Things to Do

Top 10 Things To Do In Lanai Hawaii

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Things to do in Lanai Hawaii include 1. Beachtime at Hulopoe Bay, 2. Hiking on Munro Trail, 3. Exploring Keahiakawelo (Garden of Gods) and more.

The island of Lanai is often referred to as the 'Pineapple Isle' because of the popular Dole pineapple plantation. It is the sixth-largest Hawaiian island with an area of 140.53 square miles.

Lanai is located across the Auau Channel from Maui and it is mainly formed by the extinct volcano called Lanaihale. A day's visit to this little island is worthwhile if you are staying in Maui for a week or so.

Beaches, off-road adventures and hiking are the major highlights among several activities to experience in Lanai. Here is a list to help you explore the island in the best possible way.

1. Enjoy Beachtime At Hulopoe Bay

Hulopoe Bay is the perfect place to spend a day and unwind for the beachgoers. This oceanfront area with a warm sandy beach and pristine water has a serene environment.

The water at Hulopoe Bay is calm and clear which makes it one of the best locations in Hawaii for swimming, snorkeling and bodyboarding.

Hulopoe Bay is located on the southern coast of the island of Lanai. This beach area is about 5 minutes drive from Manele Bay and right next to the Four Seasons Resort.

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The most prominent feature of the Bay is the presence of a large tide pool near the shoreline. Formed among volcanic rock, this pool is home to a wide variety of marine species.

Hulopoe always has something to offer in every season for beach-goers. In the summer months, this is an ideal place to take a dip in the water.

Whereas, in winter months, visitors can enjoy amazing sights of spinner dolphins and humpback whales offshore. Puu Pehe, a historic sight, is also nearby if you like some exploration.

2. Go Hiking On Munro Trail

Things to do on Lanai for an exciting vacation is to go for a hike on Munro Trail. The famous hiking route is a part of the Hawaiian archipelago.

Lanai is known for its rugged landscape and rich natural vegetation. This provides a wonderful opportunity to nature enthusiasts and hikers to set out on an exploration.

This famous trail is about 12.8 miles in length and has varying levels of difficulty. You need to be fully geared up to hike on this trail.

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Hiking on Munro Trail is very rewarding as you will get an opportunity to observe the unique flora and fauna of the island. You will pass through diverse terrains, lush forests, rocky ridges and panoramic viewpoints.

Additional details about the Munro Trail:

  • Peak Elevation: 3,370 feet
  • Trail Type: One-lane dirt road
  • It is advisable to bring plenty of water

3. Explore Keahiakawelo (Garden of the Gods)

Things to do Lanai Hawaii is to explore Keahiakawelo (Garden of the Gods), a rock garden at the end of Polihua Road. The place is a 45-minute drive away from Lanai City.

Keahiakawelo is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the island of Lanai. This picturesque landscape has some striking formations, vibrant colors, and mesmerizing appearance. 

  • Free Entry to the park
  • Located 6 miles northwest of Lanai City

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This place holds cultural significance for the locals of the place and is considered sacred. The landscape here was formed through millions of years of erosion and weathering.

The rocks have vibrant colors as a result of different mineral deposits in the soil. And although it is a truly wonderful site, reaching here is quite tough.

A four-wheeler is the best option to reach this location where you can enjoy the scenery. Visitors will have ample opportunities for photoshoots and sightseeing.

4. Set Out On An Off-Road Adventure

Lanai things to do Hawaii is to rent a Jeep and set out on an offroad adventure to remote parts of the island. Get on a four-wheeler and explore the north Lanai.

Lanai has 400 miles of rugged road to be explored on a four-wheeler. Notably, Kanepu'u Reserve, which is located 4.8 miles away from Lanai City, is the best place to travel to in a UTV.

A guided Polaris UTV (Utility Terrain Vehicle) is the best way to start your adventure. You can secure a booking with Go Lanai for $322.40 per person.

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Some additional information about the Expedition Explore Lanai UTV package are given here:

  • A 24-hour advance reservation is required
  • Guests must be at least 8 years old
  • Helmets and Goggles are provided

If you are willing to extend your off-road adventure further, then continue down the road for another five minutes. The journey will take you to the dramatic landscapes of Keahiakawelo. 

Another place worth visiting is the isolated shore of Kaiolohia located on the northeast side of Lanai. The road is bumpy and rugged and takes about 30 minutes to get there.

5. Explore Lanai City

Lanai Hawaii things to do is to explore the beautiful Lanai City. It is the one and only city on the island and serves as the main hub and commercial center.

The City is warm and welcoming to the visitors and features several tourist attractions. The Dole Park is the famous central park which is surrounded by shops, restaurants and local businesses.

You will have no problem regarding accommodation here since there are many hotels, inns and vacation rentals. The pet friendly hotel, Four Seasons Resort Lanai offers one of the most comfortable lodging experiences.

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For further explorations, there is no better place to start than the Lanai Cultura & Heritage Center. This historic place offers exhibits, and educational programs related to the island’s past.

Lanai Cat Sanctuary is another popular place that is sure to keep you engrossed. This non-profit organization provides homes to rescued and abandoned felines. 

6. Enjoy Golfing At Manele Golf Course

Hawaii Lanai things to do is to go golfing at the famous 18-hole, par-72 Manele Golf Course. The field is located on the premises of Four Seasons Resort Lanai.

Choose from the available 14 courses without having to compromise on the quality or experience. Several of these courses are highly ranked in the world’s best list. 

The entire field runs over 7,039 yards on a red lava field along a scenic coastline. You will face stimulating challenges like drives over cliffs, deep gorges and ravines with flags extremely close to the cliff’s edge. Despite the challenges, golfing at Manele Golf Course is definitely worth your time.

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The course access is exclusively available to the guests at Four Seasons Resort. Furthermore, complimentary golf club rentals are provided for anyone playing 9- or 18-hole rounds after 12 noon.

Additional details about the Manele Golf Course:

  • Address: One Manele Bay Road Lanai, HI 96763
  • Slope: 134
  • Price: $350 per person
  • Designed by: Jack Nicklaus

7. Explore Puu Pehe (Sweetheart Rock)

To do things in Lanai is to make a visit to the 80-foot-tall Puu Pehe, also known as Sweetheart Rock. It is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Lanai.

Puu Pehe is a striking rock formation set along the southern coastline of the island. The moniker Sweetheart Rock is derived from a romantic Hawaiian legend about a princess and a young warrior.

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This iconic landmark is located between Manele and Hulope Bay and can be reached after a short hike. Set against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean, Puu Pehe will command your appreciation for its geological beauty and cultural significance.

A short coastal hike along the rocky cliffs from Hulope Bay will get you to this amazing location. Here, you can spot long-tailed tropical birds soaring high above along with a dramatic view of the land and sea.

8. Make A Visit To Kaiolohia (Shipwreck Beach)

To do things Lanai Hawaii is to travel to Kaiolohia also known as Shipwreck Beach. The oceanfront area is located on the southern coast of the island.

Kaiolohia is famous for its raw natural beauty, and rugged coastline. The moniker Shipwreck Beach is due to the remains of the World War-II era shipwreck,

Kaiolohia is characterized by its golden sands, pristine waters, and immersive waves. Visitors will get ample opportunities for photoshoots, beachcombing, and sightseeing here.

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To get to Shipwreck Beach, a four-wheeler is a must since the road is rough, rugged and unpaved. The journey takes about 30 minutes from Lanai City and it is wise to get directions from your concierge.

The beach stretches for 8 miles and offers a great view of Molokai and Maui. The ocean condition here is not ideal for swimming. However, you will still have a good time exploring the abandoned vessels as you walk along the shoreline.

9. Lanai Cultural and Heritage Center

Things in Lanai to do is to visit Lanai Cultural and Heritage Center and learn about the island’s heritage. Explore the preserved artifacts collections that represent the rich history and culture of Lanai.

The cultural center makes exhibits artifacts, photographs, documents and interactive displays that offer insights into the island’s past. Furthermore, the place also provides educational programs and workshops for the locals and visitors.

For anyone who is interested in history and culture, you can access the center’s resources for your studies. This center often collaborates with schools and community groups which plays an important role in connecting the local community with its cultural roots.

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Entry to the museum is free during the regular opening hours. However, there are occasional opportunities for private visits on the weekdays so, look for any available advance reservations. 

For the Private Openings, an in-state student or resident has to pay a $5 fee. Likewise, if you are a traveler from outside, the entry fee is $20 per person. 

Some additional details about the cultural center are listed below.

  • Address: 730 Lanai Ave # 126, Lanai City, HI 96763
  • Opening Hours: 1 pm to 3 pm (Mon-Fri)

10. Enjoy Horseback Riding

Horseback Riding is an unmissable activity you should definitely try while you visit Lanai. Stables at Koele offers enchanting horse-drawn carriage rides through Lanai’s picturesque upcountry.

Discover the timeless landscapes of the island with a horseback riding tour which will give you a new perspective of Lanai. Explore wooded upland trails and hidden valleys and the magnificent vistas of neighbouring islands.

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The lush valley here is home to diverse wildlife such as axis deer, pheasant, Mouflon sheep and turkey. The wide-open expanses and breathtaking scenery of the Pineapple Isle make horseback riding trip an ideal choice.

The highlight of the tour is passing by the Cook pines where each one spins the highland fog into 200 gallons of water daily. This equestrian program has exceptional guides, gear, and horses.