Hulopo'e Beach
- Enjoy swimming, snorkeling, surfing and a pristine
white sand beach. Hulopo'e Beach Park is the site
of an ancient village dating back to 900 AD. From
this site you can see a point of the island of Kaho'olawe
called Kealai Kahiki -- also the name of the channel
between the two islands. Hulopo'e Bay is now a marine
sanctuary for spinner dolphins, humpback whales and
rare sea turtles.
Polihua Beach
- The wide deserted sands of Polihua Beach is accessible
by unpaved road from Lana'i City. According to legend
the goddess Pele came here to harvest turtle eggs.
The Hawaiians say, "Aia ka 'ike Polihua a lei
i ka manewanewa," which translates, "One
proves a visit to Polihua by wearing a lei of manewanewa."
Shipwreck Beach
- Winding past several deserted shacks, the dirt road
stops at a cluster of dunes. Cross the dunes toward
the rusted hulk of a freighter which ran aground decades
ago, giving the beach its name. Dozens of reef-sheltered
pools separate the coast from rough open ocean. Water
gently laps the shore, leaving pristine white sand,
marked only by the footprints of shorebirds.
Lana'i Pine Sporting Clays
- The only resort sporting clays course in Hawaii,
the Lana'i Pine Sporting Clays is designed for both
skilled and new shooters. The state-of-the-art facility
is situated amid 200 acres of pine woods overlooking
Molokai. The 14-station course features challenging
terrain and a variety of targets, with clays launched
to simulate flight or running patters of particular
game species. Players can also enjoy Compact Sporting
(or Five Stand), Skeet Shooting, or Wobble Trap (Olympic
Trap). Certified instructors teach introductory sessions
for first-timers and offer a 15-minute course introduction
for the experienced shooter.
Lana'i Pine Archery
offers the excitment and challenge of archery at its
best. The 12 target range provides spirited fun for
archers of all ages and skill levels. Novice, intermediate
and advanced archers welcome the challenge of targets
set up at 15 and 35 yard ranges.
Test your skills or learn the sport from certified
instructors. Anyone who can safely handle and draw
a light bow will enjoy this midevil sport. The instructors
provide safety tips and pointers, so you'll be on
target in no time.
The Lana'i Pine Archery Pro
Shop will outfit you with all the neccesary equipment.
Recurve, Compound, and youth bows are available.
The Munro Trail
traces Lanai's highest ridgeline to Lanaihale, the
island's 3,370-foot peak. The trail is named for George
Munro, a visionary New Zealander who planted the trees
along the ridgeline and set aside protected tracts
of Lanai's native forest. The trail (actually the
width and quality of a jeep road) does not simply
run straight along, it twists and turns, always keeping
you eager to see what comes next. Its smooth surface
permits hybrids or even road bikes equipped with knobby
tires to pass, although the clay can become treacherously
slick in wet conditions.
On a good day, all the Hawaiian Islands except Kauai
are visible from Lanaihale.
Garden of the Gods:
An isolated upland plateau strewn with a seemingly
chaotic array of boulders, the Garden of the Gods
takes on a rich red and brown glow in the late afternoon.
Even in broad daylight, a deep spirituality pervades
this bizarre red rock-covered landscape. Centuries
of wind erosion have blown away the topsoil leaving
behind the Garden of the Gods' breathtaking display.
The stark geometry of exposed rocks and boulders expresses
pure elemental power, making it easy to imagine gods
in such a place. The Garden of the Gods borders the
vast fields of the Palawai Basin, the floor of the
volcano which formed Lana'i a million years ago. Wild
grasses have now overgrown the vast pineapple fields
that once led here. But the dirt plantation roads
are still passable. Keep your eyes open for Axis Deer
and other natural wildlife.
Luahiwa Petroglyphs
are on the way to the Palawai Basin, central Lana`i.
These early rock carvings and drawings are incribed
on 34 boulders on a steep slope overlooking the Palawai
Basin. The rock drawings are a mixture of ancient
and historic styles. The petroglyphs are fragile and
should not be disturbed or damaged in any way. Visit
and enjoy them and leave them intact for those who
follow.
Keomuku Village:
The population center of Lana'i in the late 1890's,
Keomuku now lies abandoned. In ancient times, farmers
and fishermen inhabited portions of the fertile north
coast and the adjacent valley of Maunalei. In 1898
the Maunalei Sugar Company announced plans to build
a sugar plantation, boosting Lana'i's population from
174 to nearly 900. Initial prosperity gave way to
a series of setbacks after the company destroyed a
heiau (temple) in order to build a cane railway along
the coast, bringing predictions of failure. Maunalei
Sugar shut down in 1901 and little remains today except
the steepled Malamalama Church, now restored and offering
a glimpse of the island's past.
Kaunolu Village Ruins:
Situated on the cliff-lined south shore, the remains
of the ancient Hawaiian fishing village at Kaunolu
include a heiau (temple) and the rocky debris of what
once was Kamehameha the Great's summer retreat. The
heiau at Kaunolu was a pu'uhonua, or a sanctuary for
those who who had broken the kapu (taboo) or were
being pursued by enemies.
The Stables at Koele:
Equestrians will find Lanai provides a thrilling setting
for active and leisurely trail riding. Koele, Paniolo
and Mahana Trail Rides are walking rides and are Western
tack only. The Private Trail Ride (English, as well
as Western tack) allows the more experienced rider
to go at a faster pace if desired. Group rides can
be customized to your requirements upon advanced notice.
Specific rides are not available on a daily basis,
but may be booked 30 days in advance. This is truely
a lovely way to experience the Island.