Lanai is one of the lesser-known Hawaiian islands and a unique tourist getaway. The sixth-largest of the islands, it measures 18 miles across, with just over 140 square miles. Lanai is situated between Molokai to the north and Maui to the east. Historically as well as in the present day, Lanai has been grouped with Maui for governing purposes; today it is located in Maui County. It is the smallest of Hawaii’s populated islands, and can be reached by boat by either Molokai or Maui. There is also a small airport with flights to Honolulu on Island Air.

The only town on Lanai is Lanai City. The island’s total population is between 3,000 and 4,000 residents; most live off dirt roads, and four-wheel drive is required on this island. Most of the island’s landmarks and other notable tourist sites are located on such unpaved paths as well.

For most of history, Lanai was unpopulated. In fact, it is believed that the first inhabitants did not arrive until the fifteenth or sixteenth century. According to a popular Hawaiian legend, the island was occupied by man-eating spirits before humans arrived. Once the spirits were driven from the island, it was deemed safe for inhabitants. Many legends abound as to how this feat was accomplished.

The first inhabitants on Lanai were fishermen who lived along the coast. Later, they began growing taro in the interior of the island. During the reign of King Kamehameha I, many of the residents were killed as a result of his efforts to unite the islands under centralized rule. When Captain George Vancouver sailed within eyesight of the island in 1792, he did not land because he could not see any villages or other signs of inhabitants.

The island of Lanai is also known as the Pineapple Island. It was once home to an island-wide pineapple plantation after the entire island of Lanai was purchased by James Dole in 1922. He was the president of the Hawaiian Pineapple Company, which later became Dole Food Company. After this purchase, most of the island was turned into the world’s biggest pineapple plantation, and it remained that way for over fifty years.

As the pineapple industry was phased out over the past few decades, tourism began to grow. Today, Lanai is home to two resort hotels and three golf courses, including one designed by Jack Nicklaus. There is also a small bed and breakfast hotel located in Lanai City. It was originally built by James Dole in 1923 to host visiting executives.

Lanai is becoming an increasingly popular tourist destination for those who want a relaxing and out-of-the-way vacation. Manele Bay, found on the southeast coast of the island, is a harbor with ample opportunities for boating, swimming, snorkeling, and other marine activities. The beaches here are widely known as some of the best beaches anywhere in Hawaii.

The interior of the island is mountainous, and has been described more like the Australian outback than the tropical environment you may be expecting when you visit Hawaii. Lanai is home to eucalyptus and pine trees rather than palms. Instead of black lava rocks, you’ll find red dirt trails. The animal life on Lanai includes wild deer and turkeys. Popular activities include hiking and horseback riding; Lanai is home to a stable as well as many miles of trails including the popular Munro Trail. On a visit to Lanai, there are a few must-see attractions. One is Keahiakawelo, or the Garden of the Gods, a unique moonlike landscape with rock towers soaring high over a plateau. Near Manele harbor, you’ll also find the site of the Luahiwa Petroglyphs. Another historical attraction is Kaunolu Village, an abandoned fishing village with the ruins of dozens of houses as well as a religious temple. This village was said to be a favorite fishing spot of King Kamehameha I.

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