Lanai, Hawaii

The island of Lanai, formerly known as the "Pineapple" island, is the sixth largest in the chain of Hawaiian Islands. For years, the entire island was owned by the Dole Company and used in their pineapple growing business. When the pineapple industry began to wane, Dole built two upscale resorts, Manele Bay and Koele Lodge, and began marketing the island to tourists. Lanai is a blend of outrageous opulence and pristine natural landscapes ranging from white sand beaches to lava fields to mountainous, pine covered hillsides. A vacation on Lanai can include sitting on a gorgeous beach, snorkeling in the Pacific, hiking the inland trails, four-wheeling over the rugged outback, golfing windswept links, and many other activities normally enjoyed in an island paradise.

If you visit just one beach on Lanai, make sure it is Hulopoe Bay Beach Park on the southern coast. Hulopoe is a crescent shaped wonder, perfect for body boarding, surfing, snorkeling, and taking a dip. Sharks Bay is a small area divided from Hulopoe Beach by a red lava rock tongue of land that protrudes out into the ocean. This length of lava is a perfect place to hike to obtain great views of the coastline, both east and west, and of Pu'u Pehe Rock. Shipwreck Beach, on the north shore, gets its name from the many ships that have run aground on its reef. This beach is a great place to get some sun, but swimming here is generally hazardous unless the waves are very calm.

Golfers visiting Lanai have their pick of three different layouts. The Cavendish Golf Course, located just outside Lanai City, is a 9-hole public loop that requires only a small donation to play. Close by, The Experience at Koele, designed by Greg Norman, is one of Hawaii's signature courses. The holes meander through hills and valleys, and use deep, scenic ravines as hazards. The Challenge at Manele, designed by Jack Nicklaus, is a traditional links course located at the Manele Bay Hotel on the southern coast of the island. The holes are located along the Pacific, offering magnificent views of the deep blue ocean.

A sight unique to Hawaii is the Garden of the Gods, located in the northwest portion of Lanai. Rent a four-wheel-drive vehicle and head up the Polihua Road to reach this lunar-like landscape. From here, the more adventurous will hike the 5 mile round trip down to Polihua Beach, a small pocket beach with large sand dunes.

While in your 4WD you might want to head toward the Koele Lodge and make a beeline for the Munroe Trail, a 10 ½ mile backcountry trail that is also frequented by hikers. The road climbs Lanaihale ("House of Lanai"), and reaches the highest peaks on Lanai. For your trouble, you are rewarded with incredible views of hills, valleys, and almost all of the other Hawaiian Islands.

Far off the beaten path, but well worth the journey, the Luahiwa Petroglyphs offer history buffs a visual history of ancient Lanai. These drawings, written on a hillside covered with massive boulders, represent the origins of Polynesian culture in the Islands. The Petroglyphs are located on the south western portion of the island. Find a knowledgeable guide to direct you to the specific trail that leads to this once-in-a-lifetime sight.

Lanai offers a glimpse into a Hawaii that had remained hidden from the rest of the world until very recently. Spectacular mountain views, barren lava fields, wind-swept plains, and beautiful white sand beaches combine strengths to form a pristine Polynesian paradise. If it's tranquility you seek, look no further than spectacular Lanai!