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Aloha and welcome to Lanai, the small yet spunky Hawaiian
island full of charm, gorgeous natural beauty and unique nuances that
make it one of those places you just have to visit during your lifetime.
With a resident population of just over 3,000, Lanai is the perfect
retreat escape. Here you can hide away from the hustle and bustle of
everyday life, avoid the tourist traps offered on the bigger islands
and appreciate tranquil days and nights interrupted only by the occasionally
bird call or gentle rainfall.
Lanai is largely undeveloped, except for two spectacular resorts and
two breathtaking championship golf courses. If you want an exclusive
island experience, Lanai is the place. This island is perfectly suited
for those seeking untouched natural beauty, with or without creature
comforts and luxurious amenities. The unpaved roads of Lanai beckon
adventurers of all sorts. Great for those seeking an adventurous
vacation.
Geography and Climate
As the sixth largest Hawaiian island, Lanai's land area is a quaint
141 square miles (365 sq. km) with 47 miles (75 km) of shoreline.
Formerly nicknamed "The Pineapple Island," Lanai's secluded
white-sand beaches and broad range of activities make this island a
unique destination. Residents and visitors of Lanai enjoy a varied
climate due to quick elevation changes. Sea level temperatures are
noticeably warmer than temperatures in Lanai City, situated at
nearly 1,700 feet (518 m) above sea level. The average Fahrenheit
temperatures in Lanai City can range from 66 – 72 degrees (18.8-22.2
C) depending on the season. Lanai is one of the drier islands with
an annual average rainfall of only around 37 inches (94 cm).
Lanai's Beaches
Lanai sports 18 beautiful sandy beaches, 12 of them
accessible to the public. Scuba, swim, snorkel or sunbathe on gorgeous
white sand.
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Manele Bay
Manele Bay is a stunning marine preserve on the south shore
with the only public boat harbor on Lanai. Pack a lunch and grab a
cooler for a day on the water. Take off from Manele Bay to go deep
sea fishing, yachting, whale-watching, snorkeling or ferrying.
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Hulopoe Bay
Once a quaint fishing village in old Hawaii,
Hulopoe Bay
is a cultural anomaly. Its crescent-shaped white-sand beach is bordered
by intricate lava formations. Here, swimming, snorkeling and tide
pool exploration are the activities of choice. You may even see an
occasional school of spinner dolphins at play, or spot a majestic
humpback whale in the winter season.
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Shipwreck Beach
Although this beach is not a swimming beach, “collecting”
is a popular activity here. Beachcombers can stroll along Kaiolohia
Beach, nicknamed
Shipwreck Beach, to find a variety of treasures in
the sand. This coastal area on the northeast side of Lanai is famous
for its tendency to sink ships due to overwhelming currents and sharp,
shallow coral reefs. Visitors can also find ancient Hawaiian petroglyphs
carved into rock. The island of Molokai and the Auau Channel dividing
Molokai and Maui are visible in the distance.
Munro Trail
Hikers can enjoy this winding trail as it progresses upward through
the beautiful Hawaiian rainforest. Once the 8 miles (12.8 km) of trail
are behind you, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning aerial view of the
island and sea atop Lanaihale, Lanai’s only mountain at an elevation
of 3,370 feet (1,027 m).
Garden of the Gods
Lanai’s
Garden of the Gods, located just northwest of the huge
Kanepuu
Preserve, is a geological landscape crafted by nature’s elements. Rock
formations of brilliant magenta and other shades of red create a sense
of peace and awe.
The Cathedrals
The Cathedrals is a wondrous dive site just off the south coast of Lanai.
Like no other spot in the Hawaiian Islands, its hallowed namesake refers
to the 60-foot (18 m) chambers that house hundreds of active marine
life species, including octopus, blue-stripe snappers and pyramid butterfly
fish. A skilled diver could spend hours exploring the nooks and crannies
alongside some of the Pacific’s most beautiful inhabitants. This dive
is considered an easier level dive and can be enjoyed by beginners as
well as pros.
Sporting Clays
In the northwestern hills of Lanai, target shooters can play in the
15-acre Lanai Pines Sporting Clays course. There are four target shooting
disciplines surrounded by incredible views. Explore the 14 stations
of this scenic and challenging course as it winds through a range of
unique terrains. Or check out the archery range next door, which offers
lessons and is suitable for most ages.
Kanepuu Preserve
Kanepuu Preserve in Lanai’s uplands is 590 acres of adventure and a
hiker’s true paradise. Explore the last dryland forest of its kind in
the midst of over 40 species of native Hawaiian plants.
What makes Lanai unique?
Why Lanai? Consider a visit to Lanai to experience Hawaii in a raw,
unpackaged form, or for the unparalleled land and sea views. You won’t
find tall buildings or crowds here. Visitors love the pristine, private-island
feel in combination with the upscale resort pampering. Lanai’s scenic
backdrop is the epitome of serenity and grace. Honeymoon on Lanai for
a romantic trip with no distractions. This former pineapple-producing
island is guaranteed to delight and inspire all who are lucky enough
to traverse it.
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