Adventures is another popular tour provider.
Ferry to Lahaina When visitors to the Private Isle have had their fill of rest and relaxation, they can easily venture over to neighboring Maui for a day of shopping, dining and hectic vacationing. Expeditions Lanai leaves Manele Bay Small Boat Harbor several times daily, returning in the evening. The boat docks in Lahaina Harbor where hundreds of boutiques, galleries and attractions await. Cheeseburger in Paradise, Kimo's, Longhi's and dozens of other restaurants and bars offer everything from tropical drinks to gourmet dining. Lahaina is easily the most fast-paced, crowded place on Maui. It provides a welcome contrast to the laid-back, quiet feeling of Lana'i.
For people who enjoy outdoor adventures and exploring, there are numerous options on the island of Lana'i. In addition to the attractions noted above, there are several unpopulated beaches, many scenic lookout spots, a bona fide ghost town and two harbors. Petroglyphs, the ancient stone carvings of pre-contact Hawaiians, can be found in many places.
When you ask anyone 'in-the-know' what there is to do on Lana'i, they're likely to shake their heads and smile confusedly. After a few minutes, they'll probably tell you that there are many things to see on the island, many places to go. If that is your aim, the best course of action is to wake up bright and early, hop in a jeep or a Hummer, and see what you can see. The island's attractions are not in any specific spot; rather, the attraction is the island itself.
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