Lanai



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.

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 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

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).



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.

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

 * Maui
 * Honolulu