For many years the island of Lanai was a pineapple plantation and not a tourist destination. But with the closing of the Dole facilities in 2008, tourism has become the major industry.
Options for Transportation
As with all islands, there are only a few possibilities for traveling to and from Lanai. Ferry service from the Lahaina harbor on Maui operates daily. Flights are also available but most involve starting or stopping in Oahu before connecting to or from Lanai. There are package tours that operate from Maui and include transportation, snorkeling and a few hours on Lanai.
Once on Lanai, there are again few options for transportation. Dollar Rental Car and an independent agent, Bart, will reserve cars, mostly Jeeps or 4-wheel drive vehicles for visitors. There is only one gas station, located in Lanai City across from the Dollar Rental Car lot, where all rented vehicles as well as locals have to gas up.
However, there is an island shuttle service that takes passengers arriving by ferry or airplane to the hotels or rental car office. This shuttle service is worthwhile for the majority of a stay as it connects the major hotels, Lanai City, the airport and the docks.
The option we chose was to use the shuttle from the ferry to our hotel, then rent a car for a full 24-hours the following day to explore the island. This proved to be more than enough time to see the major sights.
Options for Lodging
There are three main hotels on Lanai, as well as some privately owned bed & breakfast establishments. Hotel Lanai is centrally located in Lanai City and is housed in the former Dole plantation executive quarters. It is basic in amenities but historic in nature, dating from 1923. Rooms are decorated in Hawaiian décor and it was the only hotel on Lanai until 1990.
The Four Seasons hotel chain opened The Lodge near Lanai City in 1990 with lush gardens, golf courses, horseback riding, fine dining, and luxury service. It was followed in 1991 by a second facility, Manele Bay, on the ocean shore. The sister properties share use privileges with each other and a shuttle makes frequent connections. Both properties provide all the amenities of 5-star properties and are beautifully appointed.
Options for Dining
All three of the hotels have an outstanding dining room open to the public. Menus feature dishes encompassing the island culture and Pacific Rim influence. However, because most food must come from off island, prices reflect this.
In Lanai City, the only town on the island, and reached by shuttle from all hotels, there are several local dining spots. While these are more in the “down-home” range, the food is delicious and plentiful. We tried a few places, namely, the Blue Ginger Café, Café 565, and the Coffee Works and all of them were friendly, clean, and enjoyable. There are also grocery stores in Lanai City where it is possible to gather supplies for a picnic lunch.
Options for Activities
In addition to the hotel activities that are plentiful and include golf, horseback riding, archery, swimming, and water sports, Lanai affords a variety of options for spending the time there.
In Lanai City, an excellent local museum provides a history of the island, the pineapple plantation days, the cultural and heritage aspects of the people and the area. Staffed by local people who enjoy “talking story”, this Lanai Culture and Heritage Center is well worth a visit.
With a rental Jeep or by taking a guided tour, it is possible to drive onto the back island dirt roads and see a diversity of terrain and some unique sights. Old plantation roads cross the former pineapple fields and lead to an area known as “The Garden of the Gods” where unusual rock formations abound. Further down the road is a white sand beach with views of Molokai and, in season, whales and dolphins. Another road takes the traveler to Shipwreck Beach where a huge concrete World War II Liberty ship dominates the view. It was not “shipwrecked” but placed there as an economical means of disposal. Other dirt roads lead to abandoned towns, the Munro Trail leading to the top of the island, and through former farming areas.
Choosing to Visit Lanai
The beautiful island, known as the Pineapple Isle, is not for everyone. It takes effort to get there, guest facilities are limited, the expense is greater than on other islands (for example, gasoline was about 70 cents more than on Maui when we were there in 2012), and there are few roads, few cars and fewer people.
But for those who venture to visit Lanai, it is a laid-back taste of island culture and a restful experience. When Bill and Melinda Gates chose to be married in Lanai on the Manele Bay golf course, the world became aware of the beauty of this tropical paradise. It remains remote and that gives it charm. This is a little island where the locals welcome visitors into their family. Visiting Lanai is a special experience.
Ethel Brodie - Intrigued by the world, encouraged to write my observations, published in newspapers and magazines, and sharing special places.
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