A Local’s Guide to Best Things to do on Lanai, Hawaii

Are you looking for the ultimate guide to things to do on Lanai, Hawaii? This guide from a Hawaii local has everything you need to know about this gem of an island.

Lanai is the smallest, publicly-accessible island in the Hawaiian chain.  With a population of 3,000 people, no stoplights, and only 30 miles of paved roads, Lanai is a destination that usually gets overlooked.  However, there are quite a few amazing things to do on Lanai, so here are the best of them.

How to Get to Lanai

By Plane

Flights to Lanai only come from the Honolulu Airport, and, to my knowledge, they are only flown by Hawaiian Airlines.  The flights are rather reasonably priced, ranging from $75 to $85.

By Boat

If you find yourself on Maui, rather than on Oahu, you can take a ferry from Lahaina, Maui to Manele, Lanai.  However, do not plan to fly to Maui and then go straight to the ferry, as the logistics of this are quite difficult. 

First of all, the Maui airport is in Kahului – which is a solid 40 miles from Lahaina.  If you are renting a car on Maui, that can work.  If you are not, that’s about an $80 Uber ride.  Also, if you plan on staying the night on Lanai, having a rental car sit overnight (or over multiple nights) on Maui may not be the most cost-effective thing to do.

In other words, are you going to spend multiple nights on Lanai? Take a flight from Honolulu.  Are you hoping to just spend a few hours on Lanai as a daytrip from Maui? Take a boat.  Not sure how long you want to spend there?  Keep on reading.

Where to Stay on Lanai

In my opinion, Lanai is a daytrip sort of island.  You can definitely see all of the best things to do on Lanai in six hours or so.  However, if you are looking for somewhere very off-the-grid to relax, there are a couple of options for you to spend a few nights.

Four Seasons Lanai Hotel

The oceanfront Four Seasons Lanai Hotel provides guests with two pools, a spa, fitness facilities, tennis courts, a shopping area, and a few restaurants.  Prices start at $1,050/night.

Book Here: Four Seasons Lanai Hotel

Sensei Lanai, A Four Seasons Resort

Located within Lanai City, the Sensei Lanai, A Four Seasons Resort has a very different vibe from the other Four Seasons property on the island.  Spa treatments, locally-sourced healthy meals, and customized fitness programs take priority at this resort.

Book Here: Sensei Lanai, A Four Seasons Resort

Hotel Lanai

If you’re looking for a hotel with more of a local feel, Hotel Lanai is the place for you.  With Hawaiian quilts and plantation-style décor, it is unlike any other form of accommodation on the island.

Book Here: Hotel Lanai

Airbnb

Even on this very small island, Airbnb is still an option. There are a total of eight Airbnbs on the island at the moment, which range from $89/night to $1,500/night.  Here are some tips to find an amazing Airbnb.

Transportation on Lanai

Let me be very clear about this: there is no other option but to rent a car on Lanai.  There is no public transportation, no taxis, and practically no Ubers (although I did happen to open the app once and find a single Uber).  Additionally, if you plan on doing even half of the best things to do on Lanai, you’ll need to rent a four-wheel drive (as mentioned before, Lanai only has thirty miles of paved roads).

I found two places to rent cars from on Lanai: Dollar and Lanai Cheap Jeeps.  Despite the name, the prices are pretty much the same ($150/day – I know, very expensive, but they’ve got to survive on this small island). 

On our trip over, we chose to use Dollar, and there was a small hidden fee of $10/person for transportation to and from the airport and/or ferry port (as they are located in Lanai City, rather than either of these places), which was quite the bummer.  I do not believe Lanai Cheap Jeeps has this hidden fee.  However, Lanai Cheap Jeeps is cash only, whereas Dollar accepts credit and debit cards.

If you do happen to be staying at one of two Four Seasons resorts on the island, there is a free shuttle service from the airport and into Lanai City.

So What Exactly Are the Best Things to do on Lanai?

If you’re like me, you’re all about the unique.  I’m not about to tell you to go horseback riding or try your hand at archery.  No, you can do that anywhere.  The best things to do on Lanai are the things that you can’t do anywhere else.

Experience the Garden of the Gods (Keahiakawelo)

One of the best things to do on Lanai is the Garden of the Gods, also known as Keahiakawelo. (You’ll need to know this Hawaiian name if you’re going to have any success finding it, so remember it or screenshot this page.) This rather barren, foggy landscape of haphazardly placed round rocks and bright orange swatches of dirt creates a sacred, untouched landscape that is unlike any other.

A four-wheel drive is required to get to this stop.

 Enjoy Your Own Slice of Paradise at Polihua Beach

Continue on past the Garden of the Gods to reach Polihua Beach, another untouched portion of Lanai. This stretch is sand is also one of the longest in the Hawaiian Islands, despite the fact that it is on one of the smallest islands.  This secluded beach is also perfect for just lying on the sand, although not for swimming as the waves can be quite violent here.

A four-wheel drive is also required for this stop. 

Tackle the 12-Mile Munro Trail

The Munro Trail is one of the only designated hiking trails on the island of Lanai. That said, it is one of the coolest things to do on Lanai. In total the hiking trail is 12 miles, but you can just head to the first viewpoint at about 2.5 miles in.

There are a few other trails that weave throughout the Munro Trail, so be sure that you know what path you would like to take before you head out. I recommend starting at the Koloiki trailhead, which is to the right of the Lodge at Koele. Then, at the green #8 sign, you’ll merge onto the Munro Trail. Then, at the green #12 sign, be sure to stay on the trail that once allowed Jeeps until the end.

Along the way, you’ll explore different terrains and catch beautiful views of the island of Lanai and the neighboring islands of Molokai and Maui.

Visit Puu Pehe (Sweetheart Rock)

Puu Pehe is one of the most recognizable spots on Lanai. The red-orange cliffs contrasted with the deep blue of the water make quite the picturesque scene.  To get to Puu Pehe, drive to Hulopoe Bay (or Hulopoe Beach).  On the left side of the beach, there will be a little peninsula.  Follow the trail on the peninsula until you see Puu Pehe. Down below (or just to the left of the frame of the image above), you will also get a glimpse of the stunning “Shark’s Bay”.

But why exactly is it called Sweetheart Rock, you ask?  As with most places in Hawaii, it goes back to a Hawaiian legend. (It’s quite a depressing one, so skip this paragraph if you’re not feeling like a sad story today.) A young warrior from Lanai went to the nearby island of Maui and saw a gorgeous princess.  He captured her, took her to Lanai, and made her his wife.  Because he was afraid that other men would fall in love with his princess, he hid her away in a sea cave.  But one day, there was a violent storm, and the princess drowned. So, in true Romeo and Juliet style, the warrior killed himself by jumping off the cliff.

Not the happiest of stories, but it does have a great view.

Also, a four-wheel drive is NOT required to access this stop.

Want to find out more about Sweetheart Rock?  Aloha with Love has a little more information on it.

Adopt a Cat a the Lanai Cat Sanctuary

One of the most unique things to do on Lanai is the Lanai Cat Sanctuary. This nonprofit is home to over 600 cats, and it helps both the cats and other endangered animal life on the island. By giving the cats a new home within the borders of the sanctuary, it gives them a comfortable life without them having to prey on the endangered birds of Hawaii. It’s a win-win for everyone!

You can adopt or sponsor a cat at the Lanai Cat Sanctuary.

A four-wheel drive is NOT required to access this stop.

Stare in Awe at Shipwreck Beach

Shipwreck Beach is a beach on the West coast of the island of Lanai, where over a dozen ships have sunk.  One particular one still manages to stand above the surface of the water.  While we did try to reach Shipwreck Beach while we were on Lanai, our attempts were unsuccessful.  But we’ve learned from our mistakes (and asked some locals when we returned our car), and now I will share what I’ve learned.

A good chunk of the road to get to Shipwreck Beach is paved. When the paved road ends, you’ll make a left and drive for a long while on an unpaved road filled with divots and deep tire tracks for your vehicle to fall into.  At one point, there will be a sort of opening on the right where you can see a decent chunk of sand and the nearby ocean. (If you pull up Google Maps, it’s just around where the road ends – fun fact: even if you don’t have service, Google Maps can still pinpoint your location.)  If you’ve gone up a short section of unpaved road that is quite steep, you’ve just passed it.  Park your car there.  Head to the shoreline and walk for another 30 minutes to the left.  Then, you should see the famous shipwreck of Shipwreck Beach.

If you do manage to make it all the way to the shipwreck, rumor has it that there are some Hawaiian petroglyphs (ancient Hawaiian drawings) nearby.

A four-wheel drive is also required for this stop.

Snorkel at Hulopoe Bay

Hulopoe Bay is the place to go snorkeling on Lanai. As a matter of fact, snorkeling at Hulopoe Bay is one of the best things to do on Lanai. Think about it. The fish and other sea creatures don’t like to be disturbed. So where are they going to go? To Lanai, where there aren’t a lot of people!

Many people have also reported seeing dolphins at Hulopoe Bay! If you do see dolphins, be sure to admire them from afar (rather than chasing them or trying to get too close). This will ensure the safety of both you and the dolphins.

Wander Lanai City

Lanai City is a quiet, sleepy city. There isn’t a lot to do for visitors, but if you’re looking for a quiet walk, it’s perfect. Pop into a few of the tiny shops. Stop in for a bite of food. And maybe just get a feel for what it would be like to live on an island with 3,000 people.

Peruse An Art Gallery

One of the things to do in Lanai City is peruse an art gallery. As far as I can tell, there are two art galleries in Lanai City: the Lanai Art Center and the Mike Carroll Gallery. They are literally 500 feet apart on the same street, so why not visit both?

Picnic At Dole Park

Along the same street as the Lanai Art Center and Mike Carroll Gallery is the Dole Park. Dole Park is filled with tall Cook Island Pine Trees, making it perfect for a picnic! So why not grab a towel or blanket and your favorite foods. What a cute thing to do on Lanai!

Relax on Manele Bay

One of the major selling points of Lanai is that it’s a quiet, relaxing retreat. You won’t find nightclubs and crowds. Instead, you’ll have large sections of beaches, like Manele Bay all to yourself.

Manele Bay is also where the ferry to Lahaina, Maui departs.

Practice Your Golf Skills Manele Golf Course

If you’d like to test out your golfing skills, you can do so at Manele Golf Course. But many times, golfers don’t even come to this course for the golf. They come for the unparalleled views. You’d be hard pressed to find a golf course with more stunning views anywhere in the world.

Where Can I Grab a Bite to Eat Between All These Fantastic Things to do on Lanai?

Once again, options are a bit limited on Lanai.  There are only a dozen or so places to find something to eat.  If you’re hoping for a local spin, Blue Ginger Café or Cafe 565 are great options.  Be warned though, Hawaii’s local food might not be everyone’s cup of tea.  If you’re looking for something a little more familiar, head to the Four Seasons Resort Lanai.  Nobu, Malibu Farm, and One Forty the are all located on the property.

If you’re looking for a market to grab something quick, there are only two on the island: Richard’s Market and Pine Isle Market, both of which are in Lanai City. Take your pick.

A Couple Bonus Tips Before You Go

Download Google Maps

Phone service on Lanai is VERY spotty, particularly outside of Lanai City – and that means Google Maps is very spotty.  While there are very few roads on the island, if you’re like me, you will still manage to get lost.  So download the map of Lanai on Google Maps ahead of time!  To do so, simply type “Lanai” into the search bar, click on the white section at the bottom of the screen, and click the download option that comes up!  Make sure you’re on Wi-Fi as it downloads, and keep the app open to have it download faster.

Follow All of the Traffic Laws

Also, a Lanai local told us while we were there to make sure to follow all traffic laws (so that pesky speed limit and making a full stop at stop signs), because the police can be quite strict.  Don’t want to add a ticket to that already quite heavy rental car bill!

Have you ever been to this tiny island gem?  What do you think are the best things to do on Lanai? Tell me about your experience in the comments!

Did this inspire you to plan a trip to Lanai?  Pin these tips for later!

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