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Island of Lanai - Travel Tips
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Island of Lanai - Travel Tips
Island of Lanai Travel Tips
The Most Secluded Island
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Introduction
An old shield volcano in the rain shadow of Maui, Lanai
(pronounced lah-nigh-ee) is the nation's biggest non-operated
pineapple patch -- and now claims to be one of the world's top
tropical destinations. There are no direct flights from the
mainland, and there's not one stoplight on the island's mere 30
miles of paved road. It's almost as if this quiet, gentle oasis --
known, paradoxically, for both its small-town feel and its
celebrity appeal -- demands that its visitors go to great lengths
to get here in order to ensure that they will appreciate it.
Lanai is a place where people come looking for dramatic beauty,
quiet, solitude, and to experience nature away from the bright
lights of Waikiki, the publicity of Maui, and the hoopla
surrounding most resorts. The sojourners who find their way to
Lanai come seeking the dramatic views, the tropical fusion of stars
at night, and the chance to be alone with the elements.
What To Do
There are a wealth of activities to enjoy while on Lanai:
snorkeling and swimming in the marine preserve known as Hulopoe
Bay; hiking on 100 miles of remote trails; talking story with the
friendly locals; and beachcombing and whale-watching along
stretches of otherwise deserted sand. For the adventurous, there's
horseback riding in the forest, scuba diving in caves, playing golf
on courses with stunning ocean views, or renting a four-wheel-drive
vehicle for the day and discovering wild plains where spotted deer
run free.
In a single decade, a plain red-dirt pineapple patch has become
one of Hawaii's top fantasy destinations.
Dining
Canoes Lanai - Formerly Tanigawa's, this
ma-and-pa eatery may have changed its name, but it still remains
the landmark that it's been since the 1920s. In those days the tiny
storefront sold canned goods and cigarettes; the 10 tables,
hamburgers, and Filipino food came later. This hole-in-the-wall is
a local institution, with a reputation for serving local-style
breakfasts. The fare -- fried rice, omelets, short stack, and
simple ham and eggs -- is more greasy spoon than gourmet.
Manele Bay Cubhouse - The view from the
alfresco tables here may be the best on the island, encompassing
Kahoolawe, Haleakala on Maui, and, on an especially clear day, the
peaks of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa on the Big Island. Lighter fare
prevails at lunch: salads and sandwiches, burgers, Caesar salad
with chicken, herbed chicken sandwich on sourdough, fish and chips,
and excellent shrimp spring rolls and fresh catch of the day on
sourdough bread. The clubhouse is casual, the view of the ocean is
awe-inspiring, and it's a great gathering place to rehash your day
on the course.
The Terrace - Located next to the Formal Dining
Room in The Lodge at Koele, between the
35-foot-high Great Hall and a wall of glass looking out over prim
English gardens, the Terrace is far from your typical hotel dining
room. The menu may be fancy for comfort food, but it does, indeed,
comfort. Hearty breakfasts of waffles and cereals, fresh pineapple
from the nearby Palawai Basin, frittata, and Kauai Shrimp Benedict
(sautéed Kauai shrimp, grilled taro bread, and wilted spinach with
poached eggs and blue crab hollandaise) are a grand start to the
day. Dinner choices include seared New York strip loin with sweet
corn-blue cheese potatoes and braised chard, grilled fresh catch
with corn cake and roasted tomato, and pan-roasted chicken with
forest mushrooms served with a spicy pecan wild rice and
asparagus.
Entertainment
The only regular nightlife venues on the island are the Lanai
Playhouse, at the corner of Seventh and Lanai avenues in Lanai
City, and the two resorts, The Lodge at Koele and Manele Bay
Hotel.
The Lanai Playhouse (tel. 808/565-7500) is a
historic 1920s building that has won awards for its renovations.
When it opened in 1993, the 150-seat venue stunned residents by
offering first-run movies with Dolby sound -- quite contemporary
for anachronistic Lanai. Lanai Playhouse usually, but not always,
shows two movies each evening.
The Lodge at Koele has stepped up its live
entertainment. In The Lodge's Great Hall, in front of its manorial
fireplaces, local artists bring contemporary Hawaiian, classical,
and other genres to listeners who sip port and fine liqueurs while
sinking into plush chairs. The special programs are on weekends,
but throughout the week some form of nightly entertainment takes
place from 7 to 10pm.
Entry Requirements
Entry requirements for foreign visitors outside of the United
States
Under the Visa Waiver Plan, designed to speed up immigration
procedures, citizens of Britain, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand
and most European countries in possession of full passports do not
require visas for trips to the United States of less than ninety
days. Visa waiver forms are handed out on incoming planes, and are
processed during immigration control at your initial point of
arrival on US soil. The form requires details of where you are
staying on your first night, and the date you intend to leave the
US. You should be able to prove that you have enough money to
support yourself while in the US. You may experience difficulties
if you admit to being HIV-positive or having AIDS or TB. Part of
the form will be attached to your passport, where it must stay
until you leave. The same form also covers entry across the land
borders with Canada and Mexico.
Citizens of all other countries should contact their local US
embassy or consulate for details of current entry requirements.
Even those eligible for the visa waiver plan must apply for a free
tourist visa if they intend to stay in the US for more than ninety
days. Whatever your nationality, visas are not issued to convicted
felons or to anybody who owns up to being a communist, fascist or
drug dealer.
Money
ATMs-- Hawaii pioneered the use of ATMs more
than 2 decades ago, and now they're everywhere. You'll find them at
most banks, in supermarkets, at Long's Drugs, and in most resorts
and shopping centers. Cirrus (tel. 800/424-7787) and PLUS (tel.
800/843-7587) are the two most popular networks; check the back of
your ATM card to see which network your bank belongs to (most banks
belong to both these days).
Traveller's Checks-- Traveler's checks are
something of an anachronism from the days before the ATM made cash
accessible at any time. Traveler's checks used to be the only sound
alternative to traveling with dangerously large amounts of cash.
They were as reliable as currency, but, unlike cash, could be
replaced if lost or stolen.
You can get traveler's checks at almost any bank.
Visa offers traveler's checks at Citibank locations nationwide,
as well as at several other banks. The checks come in denominations
of $20, $50, $100, $500, and $1,000. Call tel. 800/732-1322 for
information. AAA members can obtain Visa checks for a fee (for
checks up to $1,500) at most AAA offices or by calling tel.
866/339-3378. MasterCard also offers traveler's checks. Call tel.
800/223-9920 for a location near you.
If you choose to carry traveler's checks, be sure to keep a
record of their serial numbers separate from your checks in the
event that they are stolen or lost. You'll get a refund faster if
you know the numbers.
Emergency
Lanai is part of Maui County. In case of an emergency, call the
police, fire department, or ambulance services at tel.
911, or the Poison Control Center at tel.
800/362-3585. For nonemergencies, call the police (tel.
808/565-6428).
Map of Lanai
Lanai Weather
Weather Averages
 |
Average High
Temperatures |
75.0°F
23°C |
76.0°F
24°C |
76.0°F
24°C |
77.0°F
25°C |
78.0°F
25°C |
79.0°F
26°C |
Average Low
Temperatures |
57.0°F
13°C |
59.0°F
14°C |
59.0°F
15°C |
60.0°F
15°C |
62.0°F
16°C |
63.0°F
17°C |
| Average Temperature |
66.0°F
18°C |
67.0°F
19°C |
67.0°F
19°C |
68.0°F
20°C |
70.0°F
20°C |
71.0°F
21°C |
| Average Precipitation |
4.2% |
3.0% |
4.8% |
1.5% |
0.7% |
0.4% |
|
 |
Average High
Temperatures |
81.0°F
27°C |
82.0°F
27°C |
81.0°F
27°C |
81.0°F
27°C |
79.0°F
26°C |
76.0°F
24°C |
Average Low
Temperatures |
64.0°F
17°C |
64.0°F
17°C |
63.0°F
17°C |
63.0°F
17°C |
62.0°F
16°C |
60.0°F
15°C |
| Average Temperature |
72.0°F
22°C |
73.0°F
22°C |
72.0°F
22°C |
72.0°F
22°C |
70.0°F
21°C |
68.0°F
19°C |
| Average Precipitation |
1.0% |
0.5% |
1.1% |
1.4% |
4.2% |
4.3% |
|
General Details
Temperature and Climate Zones
Weather on all of the Hawaiian islands is very consistent, with
only moderate changes in temperature throughout the year. This is
possible due to the year-round warm sea surface temperatures, which
keeps the overlying atmosphere warm as well. In practical terms
there are only 2 seasons here: the summer months (called Kau in
Hawaiian) that extend from May to October and the winter months
(Ho'oilo) that run from November to April. The average day-time
summer temperature at sea level is 85 degrees F. (29.4 C) while the
average day-time winter temperature is 78 degrees (25.6 C).
Night-time temperatures are approximately 10 degrees F. lower.
Visitors to Hawaii will find that it is a marvel of nature. As a
result of the shielding effect of her volcanic mountains and the
differences in weather found at various elevations, there are as
many different climate zones here as exist along the entire coast
stretching from Alaska to Costa Rica. The islands can be described
as an incredibly diverse collection of many micro-environments,
each possessing unique weather, plants and animals. To see the full
impact of this natural wealth visitors only need to explore the
islands by car, or helicopter and they will be struck by the beauty
of tropical rain forests, cool alpine regions, stony deserts and
sunny beaches, all within the span of just a few short miles.
Rainfall and Storms
Through most of the year Hawaiian weather patterns are effected
primarily by high pressure zones in the north Pacific that pump
relatively cool, moist trade winds down onto the island's
northeastern slopes. This pattern holds true for most of the summer
and approximately half of the time in the winter. These winds are
forced up-slope by the mountain heights where ultimately their
moisture condenses into clouds that produce rain. Most of the rain
then falls in the mountains and valleys on the windward
(northeastern) side of the islands. It is this weather phenomenon
that creates the rich tropical environment of flowers and verdant
greens that have made Hawaii famous. The wettest months are from
November - March, but these winter rains do not generally disrupt
vacationer's plans, since the very localized nature of the weather
usually means that if it is raining where you are, there is almost
always a sunny spot to be found by a short drive around the
coast.
The action of trade winds here means that there is always a
cooling breeze. The strength of this wind builds as the heat of the
day rises and reaches a peak in the afternoon, only to diminish in
the evening and start again the following day. Several times during
the year the trade winds will stop completely and the wind will
switch around to come out of the south or west, bringing stormy or
hot sticky weather. Islanders sometimes call this "Kona" weather,
because kona is a polynesian word that means leeward or South, and
this points to the direction from which these weather systems
arrive. Stormy weather does come to the islands, primarily in the
winter and sometimes lingers for several days. Severe storms,
however, are not a common occurrence here.
Water and Surf Conditions
Beach-goers will be happy to learn that the temperature of
Hawaii's near-shore waters stay comfortable throughout the year.
The average year round water temperature is 74 degrees F. (23.3 C),
with a summer high of 80 degrees F. (26.7 C). Wave action varies a
great deal between winter and summer, and between island coasts.
Generally summer waters are very gentle on all beaches. This
changes in the winter on many north facing beaches, as storms far
out into the Pacific drive ocean swells towards the islands, which
build into large breaking waves.
As with island rains, wave conditions are often very localized,
so if there is too much surf on your beach, you can usually find
calmer water by taking a short drive to a beach that is sheltered
from the prevailing surf. Swimmers should keep in mind that h4
currents can make any beach unsafe at any time during the year, but
this is particularly true in the winter. When in doubt, simply ask
your hotel staff or a local for their recommendations and also
watch for warning flags and posted beach conditions.
Hawaii's Mountains and Volcanos
Many visitors to the islands will be drawn to the natural beauty
found in the higher elevations such as Kokee on Kauai, or Haleakala
on Maui, or Kilauea on the Big Island. In preparing for your trip
you'll want to take long pants and several layers of cool weather
clothing because the temperature in the higher locations drops 3.5
degrees for every 1,000 feet above sea level that you climb. For
example, the summit of Haleakala at an elevation of 10,023 feet can
be as much as 30 degrees F. cooler than the resort areas on the
coast. Similarly the summit of Kilauea, which is at an elevation of
4,078 feet, can be 14 degrees cooler than the sea level
temperature.
You should also be aware that because these peaks rise through
the earth's atmosphere, there is less protection at these
elevations from the sun's powerful burning rays. This burning
effect can be easily masked by the cool temperatures on the
mountain, so be sure to use your sun block liberally, and bring
your hat and sunglasses.
Fun Things To Do in Lanai
Attractions & Activities
Lanai Attractions
Below are some of our favorite Lanai attractions.
Snorkeling Hulopoe Beach. Crystal-clear waters
teem with brilliant tropical fish off one of Hawaii's best beaches.
There are tide pools to explore, waves to play in, and other
surprises -- like a pod of spinner dolphins that often makes a
splashy entrance.
Exploring the Garden of the Gods. Eroded by
wind, rain, and time, these geologic badlands are worth visiting at
sunrise or sunset, when the low light plays tricks on the land --
and your mind.
Hiking the Munro Trail. The 11-mile Munro Trail
is a lofty, rigorous hike along the rim of an old volcano. You'll
get great views of the nearby islands. Take a four-wheel-drive
vehicle if you want to spend more time on top of the island.
Watching the Whales at Polihua Beach. Located
on the north shore, this beach -- which gets its name from the
turtles that nest here -- is a great place to spend the day
scanning the ocean for whales during the winter months.
Lanai Activities
Garden of the Gods
A desolate, windswept place, dotted by lunarlike rock
formations of awesome shapes and colors, the so-called Garden of
the Gods lives up to its name. According to island legend, the
strange rocks and boulders on the island's north shore were dropped
from the sky by the gods tending their gardens. Scientists dismiss
this supernatural explanation -- calling the area an "ongoing
posterosional event" or just "plain and simple badlands." Still,
it's impossible to ignore the mystery of the place -- the rock's
brilliant reds, oranges, ochers, and yellows set against a rugged
and barren backdrop. Go early in the morning or just before sunset,
when the light casts eerie shadows on the beautiful lava
formations.
Five Islands at a Single Glance: The Munro Trail
In the first golden rays of dawn, when lone owls swoop
over abandoned pineapple fields, hop into a 4*4 and head out on the
two-lane blacktop toward Mount Lanaihale, the 3,370-foot summit of
Lanai. Your destination is the Munro Trail, the narrow, winding
ridge trail that runs across Lanai's razorback spine to the summit.
From here, you may get a rare Hawaii treat: On a clear day, you can
see all of the main islands in the Hawaiian chain except Kauai.
Luahiwa Petroglyph Field
With more than 450 known petroglyphs in Hawaii at 23
sites, Lanai is second only to the Big Island in its wealth of
prehistoric rock art, but you'll have to search a little to find
it. Some of the best examples are on the outskirts of Lanai City,
on a hillside site known as Luahiwa Petroglyph Field. The
characters you'll see incised on 13 boulders in this grassy 3-acre
knoll include a running man, a deer, a turtle, a bird, a goat, and
even a rare, curly-tailed Polynesian dog.
Kaunolu Village
Out on Lanai's nearly vertical, Gibraltar-like sea cliffs
is an old royal compound and fishing village. Now a National
Historic Landmark and one of Hawaii's most treasured ruins, it's
believed to have been inhabited by King Kamehameha the Great and
hundreds of his closest followers about 200 years ago.
Ruins of 86 house platforms and 35 stone shelters have been
identified on both sides of Kaunolu Gulch. The residential complex
also includes the Halulu Heiau temple, named after a mythical
man-eating bird. The king's royal retreat is thought to have stood
on the eastern edge of Kaunolu Gulch, overlooking the rocky shore
facing Kahekili's Leap, a 62-foot-high bluff named for the mighty
Maui chief who leaped off cliffs as a show of bravado. Nearby are
burial caves, a fishing shrine, a lookout tower, and many
warrior-like stick figures carved on boulders. Just offshore stands
the telltale fin of little Shark Island, a popular dive spot that
teems with bright tropical fish and, frequently, sharks.
Excavations are underway to discover more about how ancient
Hawaiians lived, worked, and worshipped on Lanai's leeward coast.
Who knows? The royal fishing village may yet yield the bones of
King Kamehameha. His burial site, according to legend, is known
only to the moon and the stars.
Flight Overview Lanai
Tiny Lanai Airport, perched on the western edge of the central
plateau around four miles southwest of Lana'i City, is served by
just two airlines. Island Air, the commuter affiliate of Aloha
Airlines, connects it ten times daily with Honolulu, and three
times daily with Kahului on Maui. In addition, Hawaiian Airlines
operates two round-trip flights daily between Lanai and Honolulu,
and one each between Lanai and Kahului; Kona and Hilo on the Big
Island; and Molokai.
The airport has a small store, but no café; since the
plantations closed down, it seems to have become home to all the
fruit flies on the island. Guests at the major hotels are picked up
by bus.
Non-stop, direct or connecting flights are available to Hawaii
from all major and regional airports in North America. From cities
on the West Coast, the flight time to Honolulu is approximately 4 ½
- 5 hours. From Chicago, non-stop flights to Honolulu are 8 hours,
and from New York, non-stop flights to Honolulu are approximately
10 ½ hours.
During the past several years, more non-stop flights have become
available to Hawaii's "Neighbor Islands" of Maui, Kauai and the Big
Island of Hawaii from cities along the West Coast. Inter-island
flights to all Neighbor Islands depart regularly from Honolulu
International Airport and flight times run just 20 - 35 minutes,
making island hopping simple and convenient.
Our Airline Partners Serving Hawaii:
American Trans Air
Delta Airlines
United Airlines
Hawaiian Airlines
American Airlines
Aloha Airlines
Horizon Airlines