Lanai is the smallest inhabited island of the Hawaiian chain that’s accessible to the public. Almost wholly owned by Larry Ellison, the cofounder of tech firm Oracle, Lanai is also sometimes called the ‘pineapple island’ because of its expansive fruit plantations. With few surfaced roads, many of the island’s attractions require a 4×4 to visit, but the lack of traffic and generally slow pace of life means that shouldn’t put anyone off from visiting this very special island.
The lack of crowds and urban sprawl means Lanai has plenty of space to switch off from the outside world. The obvious place to start is the island’s main town, Lanai City, which is also one of its most historic, with many structures dating to the 1920s including a renovated movie theater. The town’s filled with smiling welcomes, quaint independent stores, and excellent restaurants, generally situated around the mature tree cover of Dole Park.
Lanai City is also the best place to base yourself as a visitor looking to explore further afield on the island. Scenic walks can see you admiring the otherworldly vistas of Keahiakawelo, otherwise known as the Garden of the Gods and formed by an ancient volcanic eruption. It’s of some spiritual significance to the island’s population. Also not to be missed is Kaunolū Fishing Village, the ruins of the largest existing prehistoric Hawaiian habitation.
You can get the adrenaline flowing at Lanai Adventure Park, featuring a zipline, ebikes, climbing, and aerial ropeways, or sooth your mind with a trip to Mānele Golf Course or Lanai Cat Sanctuary, which has the dual role of rescuing cats and protecting the island’s native birdlife from them. Birdwatchers will also be interested in visiting the small island of Puʻupehe just offshore.
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