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Browsing Lana`i
Aside from golf and pineapples, Lanai's main attraction is its petroglyphs. Petroglyphs are crude drawings or carvings on rock, the kind that many people associate with cavemen. While Lanai's petroglyphs are not quite that ancient, they're still remnants of a mysterious, long-ago time. The Birdman petroglyphs are among the most popular on the island, simply because they're so easy to access from the main road. Located at Kaiolohia Beach (more commonly known as
Shipwreck Beach), these ancient rock carvings depict animals, people and other things.
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Of all the dive sites off the shores of Lana'i, this may be the most famous. It has a second dive site named after it. It is actually an enormous lava tube (100 feet long and about 20 feet high). The reflection of sunlit blue water in the tube looks remarkably like a stained glass window. The effect has inspired comparisons to a Renaissance-period Catholic church. Inside the tube live dozens of unusual little fish and crustaceans. The waters outside the tube are also busy with the activity of sea-dwelling creatures.
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If the fees and the waiting time at Lanai's two major golf resorts seem to be a bit excessive, you might want to check out this nine-hole course. Established in the 40s, it was Lanai's only course for a half century. It is easily accessible from Lanai City or either of the two major hotels. Fees are collected via the honor system; just put them in the drop box. While resort guests can play free, all other visitors are expected to donate.
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This course was ranked among the top 50 by Conde Nast Traveler. It has won numerous other awards in its brief history. Built by Jack Nicklaus and with Doug Stephenson as the resident golf pro, this place is a championship course in every sense of the word. The signature hole requires players to hit the ball from one side of a cliff to the other, over 200 yards of ocean. The facility has a pro shop, a clubhouse, and a restaurant. Call for current greens fees and reservations.
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A relative newcomer to the Hawaii golf scene, this course already outshines the ones on neighbor islands. Besides garnering other awards and accolades, it has been rated among the top 50 golf resorts by Conde Nast. Built by Ted Robinson, it spans 163 acres of pristine land bordered by forest. The Number 8 hole is the signature hole, while hole Number 17 is smack-dab in the middle of a lake. Reserve a tee time at least three weeks in advance.
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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.
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This beach is also called Kahalepalaoa: the shortened version of the name translates to whale house, while the longer version translates to whale ivory house. In the old days, the Maunalei Sugar Plantation shipped sugar cane from a wharf located onsite, but today only the ruins of the wharf remain. Although the beach is bordered by detritus sand, the area to one side of the old wharf has white sand. This is an ideal place for strolling and sunbathing but not recommended for swimming. This area is accessible by 4x4 vehicle only, weather permitting.
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Located next to the ancient seaside village of Kaunolu, this site is full of beauty. It was a sacred refuge and a traditional meeting place for the Hawaiians in ancient times. After making your way inland from the eastern bank of Kaunolu, you'll be surrounded by towering cliffs on three sides and witness to one of the most amazing sights in Kaunolu. Although it's not easy to reach, and there isn't a whole lot to do once you're there, this place is ranked by some experts as one of Lanai's best family excursions.
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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."
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Although it's one of the most popular destinations on Lana'i, this beach manages to retain its pristine appearance. It's a protected area, a designated marine preserve and a place of much natural beauty and underwater activity. Guests of the nearby Four Seasons Resort at Manele Bay can enjoy beachwalks or picnics. This is also one of the few beaches on the island that can be reached by a two-wheel drive vehicle. Trilogy Charters and other sailing charter companies lead excursions to the beach on a regular basis. The marine preserve is also a favorite scuba dive destination.
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The sites where ancient Hawaiians worshipped are known as heiau. There are several of them in the islands; this is the largest one on Lana'i. It is located past Garden of the Gods on the red dirt road that leads out to Polihua Beach. Although the ancient religion is no longer officially acknowledged and the heiau is nothing but ruins, Hawaiians still consider it a sacred place. The site can only be reached in a four-wheel-drive vehicle.
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This national preserve is the site of the famed, otherworldly Garden of the Gods. Also located on the arid, dry plateau is the state's largest remaining dryland forest. The preserve is nearly 600 acres, and contains a number of extremely rare plants and trees. George Munro took the first steps to save the forest in 1920. His efforts were perpetuated by community group Hui Malama Pono O Lana'i, which still looks after the preserve today. Only self-guided tours are available. A short, popular trail is located just off the main road leading to the Garden of the Gods.
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Although it's often included in listings of Lana'i beaches, this place is primarily used for commercial shipping. Because of the shipping traffic, motorized water activities are not permitted, and only a few people choose to swim in the harbor. However, this is a popular place for fishermen, both local and tourist. Unlike chartered sport fishing, shore fishing on the harbor offers an opportunity to relax, let the mind wander, and enjoy the view.
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The ruins of King Kamehameha's seaside home were excavated by the Bishop Museum and now are a popular destination for Lana'i tourists. Although they can usually only be reached by a 4x4, they're one of the top daytrips for families. Sights of interest include Halalu Heiau, a sacred site and ancient refuge, and Lanai's highest sea cliffs, which top out at over 1,000 feet. Brave warriors used to dive off 83-foot Kahekili's Leap.
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In the last part of the 19th century this was a bustling little settlement, but by 1901, it had been utterly deserted. The water supply was contaminated, and many locals attributed the disaster to a wrath of the gods. Today, only a few empty buildings remain in the desolate, isolated ghost town. The centerpiece is Malamalama Church, which was recently renovated and is now open to the public.
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It's easy to spot this place. It's located in downtown Lana'i City, just a few doors down from Blue Ginger (a local hangout spot). Funny little ornaments, many of them made during childrens' art classes, hang around the outside awning. Paintings and crafts are displayed haphazardly around the building. In appearance and function, the Center is a low-key facility mainly suited to education and workshops. Classes are held on-site regularly.
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This facility, located in the same place as Lanai Pine Sporting Clay, offers private archery lessons for beginning and advanced archers. Intermediate and advanced archers can also book unsupervised shooting time by the hour. The range boasts modern facilities and nice views of the plains and the Auau Channel. Twelve archery stations and several kinds of bows are at customers' disposal.
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On an island where hunting is permitted year-round, sharp shooting is a popular sport with locals and tourists. This facility caters to both groups. A shooting range and archery range are located on the grounds. People who have never shot a gun need to complete an introductory course. Experienced sportsmen can choose a 100-target package or a 50-target package. Reserve directly or through either of the two major hotels. The Hawaii Pacific Shoot, held here in the autumn, is a fairly large-scale contest that draws contestants from around the country.
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This beach can only be reached in a four-wheel drive vehicle, and those adventurous souls who do reach it will likely have it all to themselves. A number of 4x4 trails lead to the area; all of them branch off the main road. When the waters are calm during the summer, this is a great place to dabble your toes in the water. Some people recommend it for summertime swimming, but others consider the surf dangerous any time of year. Wintertime swimming can be treacherous and is not advised. If you make it here, don't miss the nearby ancient Loko Lopa fishpond.
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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.
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Kaumalapau Harbor handles commercial shipping, but Manele Bay Harbor handles all traffic from excursions, charters and yachts. The Expeditions ferries chug into the harbor five times daily, and several fishing and snorkel tour boats go in and out on a regular basis. Shuttles carry people from the harbor to
Manele Bay Hotel and Lanai City regularly. The little beach in the bay's left corner is a popular snorkel and diving spot, although there are better places to swim and sunbathe.
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The Mike Carroll Gallery is an unexpected find on the Island of Lanai. With original oils and prints by award-winning Lanai artist Mike Carroll, wood bowls by Warren Osako, photographs by Ron Gingerich and Bill Dierssen, and original works from 14 other artists from Lanai, Maui, and Oahu, you are sure to find something authentic and memorable.
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Although this trail can be maneuvered in a 4x4, hiking and biking are the common ways to traverse it. This is an all-day hike, so pack a light picnic lunch and bring sunscreen. The trail starts behind the
Lodge at Koele at the Lanai Cemetery. It winds its way up, up, up, through dramatic peaks and valleys and dense pine tree growth. It branches off at various points, but most people choose to make the journey to the highest point, known as
Lanaihale. The trail continues along at dizzying heights for some time. The total length is about 10.5 miles each way. This is a difficult hike and the trail is often closed due to poor weather.
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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.
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According to Hawaiian legend, a lovely girl named Pehe once lived with her husband in the sea caves on Lana`i's coast. One day a freak storm occurred while the man was away; by the time he returned, his wife had drowned. He scaled a rock islet off the shore, buried his wife on it, and then committed suicide by jumping off it into the angry waters below. The rock is now known as Pu'upehe, after the maiden, or Sweetheart Rock. It can be viewed from a plateau at the southwestern point of Manele Bay. Boats going in or out of Manele Harbor also get a good view of it.
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The same rough waves that gave this beach its name make it a dangerous place to swim. However, the rusting hulks offshore draw plenty of sightseers. One unfortunate Liberty ship ran aground a few hundred feet out and remains there in its entirety. Other bits and pieces of old ships are all around the reefs. This is a good place for walking, beachcombing and exploring. An interesting group of petroglyphs are nearby, and anyone with enough motivation can hike all the way up the coast to Polihua Beach.
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The health spa at Koele is the perfect place to relax body and mind. Several kinds of massage and a variety of therapeutic treatments are on the menu. You can also get a custom massage that is designed to fit the needs of your body. Shiatsu and reflexology treatments are available. Skin therapy treatments include Hot Rock Massage and the Rhassoul Body Wrap. Other services include yoga classes, in-room massage and complimentary use of the fitness equipment.
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This place is a fitness center, massage center, full-service salon, skincare retreat and health spa all rolled into one. The extensive menu features everything from the Ti Leaf Body Wrap to special weaves for hair. Particularly tempting are the outdoor massages, which take place either in the Garden Tea House or the Ocean View Cabana. Anyone staying at the hotel can use the fitness equipment, spa, pool and steam room at no charge. Advance reservations for spa treatments are highly recommended.
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