Overview
Lanai or Lanaʻi is the smallest inhabited island in Hawaii (141 square miles). It is also known as Pineapple Island because of its past as an island-wide pineapple plantation.
The only city on Lanai is Lanai City. Most of the island's restaurants and shops can be found in the town square that surrounds Dole Park.
10 sights · 5 things to do · 8 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Lanai
Dole Park and War Memorial
The center of family recreational activities with a pavilion, picnic tables, and community center. Several veteran memorials are located in the park commemorating the soldiers that fought and died in World War II and the…
Pu'u Pehe (Sweetheart Rock)
A trail from Hulopo'e Beach leads to a wonderful overlook of Pu'u Pehe Rock. Along the trail are numerous tidepools, a sea arch, Sharks Bay and Sharks Cove.
Hulopoe Beach Park
Hulopoe Beach is located in southern Lanai along crescent-shaped Hulopoe Bay, which is protected as a Marine Life Conservation Area. The bay is bordered on each side by boulders, and on the eastern end is a lava terrace …
Polihua Beach
A long and wide white-sand beach stretching for more than 1.5 miles along the farthest most northwestern point on Lana‘i. Great for sunbathing, beach walks, exploring, picnics. These activities are best done earlier in t…
Kaiolohia (Shipwreck Beach)
This secluded beach features a ghostly ship still "wrecked" off shore - the World War II Liberty Ship, one of 22 ferrous-concrete oilers built between 1942 and 1944. After the war several surplus crafts were provided res…
Keahiakawelo (Garden of the Gods)
4-wheel drive to this otherworldly landscape - beautiful and unique rock formations were formed by thousands of years of erosion, creating pinnacles and buttes in a remote area. On a clear day, visitors can see the islan…
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Jan–Dec. Summer highs reach about 89°F; winter lows dip to about 67°F. Wettest: Mar and Nov. (climate data from nearby Honolulu)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- LNY Lanai Airport, Lanai City — 4 mi away. Directions
- JHM Kapalua Airport, Lahaina — 18 mi away. Directions
- OGG Kahului International Airport, Kahului — 32 mi away (major hub). Directions
Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $100–$340 a night (typical $292), from 6 listed prices.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$140, mid-range ~$370, comfortable ~$510.
Options are grouped as Budget, Mid-range, Splurge in the Sleep guide ↓.
Sample 3-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Dole Park and War Memorial, Polihua Beach, Keahiakawelo (Garden of the Gods)
- Afternoon Lana'i Theater, The Challenge at Manele
Day 2
- Morning Kaiolohia (Shipwreck Beach), Nanahoa Islet, Kamalupau Harbor
- Afternoon Lanai Cat Sanctuary, The Experience at Koele
Day 3
- Morning Pu'u Pehe (Sweetheart Rock), Hulopoe Beach Park, Luahiwa Petroglyphs
- Afternoon Trilogy Ocean Sports, Cavendish Golf Course
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
Most of Lanai can only be seen with a vehicle or via a tour. There is a free shuttle between the ferry port and Lanai City, but there are no other transportation options.
Larry Ellison, the co-founder of Oracle Corporation, owns most of the island.
Get in
Get around
Lana‘i has an island-wide transportation system offered for a nominal fee that is available through the Four Seasons Resorts, Hotel Lana‘i and Expedition Ferry (to and from Maui). The island shuttle offers an easy way to get from the airport to the hotels in Lana‘i City and Hulopoe Bay, the golf courses, and the Expedition Ferry. The shuttle is convenient and runs frequently.
Most rental vehicles on the island are Jeeps. In addition to the agencies listed below, Jeep rentals are sometimes available through private Lana‘i residents.
There is only one gas station on the island and it is in Lana‘i City, so make sure that enough gas is available. Lana‘i may be a small island, but routes such as the Munro trail have limited access and take a long time to traverse.
- Expeditions The Maui-Lanai ferry operator offers Jeep tours and rentals. +1-800-695-2624
- Lana‘i Eco Adventure offers safari-style Jeep Wranglers, complete with ferry pickup. +1 808 565-7373
- Dollar Rent-A-Car offers 4x4 Jeep safari vehicle rentals and mini van rentals. +1-800-JEEP-808
See
See Dole Park and War Memorial
The center of family recreational activities with a pavilion, picnic tables, and community center. Several veteran memorials are located in the park commemorating the soldiers that fought and died in World War II and the Korean Conflict.
See Kaiolohia (Shipwreck Beach)
This secluded beach features a ghostly ship still "wrecked" off shore - the World War II Liberty Ship, one of 22 ferrous-concrete oilers built between 1942 and 1944. After the war several surplus crafts were provided residence on the Lanai reef as an economical means of disposal. This particular vessel withstands the ocean currents and waves and has stood for over 50 years on the reef. A remote hiking trail (Kaiolohia-Kahue) originates from the beach, and petroglyphs can be seen 100 yards inland from the parking area.
See Pu'u Pehe (Sweetheart Rock)
A trail from Hulopo'e Beach leads to a wonderful overlook of Pu'u Pehe Rock. Along the trail are numerous tidepools, a sea arch, Sharks Bay and Sharks Cove.
See Keahiakawelo (Garden of the Gods)
4-wheel drive to this otherworldly landscape - beautiful and unique rock formations were formed by thousands of years of erosion, creating pinnacles and buttes in a remote area. On a clear day, visitors can see the islands of Molokai and Oahu from these high elevations.
See Nanahoa Islet
Nanahoa Islet, north of Kaumalapau Harbor on Lanai’s west side, consists of two large pillar stones. According to legend a man named Nanahoa and his wife were turned into these stones.
See Hulopoe Beach Park
Hulopoe Beach is located in southern Lanai along crescent-shaped Hulopoe Bay, which is protected as a Marine Life Conservation Area. The bay is bordered on each side by boulders, and on the eastern end is a lava terrace lined with tide pools that provide habitat for a variety of marine life. One of the island's safest swimming beaches for children, although there is no lifeguard. There is generally good visibility in the water which makes for excellent snorkeling. Open to the public, with picnic tables, barbecue grills, restrooms and showers.
See Polihua Beach
A long and wide white-sand beach stretching for more than 1.5 miles along the farthest most northwestern point on Lana‘i. Great for sunbathing, beach walks, exploring, picnics. These activities are best done earlier in the day as the afternoons are frequently very windy with windblown sand.
See Kamalupau Harbor
Located on the west end of Lana‘i and is accessible by paved road. Breathtaking views of the 1,000 foot cliffs along Lana‘i's South shore.
See Luahiwa Petroglyphs
Clustered at the foothills of the Palawai caldera, these are drawings made on lava rocks by ancient Hawaiian settlers. See figures representing men and women, family units, pets, goats, canoes, and even a possible surfer. The site of the petroglyphs is not marked. Ask for clear directions and road conditions before starting out.
See Lana'i Theater
Larry Ellison renovated the theater to a first-run movie theater that has 2 films on any given day.
Do
- Snorkeling and swimming at Hulopoe Beach Park
Scuba diving
Lanai’s southern coast is known for its 'Cathedrals I' and 'Cathedrals II' dives, swim-throughs, archways, and lava structures.
Several Maui-based dive operations offer day trips from Lahaina to the dive sites along the south shore of Lanai (45-minute boat ride).
Golf
Do The Challenge at Manele
An open, oceanside course designed by Jack Nicklaus. 18 holes, par 72.
Do The Experience at Koele
Perched in the lush, green highlands of Lanai away from the ocean. 18 holes, par 72.
Do Cavendish Golf Course
Built as a nine-hole, par 36 courses in 1947 for sugar plantation workers on the island. Today, it's a free golfing opportunity for anyone who loves the game. The course features long, straight fairways amid tall Norfolk pines. 9 holes, par 36.
Buy
Great local art at The Lana’i Art Center.
Sleep
Accommodations are limited on the island, so make sure you've booked ahead. Rooms for April and December high seasons book up months in advance.
Budget
Stay Blue Ginger Bed and Breakfast
Mid-range
Stay Hotel Lana‘i
Splurge
Stay safe
Crime is usually not an issue on Lana‘i due to the small population, but that still doesn't mean that it is not a good idea to be watchful.
Go next
Nearby
Lahaina
City / town · 48 listings · 16 mi away
Kaanapali
City / town · 20 listings · 17 mi away
Molokai
City / town · 38 listings · 19 mi away
Napili
City / town · 3 listings · 20 mi away
Kapalua
City / town · 31 listings · 21 mi away
Kalaupapa National Historical Park
Park · 6 listings · 24 mi away
Waikapu
City / town · 3 listings · 27 mi away
Wailuku
City / town · 7 listings · 27 mi away
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