Five Top Things to Do on Lanai, Hawaii
Admire Hulopoe Bay, Hike the Munro Trail, Visit Shipwreck Beach
Jul 15, 2008
Lanai is not for folks who are looking to be entertained. You'll find no aquariums, luau productions or other grandiose, man-made attractions on the island. Instead, visitors typically spend their days strolling the six-block downtown area (they are short blocks!), relaxing on the beach, exploring dirt roads by Jeep, snapping photos of nifty rock formations, and taking hikes in the cool "upcountry."
Here, in no particular order, are some of the best things to do on Lanai:
1. Stroll the Grounds of the Four Seasons Lodge at Koele
This upscale resort is in Lanai's "upcountry," inland from the dry coast. The sprawling, sophisticated property is shaded among a forest of Cook Island Pines; so if you get tired of sunning yourself on the beach, head to this hotel and walk along the paved paths that pass by a pretty pagoda, a greenhouse, a babbling brook and the rolling green golf course.
2. Hike the Koloiki Ridge Trail
Pick up a "Koloiki Ridge Hike Map" from the concierge at the Lodge at Koele. It's a wonderfully detailed guide to hiking part of the Munro Trail, with an offshoot to the Koloiki Ridge. At the end of the 2.5-mile, one-way journey, you have great views of Molokai and Maui. Note: You may need to drive to the Munro Trail, just past the island's cemetery, to start your journey; the trail directly from the Lodge may be washed out or closed for revegetation. Also, if you're game for a longer hike, stay on the Munro Trail, which stretches for 12.8 miles over the highest point on the island (3,370 feet). This trail is a dirt road that is open to four-wheel-drive vehicles -- if the road hasn't been washed out by rain; the Dollar Rent-a-Car folks will let you know if it's safe to drive by Jeep.
3. Relax at Hulopoe Beach Park
This is Lanai's premier beach for snorkeling, spotting dolphins and simply chilling out on the golden sand. Restroom facilities are available. You can camp here, too, though non-residents can only camp on the grass across the parking lot from the beach. Residents can actually sleep right next to the ocean.
4. Check out Sweetheart Rock (Pu'u Pehe)
This is a towering rock that rises from the ocean between Hulopoe Bay and Manele Bay. Legend has it that long ago, a jealous husband kept his wife hidden in a cave. One day, during a storm, she drowned. He was distraught, and carried her body to the top of Pu'u Pehe, where he left her. Then he jumped to his death into the crashing waves below.
5. Drive to Shipwreck Beach
The majority of roads on Lanai are not paved, so you need a four-wheel-drive vehicle to see some of the more "off the beaten path" locales. Shipwreck Beach is on the north side of the island, and you actually have to park your Jeep before you reach the ultra-soft sand and walk to this 8-mile stretch of coastline. Officially called Kaiolohia, it's nicknamed Shipwreck Beach because of the mammoth Navy vessel that was grounded here on a coral reef -- and in plain sight. Walk 200 yards along a marked trail to see the Kukui Point petroglyphs.
Interested in reading more about Lanai? Check out:
Budget Hotel, Cheap Eats on Lanai, Hawaii
