Hawaii - Jeff Campbell [349]
The same year, in 2004, Hawaii established the Kaho′olawe Island Reserve Commission (KIRC; www.kahoolawe.hawaii.gov) to manage access and use of the island, preserve its archaeological areas and restore its habitats. KIRC’s mandate is unique in state law, for it calls for the island to be ‘managed in trust until such time and circumstances as a sovereign Native Hawaiian entity is recognized by the federal and state governments.’ No such entity was then or is now so recognized, but KIRC works in the belief that one day a sovereign Native Hawaiian government will be, and this island will then become theirs.
HELPING THE ′OHANA
Working with KIRC as official stewards of Kaho′olawe, Protect Kaho′olawe ′Ohana (PKO; www.kahoolawe.org) conducts monthly visits to the island to pull weeds, plant native foliage, build infrastructure, clean up historic sights, conduct Hawaiian rituals and honor the spirits of the land. It welcomes respectful volunteers who are ready to work (not just sightsee). Visits last four to five days during or near the full moon; volunteers pay a $100 fee, which covers all food and transportation to the island. You’ll need to bring your own sleeping bag, tent and personal supplies. PKO’s website lists full details, schedules and contact information.
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Lana’i
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HISTORY
CLIMATE
ACTIVITIES
GETTING THERE & AWAY
GETTING AROUND
LANA’I CITY
HISTORY
ORIENTATION
INFORMATION
SIGHTS
ACTIVITIES
FESTIVALS & EVENTS
SLEEPING
EATING & DRINKING
SHOPPING
GETTING THERE & AROUND
HULOPO’E & MANELE BAYS
SIGHTS & ACTIVITIES
SLEEPING
EATING & DRINKING
KEOMUKU ROAD
SHIPWRECK BEACH
KAHOKUNUI TO NAHA
ROAD TO GARDEN OF THE GODS
KANEPU’U PRESERVE
GARDEN OF THE GODS
POLIHUA BEACH
MUNRO TRAIL
KAUMALAPA’U HIGHWAY
KAUNOLU
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Among its translations, Lana’i is thought to mean ‘day of conquest’ and although there is debate about this, it seems appropriate. This small island (at its widest point it is only 18 miles across) has been affected more than anything by waves of conquest, whether it was the first Hawaiians (who set up fishing villages around the coast), 19th-century goats (who ate all the trees), 20th-century tycoons (who covered the place in pineapples) or modern-day visitors (looking for respite at luxury resorts).
Although in some ways the most central of the islands – on clear days you can see five islands from here – it is also the least ‘Hawaiian’ of the islands. The locals are a mix of people descended from immigrant pineapple workers from around the world. The relatively few buildings mostly hew to a corporate plantation style and the predictable waves of rental-car-driving tourists are missing from the miles of red-dirt roads.
Its signature Norfolk and Cook Island pines (imported) give the island an other-worldly feel that could just as well come from a remote corner of the South Pacific. And therein lies the charm of Lana’i: the entire island is the ultimate off-the-beaten-path destination. Hidden beaches, archaeological sites, oddball geology and a constant sense of isolation are perfect for those who don’t want to go far to get away from it all. If you’d like to add some exotic adventure to your Hawaiian holiday, then consider adding in a few days on this unusual outpost right in the middle of the islands.
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HIGHLIGHTS
Snorkel the protected reef at Hulopo’e Beach (Click here)
Enjoy good food and drink under the stars at Lana’i City’s Pele’s Other Garden (Click here)
Stroll the square of shops and cafés around Dole Park (Click here)
Get into local rhythms by renting a vacation house in Lana’i City (Click here)
Hike the Munro Trail (Click here) through the island’s small but lush heart
Get lost on the dirt track to Naha (Click here)
Count the other islands from the Garden of the Gods (Click here)
Explore the local diving at spectacular Cathedrals (Click here)