Lanai City
The Hawaiian Island of Lanai is nicknamed “The Pineapple Island”
because of the pineapple plantation that once encompassed the entire island.
Even as Hawaii’s sixth largest, the island only features one town, Lanai
City. In 1922, James Dole purchased the entire island and developed the world’s
largest pineapple plantation. The company would come to be known as the famous
Dole Food Company. In 1985, David H. Murdock purchased the majority of the land
as part of the Castle & Cook Company as the agricultural industry began
to fade. Today, Lanai remains Hawaii’s most secluded island with only
3,000 residents calling the island home. Despite its small size of just 140
square miles, Lanai has features and sites unique among the Hawaiian Islands.
Garden of the Gods
Lanai’s Garden of the Gods, or Keahikawelo, is an area with beautiful
red sands and stunning rock formations. Formed millions of years ago through
the erosion of the natural lava that formed the island, the sand and rocks capture
the suns’ rays with exquisite color. This portion of the island is very
dry and little vegetation grows here. Legend has it that the gods dropped the
rocks and boulders here while tending to their gardens.
Only accessible via a 4-wheel drive along the dirt road, the Garden of the
Gods site will take approximately 1 hour to visit. The site resembles a “lunar
landscape” and is located about 7 miles north of Lanai City. Visitors
to the Garden of the Gods can also see breathtaking views of Molokai and Oahu.
Kaiolohia Beach of Lanai
Also known as Shipwreck Beach, the dangerous coral reefs off Kaiolohia Beach
make for beautiful snorkeling and “treasure hunting”. In the 1930’s
Filipino fisherman captured much of the driftwood floating around the waters
at Shipwreck Beach and used it to build the Federation fishing camp. Still used
by locals today, the spot is great for picnics and contains several of the old
fishermen’s homes and a latrine.
Visitors to Kaiolohia Beach can also view the ruins of an old lighthouse as
they head down toward the beach. If tide conditions are just right, ancient
petroglyphs can be seen in the rocks along the beach.
Pu'u Pehe
One of Lanai’s most famous natural landmarks is Pu'u Pehe or “Sweetheart
Rock”. As the legend goes, an ancient Hawaiian warrior took a princess
as his wife. Out of jealousy, he confined her to a cave within the rock. As
the tide rose, she drowned. Distraught over her death, the warrior carried the
princess’ body to the top of the rock with the help of the gods and flung
himself off the cliff. The princess is said to be buried in the tomb at the
top, although no archaeological evidence has been uncovered.
Hulopoe Beach - Lanai
Arguably the best beach for swimming and snorkeling on Lanai is Hulopoe Beach.
Located within the Hulopo'o-Manele Marine Life Conservation Area, this protected
beach offers white sand, beautiful fish, and unique coral formations. Hiking trails
and tidepools can also be visited to the left of the beach.
Hawaii Vacations
Lanai City
