Lanai City

Lanai City is the central and only major town on the island of Lanai. Built by James Dole in the 1920s to house workers of the world's largest pineapple plantation, the town still retains its historic plantation charm with vintage homes and buildings. Today, Lanai City is the island's business hub and home to parks, shops, and eateries clustered around Dole Park. Its small-town feel and historical roots make it a unique destination in Hawaii.

Lanai City, Lanai

Lanai City is the main residential development on the island of Lanai, located in the center of the island. 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.

Throughout the 20th century, Lanai was home of the largest pineapple plantation in the world, producing over 75% of the world's pineapple. The plantation spanned over 20,000 acres (81 km²). 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.

Today, the majority of the island is owned by Oracle Corp. CEO Larry Ellison, who in May 2012 signed an agreement to buy most of the island (around 98%) from the previous land owner, Castle & Cooke, Inc. Ellison reportedly paid between $500 million to $600 million.

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. Tourism plays an important role on the island today. There are two large resorts, the Four Seasons at Manele Bay, located on the island's south shore, and the Four Seasons Lodge at Koele, located near Lanai City.

Key Features of Lanai City

Central residential hub: The only major town on Lanai, home to most of the island's population
Historic plantation town: Built by James Dole in the 1920s for pineapple plantation workers
Endangered heritage: Named one of the most endangered historic sites in the U.S. (2009)
Dole Park town square: Surrounded by shops, galleries, and local businesses
Gateway to island exploration: Centrally located with access to major attractions and beaches
Population: 3,332 (2020 Census)
Zip code: 96763