Lanai: The Pineapple Isle

Lanai, at only 141 square miles, is the smallest of the main Hawaiian Islands, but it is a lovely place to include in your Hawaii vacation. Its size may explain why it isn't as well known as some of the other islands. If your vacation takes you to another island, it's easy to include Lanai in your Hawaii travel plans, even if only for a day trip, as the island is a mere 25-minute plane ride from Honolulu.
 
Once the largest pineapple plantation in the world (hence the nickname "The Pineapple Island"), Lanai now has less than 100 acres dedicated to growing pineapples. Lanai is an island of rolling hills, red lava cliffs, and some of the most beautiful beaches you've ever seen.

Lanai's Appeal

The appeal of Lanai lies in its quiet, untouched beauty. If your perfect Hawaiian vacation involves enjoying peaceful and secluded comfort, Lanai is for you. Lanai has two world-class resorts for those interested in including this small island in their Hawaii travel plans.

Manele and Hulopo'e Bays are both marine preserves and offer some of the best snorkeling in the Islands. Lanai offers a great deal for the off-the-beaten-path adventurer:

  • deer and game hunting
  • sports fishing
  • archery ranges
  • hiking
  • four-wheeling adventures
  • kayaking
  • snorkeling
  • horseback trips
  • clay shooting
  • golfing
  • whale watching tours
  • helicopter tours.
For those with more sedate interests, Lanai offers everything you need to relax. Lanai City includes unique shopping possibilities and a variety of restaurants. The beaches are hardly touched, and you can explore tide pools for a close view of marine life. From November to April, humpback whales come to the island for winter breeding and calving. If you like lawn games, croquet is quite popular on the island. All in all, Lanai appeals to the sportsperson and the traveler looking for peace in paradise.