Hawaii Islands: Lanai
If your idea of a tropical island getaway includes ultra
luxury and secluded privacy, the Island of Lanai awaits
you. Just over 3,000 people live on this small exotic
island. Life evolves around its one charming town, Lanai
City, and two deluxe properties; the upcountry Lodge
at Koele and the ocean-side Manele Bay Hotel. Both consistently
win top resort honors. Two stellar golf courses, a spa,
fine dining choices, and plenty of outdoor activities
and water sports guarantee there’ll be plenty to do until its
high tea in the music room.
Lanai's unique outdoor attractions are the primary reason for
visiting the exotic island. They include the Garden of the Gods
in Kanepu'u, where rocks and boulders are scattered across a
crimson landscape as if some divine being had placed them there
as a sculpture garden. Adjacent is a self-guided nature trail
leading through the Kanepu'u Preserve, a unique dryland forest
hosting some 48 native species, including the endangered Hawaiian
gardenia. The waters at Hulopo'e Beach are so clear that within
a minute of snorkeling you can see fish the colors of turquoise
and jade. After hiking or driving to the summit of Lana'I hale,
a 3,370-ft-high windswept perch, you'll find a splendid view
of nearly every inhabited Hawaiian island.
A visit to Lanai can be either simple or elegant, romantic or
adventurous. Solitude is easy to come by. On the other hand,
you can rub elbows with sophisticated travelers during a game
of croquet at the Lodge at Ko'ele or a round of golf. Bring
casual clothes because many of your activities will be laid-back.
Come, take your time, and enjoy it before the tropical island
changes too much more.
LANAI
RESORTS
Polihua Beach
Polihua is a beach area on the northern coast of Lana'i. Access
is by four-wheel drive only. Famous for the turtles that nest
here, the translation of Polihua literally means Poll (bosom)
and hua (eggs). Due to strong currents, swimming is very dangerous
and should not be attempted. Do not drive onto the beach!
Kanepuu- Garden of the Gods
Patches of native dryland forest (one of the fastest disappearing
ecosystems in the world) are located in the northwest section
of Lanai. Some of these areas have been fenced by The Nature
Conservancy of Hawaii, which manages the dryland forest containing
some extremely rare species of plants including a dryland
na'u or gardenia tree. Kanepu'u is also the region where the
Garden of Gods, a collection of unique, colorful rock formations
is located.
Dryland Forest
The Kanepu'u Preserve is an area of rare plant life now under
the stewardship of The Nature Conservancy of Hawaii. Some
48 native species can be found here, including endangered
Lana'i sandalwood, rare Hawaiian gardenia and local cousins
of olive and persimmon.
Kaiolohia Bay - Shipwreck Beach
Kalolohia, literally the "choppy or changing sea," is located
on Lana'i's northeast shore and is an 8-mile stretch of beach
along the Kalohi Channel between Lana'i and Moloka'i. It is
more commonly known as "Shipwreck Beach" because of the abandoned
crafts on the reef. This area is easily reached by four-wheel-drive
vehicle or by foot from the end of the paved road. Not recommended
for swimming. Enjoyable for beachcombing; however, on windy
days the beach may be intolerable due to blowing sands.
Lana'i Pine Sporting Clays
The rustic 14-station sporting clay course is situated on
the northwest section of the island. Meandering through a
pine-wooded valley that overlooks Moloka'i, the course allows
shooters to tackle a variety of target angles. A skeet range
with trap and a compact station will be fun for shot-gunners
of all skill levels.
The Stables At Koele
Explore the hillside surrounding Koele by horseback and capture
the flavor of Lanai's rich ranching history. Wooded upland
trails lead to hidden valleys that are home to axis deer and
other wildlife, offering spectacular views of Maui, Moloka'i,
Lanai City, and the Lodge. Reservations for private and group
trail rides can be made by contacting the Concierge or the
Stables at Koele.
Koloiki Ridge Hike
Koloiki Ridge Hike is about a 5-mile trail that starts from
the Lodge at Koele and takes you through the forested hills
and valleys of the Koele uplands. Enjoy the solitude and rugged
beauty of Lana'i by taking this nature hike.
Lana'i City
The only town in Lana'i sits at an elevation of approximately
1,700 feet above sea level. The city was built to be the focal
point of the pineapple industry in 1924. The total population
of Lana'i currently numbers around 2,600 people and all but
a handful of the residents live in Lana'i City.
Cavendish Golf Course
A public nine-hole par 36 course in the pines, it is free
to residents. Visitors are asked to leave a donation for maintaining
the course.
Experience at Koele Golf Course & Clubhouse
Legendary golfer Greg Norman and architect Ted Robinson together
designed the 7,017-yard par 72 course in the cool uplands
of Koele. The mountain course begins on a plateau nearly 2,000
feet above sea level, set off by panoramic views of Maui and
Moloka'i directly across the ocean channel. The dramatic signature
hole number 8 presents a spectacular 2OO foot drop in elevation
from fee to green through wooded ravines.
Master Garden
The soil on which this ten-acre garden sits was once used
by Dole Plantation to grow pineapple. Today it nurtures a
vast selection of flavorful fruits, vegetables and herbs for
the two luxury resorts. Having access to the garden's fresh
produce allows diners at the hotel restaurants the opportunity
to experience gourmet cuisine at its best.
Palawai Basin
Palawai is a land division and basin located in south central
Lana'i. Once filled with pineapple, today Paliwai Basin is
used primarily for grazing.
Luahiwa Petroglyphs
The petroglyphs are inscribed on 34 boulders or a steep slope
overlooking the Palawai Basin. The rock drawings are a mixture
of ancient and historic styles. The petroglyphs are considered
to be very fragile. Do not handle or disrupt them in any way.
Dining
Lanai is home to a diverse ethnic population, and the food
reflects this cultural gathering by embracing the techniques
and ingredients of Filipino, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, and
traditional native Hawaiian heritages. Enjoy the sensual flavors
of haupia, a custard-like coconut sweet, and the snack treat
called Pu Pu, which translates as a small fish but actually
means any kind of hors d'ouerves. Local produce includes superior
seafood, delectable fruits, and wild game fused into creative
inventions by master chefs.
Gourmet: Ihilani is highly-acclaimed for
its French Mediterranean cuisine, and nothing beats dining
in a Hawaiian Monarch palace, with its spectacular view
of Hulopoe Bay. Manele Bay Hotel, 1 Manele Bay Road
Highly Recommended: The Terrace at Koele
prepares casual yet refined modern cuisine served in an
al fresco setting. Lodge at Koele, 1 Keomoku Road
Local Flair: Hulopoe Court is a treat
for the palate, offering traditional Pacific Rim delicacies
fashioned with the touch of regional Hawaiian cuisine. Manele
Bay Hotel, 1 Manele Bay Road
Romantic: The Formal Dining Room at the
Lodge at Koele serves you a banquet of fresh seafood and
richly-flavored wild game along with creative cocktails,
which you can enjoy cuddled up around the huge fireplace.
The Lodge at Koele, 1 Keomoku Road
Nightlife
The nightlife is modest and virtually entirely contained
within the resorts, but there is a remarkable variety of entertainment
available relative to the limited venues. There are activities
for all, from dance parties on the beach, to comedy acts,
to folk music performances. Check with your concierge nightly
to see what is lined up for the evening, because many activities
are impromptu and you might miss them if you stick to pre-printed
schedules!
Hale Aheahe Lounge: This is the place to
go for soothing piano music and traditional Hawaiian harmonies.
Lanai Theatre: This is a landmark from the
1930s, hosting live musical performances, movies, and other
special events
