Lanai City, Lanai

Lanai City is the main residential development on the island of Lanai, located in the center of the island. The little town has a population of 3,164 people (2000 census). It was recently (in April 2009) named one of the top most endangered historic sites in the United States.

The town was developed by James Dole, Hawaii’s pineapple baron, in the early 1920s and has a feature that none of the other Hawaiian islands have – an intact plantation town. Lanai City has vintage homes, an old courthouse, jail and police station. The historic district is threatened by a proposal for commercial development, which would demolish 15 to 20 old buildings.

Lanai was once home of the largest pineapple plantation in the world, established by James Dole and spanning over 20,000 acres (81 sq. km). Back then Dole owned the entire island and brought thousands of plantation workers here (mainly Filipino immigrants). He built Lanai City to house the workers.

The Castle & Cooke Corporation, which owns the Dole Food Company, still owns most of the island today. Since Lanai’s population is very small, Lanai City is the island’s main business area. Most of the island’s shops and eateries are located in the small town square that surrounds Dole Park.

Presently, the main income of Lanai City comes from the tourism industry. The median household income is $49,209 and the per capita income is $18,668.

Lanai City's zip code is 96763.

Lanai City in Bullet Points

Main residential development on Lanai
Built by pineapple king James Dole in the 1920s
Named one of the top most endangered historic sites in the United States

Lanai City Location

Lanai City, Lanai, Hawaii 96763

Lanai City Map (top)

Lanai City Weather (top)

Now
80°F
Windchill:
80°F
Mostly Cloudy
Location: Lanai City, HI, US
Wind: 6 mph N
Humidity: 64%
Visibility: 0.1 mi
Pressure: 30.04 in falling
Sunrise: 6:33 am
Sunset: 5:49 pm Sat
Hi: 79°F
Low: 69°F
Partly Cloudy
Sun
Hi: 78°F
Low: 69°F
Partly Cloudy