If you are planning to head to a remote town and soak in the laid-back attitude of the verdant settlements then Lanai is the best place for you to check out for your next trip. Remote luxuries are at their highest at Lanai which is also the sixth largest island of Hawaii and is frequented by tourists looking for offbeat destinations. Lanai is also called Pineapple Island because of the earlier records of it having a gigantic pineapple farm. The beauty of Lanai Island is enticing and you are about to get impressed by the spot! Here is a list of must-see places to visit in Lanai.
1. Hulopoe Beach
Hulopoe Beach is famous for swimming and among locals who often head to the beach to picnic with their families. Regarded as one of the most popular destinations in town, activities like snorkeling and fishing are widely practiced here. You must try out summers for swimming in the waters instead of winters when the weather conditions are pretty harsh and the waves are so scary. Remember to reserve a day for going out to the beaches of Hulopoe where if you are lucky you will witness humpback whales and dolphins playing in the water.
2. Keahiakawelo (Garden of the Gods)
This is a Rock Garden situated at the end of Polihua Road and is also referred to by the name Garden of Gods. Being one of the prominent features of the town, tourists do not miss out on the chance to witness the rugged beauty of Rock Gardens in Lanai. Almost forty-five minutes from the center of Lanai, the Rock Harden houses several shapes of rocks and boulders. There are several spiritual and local tales associated with the construction of the Garden that dates long back in history. Dryland forests used to cover this region before the birth of the Rock Garden where you can head in a four-wheeler too.
3. Trekking at Koloiki Ridge Trail
You are about to encounter some of the best views of the island as you embark on this journey of trekking at the Koloiki Ridge Trail! The road is relatively smooth making it suitable for the whole family to embark on this journey of excitement and adventure. Stretching for five miles the Koloiki Ridge Trail overlooks the alpine forestry on the sides. It also acted as the Hawaiian War Ground in the 18th century as well.
4. Sunbathing at Polihua Beach
Polihua Beach is a remote part of the island! If you are in the mood to spend some quality time and moments with your partner without getting disturbed by the crowd of tourists then you must find your way to Polihua Beach. The thirty-minute drive offers you a spectacular view of the oceans at the end. Although not suitable for swimming you can engage in sunbathing sessions for a whole day.
5. Lanai Petroglyphs
This is an ancient kind of writing and you will spot them in ample on the islands of Lanai. Observe the Petroglyphs to witness the ancient style of writing in nowhere but Lanai. Gigantic Lava Rock Boulders are marked with writing which is intriguing for historians to decrypt. Battle warriors too as trinkets as pets are designed on such rocks to the delight of the history buffs who are allowed to witness these ancient symbols of writing.
6. Rusty Tanker at Shipwreck Beach
The Shipwreck Beach is perhaps known so because of the Rusty Tanker that was abandoned near its shore. Just half an hour's journey from Lanai city center provides you the chance to observe the beauty of history in the form of the rusted tanker that floats in the water. It dates back to the 1940s and several mysterious stories are based on this Rusty Tanker. You have to hire a four-wheeler to travel to the beach!
7. Legendary Puu Pehe (Sweetheart Rock)
How can we miss out on the Legendary Puu Pehe Rock which is also called the Sweetheart Rock for good reasons? The eighty-foot-long distance and the stunning shoreline are the specialties of the romantic region of Lanai Island. The rich cultural history is portrayed by the galleries and art studios nearby and one can even engage in clicking as many honeymoon clicks as they wish to acquire as a memory of the trip for years to come.
8. Lanai Cathedrals
Snorkeling is permitted near the Labai Cathedral making it both an enriching and exciting affair. The magnificent period-style construction is the ideal destination to praise the architectural excellence of the town. You can enjoy admiring the parking marine life which is well portrayed here near the Cathedral. As you are snorkeling, you are bound to encounter one of the whitetip reef sharks, golden butterflyfish, and green turtles living here.
9. Manele Golf Course
Situated on the southern side of Lanai, the Manele Golf Course was established by the famous Jack Nicklaus on this island. The architectural excellence and the design make this golf course stand out among all the others in Hawaii! Surrounded by spectacular scenic views, the golf course gives you the chance to play to your heart's content while soaking in the gorgeous look of the surroundings. Guess what, you can even catch a glimpse of baby whales playing near the Bay from here.
pic source: twitter.com
10. Unique Artworks at Mike Carroll Gallery
Mike Carroll Gallery is renowned all over Hawaii because of the unique artwork collection it houses! The graceful exhibits and the contemporary styles will surely sway you off your feet as you trod around the galleries and observe each exhibit keenly. Mike Caroll shifted from Chicago to Hawaii as the beauty of the islands drew his attention and he settled down in Lanai. Later he came up with the construction of the Gallery to display his magnificent creations.
11. Stables at Koele
If you truly wish to soak in the beauty of the island then you have to indulge in horse riding at Pineapple Isle! Head to Koele where horse riding is very easy due to the vast open space it offers and the stunning look of the forest and valley around. You shall find yourself behind horseback amidst the ironwoods and crimson hills of Lanai's countryside. A true dream comes true for the ones seeking the flavors of the countryside lifestyle.
12. Lanai Cat Sanctuary
If you are a cat lover then the Cat Sanctuary in Lanai is something that you should visit! It is possible for you to even adopt a cat here! Over six hundred felines known as Lanai Lions have made their home in the Cat Sanctuary and live happily while interacting with the visitors and playing with them too! They are kept here to prevent overpopulation and also to protect the birds like Hawaiian Petrels from the attack of these cats.
pic source: twitter.com
13. Art Class at Lanai Art Center
If you have come to the island for a short time and do not know how to keep yourself busy after checking out all the sightseeing locations then maybe it is time for you to indulge in beautiful artwork and join art classes at the Lanai Art Centre. You can simply admire the artwork in case you are not inclined towards joining classes! The myriad exhibits are truly gorgeous in every sense.
14. Yoga Class at Four Seasons Lanai
Are you seeking tranquillity and peace over your trip? Then head to the Four Seasons Lanai which makes the best of the soothing aura of Lanai and presents the visitor with much-needed solace! You can join the yoga class in the Four Seasons where ten hammocks are set up on the 1,100 square feet area of the yoga studio of the venue. The experts offer meditation, sound healing, reiki, and yoga to calm your mind down.
15. Downtown Lanai City
Anytime you wish to stroll around the neighborhood of Lanai head downtown where you will be able to perceive the real Lanai! Pleasant and cozy, the roads are ideal for walks and the weather is always so welcoming and cheerful. Here you can learn about the history of the Lanai and its evolution while interacting with the locals at shops and galleries.
16. Lanai Culture & Heritage Center
Established in 2007, the Lanai Culture and Heritage Centre is a non-profitable organization downtown. If you are interested to learn about the rich heritage and cultural evolution of Lanai then this place is ideal to render you with so much important data and records. You shall become more knowledgeable and aware of practices in Lanai by exploring the traditions of ranchers and planter eras and so on.
pic source: twitter.com
FAQs-
1. What is the specialty of Lanai?
Pineapple Isle is one of the most beautiful parts of Lanai. It holds historical importance because this used to be a plantation once which provided the world's 75% of pineapple.
2. How to spend a day in Lanai?
Start by boating in the waters then snorkeling and diving in Hulopoe and Kaunolu. Do not forget to check out the Garden of Gods.
3. Is Lanai a walkable town?
Due to the absence of much traffic, Lanai is regarded as a walkable city in Hawaii.
4. Can one swim in Lanai?
Lanai offers you the scope to swim as much as you want because of the calm waters here.
5. Which is the best beach in Lanai?
Hulopoe Beach and Manele Bay are the most gorgeous beaches of Lanai.
Final words-
The island of Lanai is calling out to you as the beauty of the forests and gills awaits your arrival during the holidays.
Leave a Reply