High & Low:
A Roundup of Lanai’s Exciting and Relaxing Activities
The 364 square kilometer island of Lanai has only three paved roads, and no traffic lights --but that doesn’t mean there’s little to do.
With kilometer after kilometer of winding and twisting dirt roads within the island, Lanai is a paradise for nature lovers with a sense of adventure. Many of these roads were created during Lanai’s pineapple era. From the 1920s until 1992, about 22 percent of the island grew the sweet fruit, hence its nickname “The Pineapple Island”.
For those looking for a blend of high energy and slow relaxation, here are some fun activities to look forward to while on the island of Lanai.
Calm - Shipwreck Beach
A 30 minute drive heading north out of Lanai City will bring you to the beautiful Shipwreck Beach.
This beach, named after the 8-mile stretch of off-shore coral reefs that has wrecked numerous unsuspecting ships over the years, is excellent for beach goers looking for a relaxed and undisturbed time listening to the waves and enjoying the sunshine.
Besides just the wide open coast line, visitors coming to Shipwreck Beach can view the hull of a ghostly oil tanker from the 1940s, still beached on Kaiolohia Bay’s coral reef just off the coast.
Active - ATV around Lanai
To get your blood pumping and also see some of Lanai’s breathtaking inland beauty, speed off on an all terrain vehicle!
There are several tour companies around the island that offer private guided tours on ATV’s in Lanai, of which you can drive your own rented four wheel vehicle or be a passenger. There is nothing like the feeling of speeding down jungle paths and splashing through rivers on your open air vehicle, so if you are on Lanai and looking for a bit of a thrill, booking a guided ATV tour is an adventure you won’t want to miss out on!
Calm - Hike around the island
Hiking on Lanai can be as challenging or as simple as you’d prefer.
For a short and simple hike that ends with a beautiful view, start southeast of Hulopoe Bay to the cliffs overlooking Puu Pehe. For hikers seeking a more difficult hike, the Munro Trail may be the path for you, as it winds through beautiful mountain grasslands and rainforests filled with Cook pine trees, eucalyptus and native ohia lehua. For those who take on the Munro Trail, hikers will be rewarded with a view of the almost 90 meter peak of Lanaihale, the highest point on the island.
Active - Horseback Riding down the Lanai’s many paths
Horseback riding is an incredible way to take in a view of the island.
After stopping at one of Lanai’s many ranches that offer guided horseback tours, riders can explore the hills and pathways that make up this beautiful isle. The hills surrounding Koele – once the center of ranching activities around the island, are all open to be explored with your tour guide. Riders of all experience levels are able to experience this type of tour, so when you start booking simply let them know how much experience you have as a rider to create a tailored tour just for you.