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Bird Man of Lana`i Petroglyphs

These ancient cliff sketches are officially called the "Poaiwa" or "Puaiwa" Petroglyphs, but they're locally known as "Bird Man" because they depict figures with heads that look bird-like. They're also in close proximity to Shipwreck Beach, so they are sometimes called the "Shipwreck Beach" Petroglyphs. Whatever their real name, the drawings are definitely an interesting sight to see, especially if you're interested in history or local culture. It's estimated that they date back to about the 15th century, but it's not known for sure how old the petroglyphs really are. The island of Lana`i is home to many of these drawings, but the Bird Man Petroglyphs remain some of the most popular, due their relatively accessible location. More »

Cathedrals Dive Site

If you're looking for a truly breathtaking dive site, this is it. There are two "cathedrals" here, both offering a unique, almost spiritual underwater experience. Divers enter the cathedrals through small holes, but once inside, the caverns open up and tower over head, and even feature "stained glass windows", or holes that let the aqua blue color of the surrounding water shine through, creating a window-like effect. The first cathedral is the smaller of the two; it stretches almost two-stories high and features many nooks and corners that are great to explore. The second cathedral is a bit larger, with lots of wall space on which different varieties of coral abound. More »

Cavendish Golf Course

For a casual game of golf, head to this nine-hole, par 36 course. It stretches for 3071 yards and is a great place to go if you're looking for pure golf without the luxury resort amenities. Cavendish was originally built in 1947 by the Dole fruit company for its pineapple plantation workers who lived on the island, but is now owned by the city. It's a honor-system course--you can just show up, put a donation in the box, and play. Don't go looking for the pro shop or the driving range here, as there aren't any amenities except mowed grass, holes on the greens, and mildly bumpy fairways. It makes for a good place to go to enjoy the simple pleasures of golf without the distractions of motorized carts, tee times, or even other people, as the course is usually fairly deserted. More »

Challenge at Manele Golf Course

This top-notch Lana`i course was designed by renowned golfer Jack Nicklaus and has won many awards and accolades since it opened in 1993. The 18-hole course has a par of 72 and stretches for a whopping 7039 yards from the longest (black) tees. Many visitors and locals alike consider this course one of the best in Hawaii because of its jaw-dropping views from the cliffs above the ocean, immaculate greens and fairways, and superb customer service. The course itself is called "The Challenge" for a reason--it's not for the beginner golfer; some of its greens hug the sheer cliffs (using the Pacific Ocean as a water hazard), natural gorges pepper the fairways, requiring precision and accuracy, and there are more than a handful of blind shots scattered throughout. When you're finished with the Challenge, head over to the well-appointed clubhouse for a shower and a nice Hawaiian lunch. More »

Experience Golf Course at Koele

This pristine course is another one of the best in the islands. The par 72 course was designed by Greg Norman and Ted Robinson, and stretches for 7014 yards (from the longest tees) over beautiful rolling hills and forested slopes. The first hole is located at 2000 feet above sea level, setting the whole course up for gorgeous views of the islands and sea below. Natural streams and lakes give the course plenty of challenging water hazards and its highlands setting offers forested areas and a wide variety of varying elevations. There's a clubhouse on site, offering snacks and drinks that can be delivered to your cart location on the course, as well as a driving range, pro shop, putting green, golf instruction, and many other amenities you'd expect at such an elegant course. More »

Garden of the Gods

The eerily beautiful rock formations at Garden of the Gods, or Keahikawelo, were shaped by wind erosion over thousands of years. The other-worldly, remote spot is dry and windswept, and the purple and red hues of the rock seem almost supernatural. It is no wonder, then, that ancient Hawaiian belief holds that the rocks here were dropped by the gods as they worked in their gardens. On clear days, the islands of Moloka`i and even O`ahu can be seen from the isolated, canyon-like area about seven miles from Lana`i City. More »

Halepalaoa Beach

This quiet beach provides a great place for sunbathing, swimming, and lounging. It's located on the eastern side of the island, and is also locally known as Kahalepalaoa Beach. The beach is wide, with nice golden sand and generally calm surf, making it one of the nicest beaches on this side of Lana`i. Halepalaoa not only offers its nice sand and surf, but also some history, as the ruins of the wharf from the old Maunalei Sugar Plantation are located here, which are interesting and fun to explore when you get tired of relaxing on the shore. Unfortunately, this beach is one of those on the island that's only accessible by 4x4 vehicle, but its seclusion, history, and calm surf make it worth a visit. More »

Halulu Heiau

Head to these ruins for a sense of old Hawaiian history, as these were the grounds of the great King Kamehameha's refuge on Lana`i. He had the heiau re-built in the 1800s, making it a place of refuge for those who broke the law. The heiau was used to attract outlaws, who, if they made it to the temple before they were caught, were forgiven. This location was strategically chosen for the heiau temple, as it was almost impossible to access from the main valley, making it hard for criminals to attain forgiveness for their crimes. Since Halulu Heiau was one of the last temples to be constructed on the island, much of it remains intact, giving visitors a chance to really get an image of what the complete temple must have looked like. More »

Hotel Lana`i

A homey, hospitable hotel with a bit of classic plantation-era historical elegance, the Hotel Lana`i is also a center of Lana`i City life. Originally built in 1923 by James D. Dole to host Dole Pineapple executives when they visited the island, the hotel is also home to Henry Clay's Rotisserie, one of the Lana`i's best restaurants. For many decades, the Hotel Lana`i has been a lively center of island social life, a place where locals and visitors gather for a bit of company on Hawai`i's "Secluded Island." More »

Hulopo'e Beach Park & Marine Preserve

This area sparkles with clear blue water and soft white sand. It's been consistently ranked as one of the top beaches in Hawaii and is able to remain pristine because it's a protected marine preserve. Offshore, coral reefs abound, and are teeming with colorful fish and other aquatic animals such as jellyfish and stingrays. The marine preserve stretches from southern Lana`i all the way to the island of Maui, making the waters off the shores of Hulopo'e perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or diving. There are multiple hiking trails that branch off from this area, as well as camp sites that are available in advance by permit reservation. Or, if camping isn't your thing, book a room at the beautiful Manele Bay Hotel and enjoy ocean views from the cliffs above. More »

Kaena Iki Heiau

This heiau was once a place of worship for ancient Hawaiians, and is the largest one located on the island of Lana`i. It is located just past the Garden of the Gods, and offers a unique insight into the lives of the people who originally inhabited the island. It was constructed in the 17th century to honor the god of agriculture, Lono, and consists of a large stone platform and other stone ruins. It's located on the red dirt road that leads out to Kaena Point and is a good place to stop on your way to Polihua Beach. More »

Kanepu'u Preserve

This sensitive dryland eco-preserve is home to a wide variety of plants that are only found on this island, including rare and endangered species such as sandalwood, Hawaiian gardenia, and the Bonamia menziesii. The 590-acre dryland area is one of the most sensitive ecosystems in the islands, and originally covered most of the lowlands of Lana`i, but now is relegated to this protected area. It is operated by the Nature Conservancy, which provides educational interpretive signs and plaques placed along the self-guided hiking loop; they also will lead a guided tour of the preserve for groups of five or more, if reservations are made ahead. This is a great area to visit, especially if you're interested in the native flora of the island, or if you want the chance to see endangered plant species that are very rare. More »

Kaumalapau Harbor

This small harbor is not like a typical Hawaiian cruise ship harbor; Kaumalapau plays host mostly to shipping vessels and fishing boats that come to dock on Lana`i. It was constructed in 1926 by the Hawaiian Pineapple Company (later called Dole), and served as a major importing/exporting locale. The harbor used to be a bustling port, when the pineapple plantations covered the island and shipping was paramount, but now it's a quiet port that welcomes fishing and other ships. The cliffs here are very dramatic, rising to heights of 1,000 feet, and making it an impressive spot for sunsets or photographs. More »

Kaunolu

This old seaside fishing village was once the vacation home of the famous King Kamehameha. The King conquered the island of Lana`i in the early 19th century, and decided to build a small village in this location because it was one of the best fishing spots on the island. There's a hiking trail that winds through the ruins of the over 100 homes and buildings found here, giving visitors an idea of King Kamehameha's chosen residence. The National Historic Landmark has been abandoned since the early 1900s, but the ruins that remain tell a clear story of the types of buildings and other village facilities that used to be here. More »

Keomoku Village

This abandoned settlement used to the bustling center of Lana`i, but has been abandoned since the early 1900s. The town was established in the 19th century, and really grew when the Maunalei Sugar Company began built a plantation in the area in 1898. Native Hawaiians believe that the plantation failed because the Sugar Company used stones from a scared heiau (ancient worshiping place) to construct part of a railway, and their plantation was cursed from then on. Whatever the cause of the demise of the village, it became abandoned and now serves visitors as a look into Lana`i history. There are a few remaining ruins to see here, including a renovated church called Malamalama. More »

Lana`i Art Center

This is the island's only true community art center where both locals and visitors can take classes, workshops, gain access to art studios, and more. Located in the downtown village of Lana`i City, The Lana`i Art Center recently underwent renovation to include an expansion of the gallery. The remodeled space now features art from over 30 local artists as well as a nice collection of art supplies for local artists to purchase. Art programs here include painting, drawing, fabric arts, writing photography, digital arts, ceramics, woodworking, traditional Hawaiian crafts, as well as children's arts and crafts classes. Drop by for a class taught by local artists or to admire the local art scene. More »

Lana`i Marketplace

This is a great local marketplace where you can really get a feel for the farmer culture of the island while at the same time tasting some island treats. Pick up some local fruits and vegetables to bring home for snacks or beach picnics. Held on Saturday mornings in Dole Square in downtown Lana`i City, the marketplace features local produce, breads, lunches, and even arts and crafts. More »

Lana`i Pine Sporting Clays

Lana`i Pine is an adventure sporting facility offering a clay shooting course and an archery range. Hunting is permitted year-round on the island and shooting is a popular sport among locals. Used and frequented by both locals and first time visitors alike, there are instructors and a pro-shop here if you're interested in giving these sports a shot. The clay shooting course offers 14 stations designed to be easy for beginners but also challenge more advanced shooters. Archery lessons and equipment are also available. Lana`i Pine is located just outside of Lana`i City and a shuttle runs from the Koele Lodge. More »

Lana`i Playhouse

Though no longer used as a playhouse, the historic Lana`i Playhouse building dates back to the 1920s. Today, the playhouse opens from Friday to Tuesday (and sometimes to Wednesday in the summer months) to show one or two movies. Matinees are also sometimes held here. This landmark is one of the very few night life spots on the island and in addition to movies, the playhouse hosts performances and special events. Be sure to contact the playhouse for schedules of movie and event times. More »

Lodge at Koele

This magnificent lodge is located in Lana`i's upcountry highlands, just beyond Lana`i City. Designed in the style of a country manor, this getaway resort highlights the more pastoral and country aspects of Lana`i, unlike a beach resort. Included here is the world-class championship golf course, The Experience at Koele. When not enjoying the sand and surf of the beach, this resort offers great recreational activities such as hiking and horseback riding. Additional amenities at this resort include a great fitness center, an inviting pool surrounded by lush landscapes, and three premiere tennis courts. Even if you are not staying at the lodge, it's worth a walk around the grounds of this beautiful retreat. More »

Lopa Beach

Lopa beach features smooth sandy shores and shallow water, but can only be reached in a four-wheel drive vehicle. If you're up for the adventure of getting to this secluded beach, you'll be rewarded with a beautiful beach. Because the surf can get a bit rough here, swimming at Lopa Beach is only advised when the waters are calm, mostly in the summer months. This is also the site of four ancient Hawaiian fish ponds, a place that makes you think about how the ancient Hawaiians lived and survived here. More »

Luahiwa Petroglyphs

Distinguished as some of the best-preserved petroglyphs on Lana`i, these rock carvings depict animals, people, and ancient symbols. They can be found at the end of a steep dirt road that wends through the pineapple fields and is only accessible in a four-wheel-drive vehicle. Petroglyphs are primitive works that resemble caveman drawings. They're crudely scraped or drawn onto rock, and oftentimes are simple stick figures. More »

Manele Bay Harbor

Serving as the main harbor where visitors access the island, Manele Bay Harbor is a busy public harbor that handles all charter and excursion traffic. It's here where you'll hop off the boat from Maui to explore beautiful Lana`i. Fishing and snorkel boat tours also use this harbor. Catch a shuttle bus from here to go to the Manele Bay Hotel, up to Lana`i City, or other parts of the island. More »

Mike Carroll Gallery

Nestled in the quaint downtown village of Lana`i City, the Mike Carroll Gallery is an unexpected treasure trove of art on this tiny island. An established artist, Carroll moved from Chicago to Lana`i to marry his passions of art and nature. With an impressive career as a professional artist specializing in medical art, Carroll now paints the beauty, nature, and people of the Hawaiian Islands. Visit his inviting gallery featuring a collection of his original paintings and prints. Other guest artists' work is also on display at the gallery from paintings to photographs to wood bowls. More »

Munro Trail

This trail, which starts at the Lanai cemetery behind the Lodge at Koele, is a beautiful but long, tough haul if you decide to hike the whole thing: estimates of the length vary from 10-13 miles. It is technically a jeep trail that can be tackled with a four-wheel drive vehicle, but you are likely to have better luck--and enjoy the scenery more--if you hike it or bike it. The trail twists up over the inland peaks of the island, providing spectacular views. An easy option is to just hike a section of the trail. The Koloiki Ridge section, about 2.5 miles, gives you great views of neighboring Molokai and Maui, and if you wish you can continue on to Lanaihale, the highest point on the island at 3,370 feet about sea level. More »

Polihua Beach

Just beyond the "Garden of the Gods" is Polihua Beach, a favorite surf and suntan spot. This is not a safe spot to swim; however, it's a romantic place for picnics and sunsets. It is located several miles down a strip of unpaved road best navigated by mountain bike or a 4x4 vehicle. The last section must be hiked. Always wear shoes to protect yourself from the needle-sharp kiawe thorns. The beach itself is a flawless expanse of white sand; it has been the site of countless photo spreads. Polihua is also a nesting place for sea turtles. More »

Pu`upehe

This distinctive rock is one of the most recognizable geographic features on the coast of Lana'i. There is an old Hawaiian legend associated with the rock that is full of passion and tragedy--apparently in the ancient days when different islands still feuded with one another, a warrior from Lanai captured a beautiful princess from Maui named Pu`upehe and brought her back home with him as his wife. She was so beautiful that he did not want anyone to see her out of fear they might take her away from him. He hid her in a sea cave on this rock, where she lived kept and confined by her jealous husband. One day when he was gone, the surf rose and the weather turned nasty, and the princess was drowned in her cave. When the warrior returned he was so distraught that he climbed the rock and buried his bride, and then jumped from the rock to his death. The rock is named after the princess, and is alternatively known as Sweetheart Rock. More »

Shipwreck Beach

This beach feels remote, wild, and beautiful, but the powerful currents and serious surf here make it as dangerous for ships as it is for swimmers. Several shipwrecks lie offshore, where treacherous reefs in the Kalohi channel make the passage a minefield for marine traffic. The first recorded wreck here was the Alderman Wood, which sank in 1824, though it is the Liberty Ship which was scuttled here after WWII that is the most visible from shore. The beach is located by the ruins of an old lighthouse, and a short hiking trail from the parking area leads to petroglyphs. You can also hike all the way up the coast to Polihua Beach from here. More »

Spa & Fitness Center at the Lodge at Koele

The specialty at the Spa at the Lodge at Koele is massage. Traditional Lomi Lomi, sports massages, and Swedish style aromotherapy massages are all available, though the Pohaku wela (hot stone) massage sounds particularly appealing: smooth stones are steam heated and infused with tropical oils, then laid strategically on your body and massaged into your muscles. Yoga classes and fitness equipment are also available. More »

Spa at Manele

The Spa at Manele is the place to pamper yourself on Lanai--a world class spa that offers a plethora of rejuvenating and reinvigorating treatments, you can get everything from facials and pedicures to ti-leaf wraps and seaweed body masks, the spa's signature offerings. Enjoy a massage from one of their top-notch therapists, or one of the red-cedar dry saunas, eucalyptus steam rooms, or rainforest showers. More »