Lanai in Hawaii

Relaxing on idyllic beaches is one of the best things to do in Lanai – it’s part of Hawaii, after all. A popular spot for bathing, snorkeling, and diving is Hulopoe Beach, located 10 miles south of Lanai City. Its eastern end has a lava terrace with large tide pools and exotic marine life.

Polihua Beach is one of the longest stretches of coastline in Hawaii, at 1.5 miles along Lanai's north shore. This rather secluded beach is great for sunbathing, though it lacks restrooms and lifesavers. It’s not a good idea to swim or snorkel here due to strong currents.

Keahiakawelo is a unique rock garden in the north-western part of Lanai. The rugged land has scatterings of boulders, spires and towers that seemingly glow red at sunset. It sits at an elevation of 1,600 ft, offering views over Molokai and Oahu on a clear day.

Locals call Keahiakawelo a wahi pana (sacred storied landscape), so refrain from disturbing the rocks when exploring the site. Getting here is quite a challenge – you'll have to ride a 4WD along the unpaved Polihua Road from Lanai City.

Lanai City lies at an elevation of 1,700 ft, making it one of the coolest parts of the island. It’s Lanai’s only developed town, with many shops, galleries and restaurants concentrated around Dole Park.

It’s a nice gathering place with plenty of pine trees providing shade. Just southwest of the park, you can find several sports facilities like a baseball field and basketball court. A must-visit is the Lāna’i Culture & Heritage Center, a small museum with exhibits about the island’s history and culture.

Kaunolū Village is a well-preserved archeological site on Lanai's southern edge. It’s an ancient fishing village that’s said to have existed until the 1800s. King Kamehameha I held ceremonies at an onsite heiau (Hawaiian temple) from 1778 to 1810.

Kaunolū Village actually consists of 2 villages – Kaunolū (west) and Keāliakapu (east) along the Kaunolū Gulch. You can see around 80 house platforms, 35 stone shelters, petroglyphs, and temple ruins within the site. Nearby is Kahekili’s Leap, a notable point where warriors would dive 60 ft into the sea to prove their courage.

Surfing in Lanai is great for adventurous visitors thanks to consistent swells throughout the year. Hulopoe Bay is a south-facing beach that’s mostly suitable for beginners but has a rather challenging left point break that’s great for intermediates. Lopa Beach is popular with the island’s surf schools as the waves are mild enough for complete beginners.

If you’re an experienced surfer, Shipwreck Beach and Pohakuloa Beach on Lanai’s north coast offer strong winds and large swells year-round. Getting there requires a 4WD as both beaches are only accessible along dirt roads.

There are many things to do in Lanai besides lounging on pristine beaches. You can enjoy plenty of ocean-based adventures, including snorkeling and diving just off the coast. The Lanai Cathedrals is a spectacular spot consisting of 2 rock formations ranging between 15 and 65 ft in depth. There’s also a 100-ft-long lava cavern that’s frequented by tropical fish, octopi, and sea turtles.

Hikers can enjoy miles of scenic trails across the island. The Munro Trail winds through rainforests for around 12.5 miles toward the peak of Lānaihal, the summit of which is 3,370 ft above sea level.

Designed by Jack Nicklaus, the Manele Golf Course at Four Seasons Resort Lanai is the only one of its kind in Lanai. Built atop natural lava outcroppings, you get to tee off with spectacular views of Hulopoe Bay and the Pacific Ocean.

Dining in Lanai is concentrated around the island’s main town and high-end resorts. Lanai City offers a wide range of cuisines, including Hawaiian, Japanese, Korean and Chinese. There are a couple of local cafes serving coffee and breakfast classics, such as Blue Ginger Café, Coffee Works, and The Plantation Deli.

Lanai’s many resorts have onsite restaurants that offer fine-dining experiences. Sensei by Nobu specializes in creative Japanese cuisine while One Forty serves quality seafood and steaks with spectacular ocean views. Golfers visiting the Manele Golf Course can enjoy small bites, salads and wraps at its onsite restaurant, Views.

Lanai’s shopping scene is fairly local, with boutiques, art galleries, and giftshops concentrated in Lanai City. Dole Park is within walking distance of Mike Carroll Gallery and Lanai Art Center, both of which specialize in quality works by Hawaiian artists.

The Local Gentry is a fashion boutique offering swimsuits, shorts, and shirts by Hawaiian brands. If you want to shop for fresh produce, Pine Isle Market Ltd and Richard's Market are excellent options.

Lanai’s nightlife options are found in its high-end resorts, where you can find several onsite bars and lounges with expansive beverages lists. Malibu Farm Bar at the Four Seasons Resort Lanai serves tropical cocktails, local beers, and wines until 6 pm, while Nobu Bar specializes in Japanese sake and small bites.

Families can enjoy the latest movies at Hale Keaka, the only movie theater on Lanai Island. You can also simply sit back and enjoy the sunset on Lanai’s many natural viewpoints and beaches. Popular spots include Kaumalapau Harbor, Hulopoe Beach, and Halepalaoa Beach.