Hawaii Vacations: Lanai Island Vacations
With your tour guide,
Anne P. Mitchell
| Summary: If you are looking for that most perfect of Hawaii vacations - that most perfect of island vacations - if you want to feel like you're vacationing on your own private island, then Lanai is perfect for you. |
If you want to feel like you’re vacationing on your own private island, Lanai is the perfect destination for you. Lanai has a variety of attractions and activities for honeymooners, adventure seekers and those on a quest for some R&R. Secluded white sand beaches, soaring cliffs, pine forests and pineapple plantations are just a few attractions visitors will find on this “off-the-beaten-path” Hawaiian island.
Lanai is among the smallest of the Hawaiian Islands and the least visited, so you won’t find crowded beaches, congested roads or crazy nightlife. You won’t find any traffic lights and very few paved roads. Instead you will find leisurely land and hiking adventures, slow-paced snorkeling and scuba diving experiences and accommodations fit for a king.
Some 3,000+ residents call the island of Lanai home and most of them reside in the City of Lanai. Originally built in the 1920s by none other than the Dole Pineapple Company, this tiny town houses the only gas station on the island, a few small food stores and souvenir shops, several restaurants and the island’s police station. The Lanai City offices or the activity desk at your hotel is the only place you’ll find maps and information about hiking, snorkeling, exploration, etc. The only national car rental company on Lanai is Dollar Rental and there are a few local rental companies offering mostly Jeep and 4X4 rentals. All are located in Lanai City which is the common point of reference for most excursions.
Hulopo’e Beach Park is known for its perfect swimming, snorkeling and surfing conditions as well as its status as a marine sanctuary where visitors may observe sea turtles, humpback whales, dolphins and a variety of other sea creatures in their natural habitat. The park is located about seven miles from Lanai City and additional amenities range from showers and restrooms to picnic areas and communal grills. If you and that someone special would like a little privacy, Polihua Beach is great for quiet strolls and romantic picnics. Swimming is not recommended at Polihua Beach due to strong currents, and a 4×4 is required to get there. But once you’ve made your way over the coarse terrain, you’ll find that this is the perfect place for couples and newlyweds to share many private moments.
Other activities and attractions include the Ancient Petroglyphs, Keomuku Village and Shipwreck Beach, and hiking Koloiki Ridge, Munro Trail and Garden of the Gods. Detailed maps and information about these activities and excursions can be found at the activities desk at your hotel, or visit www.alohafriendshawaii.com.
In addition to pristine beaches and stunning scenery, Lanai also features several gorgeous, luxury hotels, a spattering of bed and breakfast retreats and an immaculate campground for outdoor enthusiasts. Expect to pay higher room rates than those on any of the other islands, but its well worth it - guests are treated like royalty here.
There are two Four Seasons resorts on the island of Lanai, including The Four Seasons Lanai Manele Bay,1 Manele Bay Road, Lanai City 808-565-2000, and The Lodge at Koele, 1 Keomoku Highway, Lanai, 800-321-4666. Both resorts feature tennis, hiking, golf and horseback riding. The Four Seasons Lanai Manele Bay also offers spa services and it features a fitness center along with several restaurants and lounges including the 145-seat Hulopo’e Court with stunning ocean views.
Other accommodations include Dreams Come True Bed & Breakfast, 1168 Lanai St., Lanai City, 800-566-6961, http://www.circumvista.com, and Hotel Lanai, 828 Lanai Ave., Lanai City, 877-665-2624, http://www.hotellanai.com. For information about Lanai’s Castle & Cooke Campground, phone 808-565-0415.
A few days to explore this majestic island just aren’t enough. If you can stay for 5-7 days, that’s great. If you can stay 7-10 days, even better! So why Lanai? Intentionally isolated, an unspoiled environment, 5-star resorts, gorgeous scenery and an island that stands out from all the rest, what more could you ask for?
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