Location: Lanai City
Top Things to do in Lanai City
Top 10 Things to do in Lanai City, United States
Lanai City is a census-designated place (CDP) on the island of Lanai, in Maui County, Hawaii, United States. The population was 3,102 at the 2010 census. Lanai City is the island's commercial center. Many of the island's restaurants and shops are in the town square that surrounds Dole Park, and the only hospital on the island, Lanai Community Hospital, is located near the park.
Restaurants in Lanai City
1. Lanai Cat Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
5 based on 354 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 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 patientcat - Palo Alto, California
What an enchanting place. This is a beautifully furnished slice of heaven for its feline inhabitants and human visitors. Plus, a beautiful eco-friendly solution to preserving the bird population on Lanai. The moment I walked in, a charming cat named Meow hopped on my back and then rode on my shoulder during my visit. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable. If you love cats, this is your destiny on Lanai!
2. Mike Carroll Gallery
Overall Ratings
5 based on 306 reviews
You'll find the Mike Carroll Gallery nestled among the towering Cook Pines of Dole Park in historic Lana'i City. Featuring original paintings by Mike and his fellow award-winning guest artists, fine art photography, handcrafted jewelry, bowls turned from local woods, and a surprising collection of Asian antiques. See why we've been called "One of Hawaii's most beautiful galleries!" Open 7 days a week (Mon-Sun 10Am-6PM)
Reviewed By Steven P - Moorestown, New Jersey
We stopped in after having lunch in town and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The hospitality was top notch and most in our group of 8 bought something. There are all price points in here and I highly recommend that you stop. We shipped home a print and it was waiting for us when we got home.
3. Lanai Culture & Heritage Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 122 reviews
The Lana'i Culture & Heritage Center seeks to inspire people to be informed, thoughtful and active stewards of their heritage by preserving, interpreting and celebrating Lana'i's Hawaiian heritage, it's diverse cultures, and ranching and plantation era histories. "E Ho'ohanohano 'ana i ka wa ma mua, a e Ho'olako 'ana i ka mua aku!" Honoring the Past, and Enriching the Future!
Reviewed By love2dine50 - Seattle, Washington
If you take the shuttle service from the ferry to Lanai City it drops you off in front of this heritage center. We went in and were so glad we did. It has very interesting information on the history of the island with pictures and exhibits. The person on staff was very friendly and answered any questions we had. Definitely recommend you stop here to learn the history of the people and the island.
4. Garden of the Gods
Overall Ratings
4 based on 178 reviews
Garden of the Gods can be found driving off paved roads past the Stables and a Preserve. It is surrounded by Rock formations caused by years of erosion.
Reviewed By Voyager78 - Hawaii
Ancient looking, a bit otherworldly, erosion created artful rock formations, different colors from the mineral iron oxide, lichens and moss, sun, rain, wind have hand crafted this surreal landscape. You can see Molokai in the distance with blue ocean shining in the center and desolate polihua beach. Real dirt road so make sure you have a good vehicle, rain can ravage the road and get your vehicle stuck in the mud so check the road is dry, there are potholes so drive slow. The place was hot, very windy, small dust clouds swirling around, no trees only small bushes. During my trip our phone lost reception, our vehicle stopped working, didn't see a soul during the trip, even if I screamed no human could hear me --standing in the middle of those magical rocks - just looked up and I said "this is Garden of the Gods, please help me". Whether one believes in God or not, does not matter, when I stood there amidst the larger than life environment, I knew there is bigger powers beyond me. Obviously that power heard me, my vehicle started back, later my phone somehow got its reception back, we returned back to town. This place is beautiful and it humbles you with its presence. Get direction before you go, there were no signs and there were side roads you can get lost. After you turn left off from the main road, there is a horse ranch on the left, we asked them for direction that helped us. Some tour company in town offers tours - may be you can take their tour and just enjoy the scenery.
5. Shipwreck Beach
Overall Ratings
4 based on 191 reviews
Reviewed By Julie B - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The rock is the best photograph of this visit to shipwreck beach. From the rock, there is no clear way to shipwreck beach. You have to climb over slick boulders or go through prickly thorn paths to get there...and when you arrive the beach is just full of trash from litter in ocean. Skip this hike and go to other beaches which are pristine and devoid of trash and debris. The view of the shipwreck is no different than photos...there is no feeling of wow I needed to see that in person.
6. Lanai Jeep Rentals
Overall Ratings
5 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By Tupelo010835 - Denton, TX
Had one of John's 4 door jeeps the entire time we were on Lanai. Transportation here isn't cheap but you get what you pay for. Our jeep performed flawlessly and got us everywhere we wanted to go. John warned us due to recent heavy rains many of the normal tourist spots were off limits even to the 4 wheel crowd. Never mind though, it didn't slow us down. We had plenty to do and see even avoiding the "off limits" places.
Highly Recommended.
7. Munro Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 58 reviews
Reviewed By The_American_Couple - Boulder, CO
This hike was a refreshing change from the sunny dry parts of the island of Lana'i. Beautiful landscape and vista views. The lush forest with many different flora and fauna is not to be missed. Others have said that it is a long hike, I beg to differ. The 5 miles felt like 3 miles with all the tall trees for shade and the cool overlook at the end. From the overlooks you can view Maui. Molokai and the many beautiful beaches of Lana'i. We saw lizards, chicken, and many different exotic birds. My family enjoyed every minute on the Munro trail.
8. Manele Small Boat Harbor
Overall Ratings
4 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By mrs r - Fresno, California
This is an adorable little harbor with numerous adventure options for any adventure seeker! Whale watching, dolphin sights, snorkeling, snubs, sunrises, sunsets and more. Make sure to arrive early to park at the harbor or parking is a bit of a walk.
9. Lopa Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By malandinara - Hawaii
Lopa is approximately the site of the former "Club Lanai" - a tourist attraction that brought visitors over by boat from Maui to spend a day at a remote beach area on Lanai. The "club" has been closed for many years and all that remains are a variety of run down buildings and a wooden pier that is in very good condition (it has a great view and is a nice place to spot turtles from). As of early November 2012 the Club Lanai area was being cleared of brush and debris. The buildings may have been torn down by now. There is some talk around town that this area might be developed into a golf course and resort by the new owner of the island.
There are several historical sites worth checking out in the Lopa area. Just before you get to Club Lanai (which is on the left side of the road between the road and the beach) there is a monument/shrine to Japanese workers from back when there was a plantation in this area. Look for it on the right side of the road - it's easily visible. Just before getting to the shrine you can see the remains of a stone walled church (also on the right) called Kahalepalaoa that until recently could not be seen from the road. The area around it has recently been cleared and the church ruins are now easily visible by taking a short stroll from the road. As you head towards the church you can also take a short path to the right that leads to the remains of a small train that was used for transportation back in the plantation days. There are very good signs posted explaining the history of both the church and the train. These are must-see sights for anyone interested in learning about Lanai's history.
The road to Loha and Naha is in good condition, especially with all the work being done at Club Lanai that requires good access. It's a lot smoother than in previous times but there are two or three areas with loose sand to be careful of - definitely a good idea to have 4WD. One some days it is possible to see plenty of deer along the road as well as turkeys.
10. Poaiwa Petroglyphs
Overall Ratings
5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By Zigmonster - Madison, New Jersey
We got there kind of by mistake. We followed the unmarked path at Shipwreck Beach. The petroglyphs are easy to miss. However, if you look for them, they are still quite visible. Some, like the dogs, are bright and others, like the warrior scene, are very faint.
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