Lanai - Seclusion and Sophistication

 In the last decade, this former pineapple plantation off the south coast of Maui has been transformed into one of the most luxurious and fashionable resorts in the islands. It is a special favorite of the new computer millionaires from the West Coast, including Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates who was married here.

 Purchased in 1922, James Dole paid $1.1 million for the 16,000 acre island in order to establish a pineapple plantation. In the 1990´s the Hawaiian pineapple industry collasped due to foreign competition and developer David Murdok made the decision to create a very upscale resort catering to the sophisticated traveler.

 A visit to Lanai City, where most of the island´s 5000 residents live, is to return to the Hawaii of yesteryear with its village square, quaint shops, manicured neighborhoods of plantation homes, all cool and verdant some 1600 feet above the sea.

Not far from Lanai City is the Munro Trail which climbs from the town through stands of Norfolk Pines planted in the early 1900´s up to the island´s highest point, Lanaihale at 3370 feet. On a clear day, five other islands are visible from this summit as well as much of Lanai. In the distance is Maunalei Gulch where the island´s defenders vainly attempted to repel the warriors of Kamehamehu in his quest to unite the islands in the late18th and early 19th centuries.

 Lanai offers you a variety of points of special interest. On the south side of the island, Kaunola Village, a natural historic landmark, is the site of well-preserved ruins and petroglyph carvings from ancient Hawaii. To the southeast are the abandoned fishing villages of Lopa, Naha, and Keomuku. Famous Shipwreck Beach is a delight for beachcombers. Here everything from seashells to ocean-going debris washes ashore along its 8 miles of beach.

 The luxurious inland The Lodge at Koele is surrounded by Norfolk Pines, creating an unique ambiance. Magnificent Manele Bay Resort nearby offers a host of beach activities. In reality, the entire island is one single resort and a shuttle runs every 30 minutes connecting the two resorts and guests have privileges at both.

 You can select from a wide assortment of recreational activities in Lanai - golf, tennis, diving, swimming, horseback riding, clay shooting, and kayaking. Exploring the island´s ridges and deserted beaches by foot, horseback, or mountain bike is a rewarding and delightful experience.

 Meeting each flight, a $10 shuttle transports visitors to Hotel Lanai, The Lodge at Koele, and Manele Bay Hotel. Taxis and rental cars are available. There are only 30 miles of paved road in Lanai and the hotel shuttle services most of them. If you wish to explore off-road, 4-wheel vehicles are available. Lanai can also be reached from Maui by sea via passenger ferry from Manele Harbor.  A trip takes 45 minutes one way, runs 5 times daily, and costs $50 round trip. 

 Lanai - an oasis of tropical splendor and sophistication!