Top Things to do in Lanai
10 Nature & Parks in Lanai That You Shouldn't Miss
Once a mere pineapple patch, the red-dirt island of Lanai is an oasis of calm. Reaching the island is difficult - no direct flights from the mainland - but once you arrive, the tropical surroundings are the ideal backdrop for snorkeling and scuba diving, swimming in Hulopoe Bay (a marine preserve), whale watching, horseback riding, golfing, hiking, four-wheeling and exploring the red spires of the Garden of the Gods. The 1920s-era town is small but quaint, and the locals go out of their way to be friendly.
1. Polihua Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 55 reviews
An isolated white sand beach.
Reviewed By CircleTheWorld - Chicago, United States
75-minute drive from Lanai City on a rutty jeep trail. The first 45 minutes is smooth dirt, followed by 30 minutes of rough, rocky terrain. If you have the wherewithal to withstand a good jostling, you will be rewarded by a lovely, mostly deserted 1.5-mile-long natural beach at the end of your journey. The sharp contrast between sand and red dirt near the shoreline is startling. Do not drive on the sand; your jeep could get stuck and ruin your afternoon. The big letdown is that you cannot swim at this beach, due to a steep drop-off and strong currents. Nonetheless, the undisturbed shoreline is perfect for a beach walk. The sand is quite deep.
2. Kanepuu Preserve
3. Manele Golf Course
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 227 reviews
This 18-hole, par-72 course over 7,039 yards runs on red lava fields along a scenic coastline, offering stimulating challenges like drives over cliff, deep gorges and ravines with flags very close to the cliff's edge.
Reviewed By philgleason1 - Charlotte, United States
I played the course several times. The ocean views are spectacular on so many of the holes. The number 12 is is breathtaking and I could have stayed there, forever. Perfect greens, fairways and tee boxes - the landscaping is a 10. The starters were so helpful, and the driving range was exceptional with Pro V1 practice balls. The cart had GPS and digital score cards. I can hardly wait to return and play it again and again.
4. Lanai Cat Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 498 reviews
Longing for the cat you left at home? Don't miss Lanai`s open-air sanctuary, a happy haven for spayed and neutered cats. Imagine a large playground in paradise, where over 600 cats romp and play in Hawaii's sunshine, and snooze under shady trees. Purring cats of all shapes and sizes eagerly await your visit. Our caregivers, who joyfully care for the cats, would love to meet you too. If you're interested in adopting a cat, we love matchmaking!
Reviewed By RMaxwellSAU
The Lana’i Cat Sanctuary is a wonderful place to visit on Lana’i. There are over 600 cats that have been rescued around the island and brought to the sanctuary to live. They spay and neuter the animals to help control the population and the sanctuary keeps the cat safe as well as protects endangered birds on the island. They fly in a veterinarian twice a month so the cats are well cared for and their medical needs are met. If you are an animal lover and especially enjoy cats, this is the perfect place to spend a few hours. Bring a box of treats with you and find a seat among the many options available and soon you’ll be surrounded.
5. Lanai Jeep Rentals
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 29 reviews
Reviewed By DalTexN
We wanted to take a day trip from Maui to Lanai so we arranged our jeep rental first with John, then bought the ferry tickets. John picked us up at the dock and drove us up to Lanai City to do the paperwork. He told us where to go, how to get there - also told us where not to go and provided a map. It was spot on! We had a great day exploring Lanai - Shipwreck Beach, Garden of the Gods, the abandoned Ka Lanakila O Ka Malamalama Church in Keomoku. We picked up souvenir t-shirts and hats from Local Gentry and grabbed lunch and drinks from Richard’s Market. Would definitely recommend a trip to Lanai and get your jeep from John!
6. Puu Pehe (Sweetheart Rock)
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By Toyota1994 - Chicago, United States
The PuuPehe Trail is quite steep trail but a short one (0.3 mile) starting from Hulopoe Beach to the top of PuuPehe cliff from where one can see the Sweetheart Rock. This short trail has excellent views of PuuPehe Bay all the way. About half way up, we also get fantastic views of a hidden beach (not accessible). Of course, we also get the full and glorious views of Hulope Beach. Do not miss PuuPehe Trail if you are able to hike uphill for a little while. Just amazing payoffs in a short trail.
7. Munro Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 63 reviews
Reviewed By 7wonderstraveler - Hugo, United States
This hike is supposed to be 12.3 miles and by the time we were done it was 19 miles! The trail is by the cemetery behind Koele Lodge. The signs point to Koloiki Ridge Trail so we knew that was a branch off trail from the Munro. However, there were many different trails without signs! We had to hike the Koloiki Ridge since we were here so we did that and we were not disappointed. We now had to find the Munro Trail and we finally found it at 1:30. We saw a sign as we walked about 800 meters so we knew we were finally on it. It’s just a 4x4 road and now that I did the whole thing I would tell people it was very boring! There was a lot of cloud cover so we didn’t see much and the last 4 miles were very long and boring. I would suggest the Koloiki Ridge Trail. The Munro Trail is off limits to vehicles so that is the one nice thing about the trail. I wouldn’t want to hike and share the road with off road vehicles.
8. Dole Park
9. Hulopoe Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 124 reviews
Most popular for swimming and picnicking beach on Lanai also has safe tidal pool area for small children.
Reviewed By 7wonderstraveler - Hugo, United States
Oh yes! This beach is picturesque, quiet, serene, great walking path with views of Sweetheart rock, and outstanding snorkeling! We were in Lanai for 5 days and I would go back there in a heartbeat. Hulopoe Beach checked all the boxes. Also, it has a beautiful picnic area and clean restrooms.
