Top Things to do in Lanai
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The 10 Best Budget-friendly Things to do in Lanai, Lanai
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. The Local Gentry
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 30 reviews
Reviewed By pjproe - Red Wing, United States
We could have spent a lot more time and money here. Jenna greeted us warmly and was genuinely interested in us as we shopped. Even my husband, who doesn’t really like to shop, enjoyed this place. We found cute Lanai shirts, and some other great souvenirs. Definitely stop here when checking out Lanai City.
3. Mike Carroll Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 390 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 DPL123456
If you're traveling to Lanai, your island adventure won't be complete without a visit to Mike Carroll's Gallery in Lanai City. Mike's a highly trained, accomplished artist who captures the heart of the islands in his work, and he and his wife Kat are two of our favorite people ...warm, talented, inspirational. The Gallery has original art, as well as prints and other beautiful items at all price points, so a perfect spot to bring home a piece of the islands. And be sure to ask Kat about the Lanai Cat Sanctuary she founded!
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. Sweetheart Rock
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. Lanai Culture & Heritage Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 136 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 Toyota1994 - Chicago, United States
We spent quite a bit of time at this small museum in Lanai City during our day trip to Lanai. The exhibits are superbly maintained and displayed. We come away with great appreciation of Lanai culture, heritage and history. The two-hull sailboat model is exceptional. The little garden in front of the museum is well worth exploring in detail.
9. Koloiki Ridge Hike
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 27 reviews
Reviewed By 7wonderstraveler - Hugo, United States
My friend and I did this hike and totally love the breathtaking view at the end of this hike. One can see Molokai and Maui. The hike is not hard or long as it is on a 4x4 road. I highly suggest doing this 5 mile round trip hike.
10. Shipwreck Beach
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 208 reviews
Reviewed By cookpias - Los Angeles, United States
This is quite a site, and you need 4 wheel drive for the last part of the drive. In any case, do not go out on the sand to avoid an expensive tow (we were warned this is one of the most common tow-out places on the island). If you poke around on the trail a little inland from the beach you can find some interesting petroglyphs.
