Lanai

The Island of Lanai is small but charming, covering an area of around 140 sq miles, there are only just over 3,000 inhabitants living here. It was previously known as the Pineapple Island as most of the Island was until recently the Dole Company Pineapple Plantation.

Lanai is located in the centre of the Island chain and is the sixth largest of the Hawaiian Islands. Its unique beauty is reflected in the lush forests and white sandy beaches. A truly magical experience can be had on this peaceful Island. Some of Lanai’s most stunning beaches are secluded and treacherous, particularly during the winter months.

Lanai Airport is located southeast of Lanai City in the Palawai Basin and there are regular daily scheduled flights to and from Honolulu and Maui. The resorts provide shuttles to and from the airport, and car rental is available and also a limo service offered at the airport.

Lanai's climate is comparatively consistent all through the year with very little precipitation. Summer high temperatures ranging from 80-90°F/27-32°C and winter low temperatures range from  between 54 to 67°F/12-19°C.

The Island of Lanai is privately owned by The Lanai Company and accommodation is restricted to a few resorts and townhouses that are operated by the company. Prices are expensive. Another option is day trips to the Island via boat or ferry and you may be able to camp overnight if you obtain a permit from the company.

Nightlife on Lanai is subdued and the only regular nightlife venues on the Island are the Lanai Playhouse, (at the corner of Seventh and Lanai avenues in Lanai City), and the two major resorts, The Lodge at Koele and Manele Bay Hotel. Events such as the Pineapple Festival, the Aloha Festival and the Christmas Festival all held annually enhance the nightlife on Lanai. There are a few bars and Luaus, but that’s about it.

There are not many restaurants on Lanai; just a few eateries and the two major resorts accommodate diners. A varied range of local and International cuisine is available.

Lanai Dive Sites are renowned for their lava formations; they range from archways, ridges, tunnels, pinnacles and caverns with porous lava ceilings. Most of the diving sites are off the south and west coast.

There are only a few Golf courses on Lanai, there are two 18-hole championship courses: The Challenge at Manele on Lanai’s leeward coast (designed by golf legend Jack Nicklaus) and The Experience at Koele, (designed by Ted Robinson and Greg Norman). The Cavendish is a municipal course open to locals and visitors; it is a nine-hole, par-36 course, it collects ‘green fees’ on the Honor system.

There are various trail rides when horse riding that is suitable for both beginners and the more experienced riders. The stables at Koele have expert staff on hand to sort out the best package to suit your abilities.

Hiking trails can take you along the Munro trail, Shipwreck Beach Trail, North Hauola Trail, and Kaiholena Gulch Trail.

Lanai Dive Sites Include:

Shark Fin, South Coast: Beginner to Intermediate diver’s site normally from a rock that is shaped like a sharks fin. Marine life includes octopus, coral and sponges, with depths from 20’ to 90’.

Sergeant Major, South Coast: Beginner to Advanced divers site, Sergeant Major damselfish, Moorish Idols, Lava Tubes and Coral. A stunning archway connects three formations and sometimes white-tip reef sharks can be seen around it. As this site faces the Ocean, Humpback Whales can also be seen at this dive site during the winter months. (December - April). The depths of this site are from 15’ to 50’.

Sergeant Minor, South Coast: Beginner to Advanced divers site, this adjoins the Sergeant Major site (there is a large sandy area in between these sites). A 50’ lava tube is the highlight at this site, where a large and sociable moral eel lives. This site faces the Ocean too; Humpback Whales can also be seen at this dive site during the winter months. (December - April). The depths of this site are from 15’ to 50’.

Wash Rock, South Coast: Intermediate to Advanced diver’s site, with an abundance of marine life including the rare pipefish, coral, sponges and a highlight of this dive is the Tunnel of Love, a short narrow lava tube. This dive has a depth of 65’.

Pyramids, South Coast: Intermediate to Advanced diver’s site, lava arches, pinnacles, finger corals and loads of reef fish and the occasional white-tip reef shark. This dive has a depth of 40’ to 80’.

First Cathedral, South Coast: Intermediate to Advanced diver’s site (cavern dive). it is a large lava tube 100’ long and almost 2 storey’s high with numerous rooms and passageways. Marine life is found inside and outside, the depth is 45’ to 60’. Some areas of the cavern may be forbidden when the surf is strong, so be sure to check with your dive guide before entering.     

Second Cathedral, South Coast: Intermediate to Advanced diver’s site (cavern dive). There is an abundance of marine life to be found in the inside and outside the cavern. Large eels are a regular sight at this dive. The depth of this dive is 15’ to 65’.