Hawaii - Jeff Campbell [351]
Cathedrals (Click here), a dive area known for healthy reefs and clear water, is on the south coast and draws divers from as far as Maui. Trilogy Lana’i Ocean Sports (888-225-6284; www.visitlanai.com; beach dive $102, 2-tank boat dive $215) runs dive trips, as well as sea kayak tours (from $150) from the resorts. Lana’i Surf Safari (306-9837; www.lanaisurfsafari.com; surf lesson $185), run by Lana’i native Nicolas Palumbo, offers half-day surfing lessons at secluded spots. Board rentals from $60. For more on surfing see opposite.
On Land
The ridge that cuts across Lana’i’s hilly interior offers good hiking opportunities with top-notch views.
Mountain-bike rentals are available from Adventure Lana’i Ecocentre (565-7373; www.adventurelanai.com). The island offers plenty of dirt roads and trails, from beginner to advanced; expect challenging hills and dusty conditions.
Golf is big on Lana’i. Both of Lana’i’s resorts feature world-class 18-hole designer golf courses that offer challenging locations and sweeping hill and ocean views.
GETTING THERE & AWAY
You can get to Lana’i by air or boat.
Air
There are no direct flights to Lana’i from the mainland; Click here for flights to Hawai’i. Lana’i airport (LNY) is about 3.5 miles southwest of Lana’i City. Island Air (800-323-3345; www.islandair.com) and Mokulele Airlines (426-7070; www.mokuleleairlines.com) fly small planes between Lana’i and Honolulu half a dozen times a day. The former code shares with Hawaiian Airlines, the latter with Go! (an affiliate of Mesa Air). Because of weight limits for individual bags (40lb), take a small duffel bag in case you have to redistribute your stuff. For more on interisland flights, Click here.
Sea
Worth it just for the ride, the Expeditions Maui-Lana’i Ferry (661-3756, 800-695-2624; www.go-lanai.com; adult/child one-way $30/20) links Lahaina Harbor with Manele Bay Harbor on Lana’i (one hour) several times daily. In winter there’s a fair chance of seeing humpback whales. Spinner dolphins are a common sight all year, especially on morning sails. Hulopo’e Beach is near the dock; Lana’i tour and activity operators will meet the ferries if you call ahead. Day trips are popular.
GETTING AROUND
Outside Lana’i City there are only three paved roads: Keomuku Rd (Hwy 44), which extends northeast to Shipwreck Beach; Kaumalapa’u Hwy (Hwy 440), which extends west past the airport to Kaumalapa’u Harbor; and Manele Rd (also Hwy 440), which flows south to Manele and Hulopo’e Bays. But to really see the island, you’ll need to rent a 4WD vehicle. Lana’i’s dirt roads vary from good to impassable, largely depending on the weather. Rain can turn them into scarlet-hued bogs.
Free maps from various sources are given out at the hotels and with vehicle rentals. Given the size of the (post-) Pineapple Island, you won’t need much in the way of maps. Everywhere in Lana’i City is walkable.
To/From the Airport
The resorts provide a shuttle-van service (Click here) that meets guests at the airport and ferry dock. Nonguests can use the shuttle for a fee, or call a taxi (Click here) in advance of your arrival.
Car
The only car-rental company on the island, Lana’i City Service (565-7227, 800-533-7808; 1036 Lana’i Ave, Lana’i City; 7am-7pm), is an affiliate of Dollar Rent A Car (Click here). Having a monopoly on Lana’i translates into steep prices. Economy cars rent from $70 a day, 4WD Jeep Wranglers from $140. Given the paucity of paved roads, there is little reason to rent a car. Rather, you’ll want a Jeep so that you can actually explore the island. Note that at least one rental house, Plantation Home (Click here), includes a Jeep in the price. The resorts also arrange for cars (with City Service) and you may be able to rent from Adventure Lana’i Ecocentre (565-7373; www.adventurelanai.com).
Note that Lana’i City Service restricts cars to paved roads – only the 4WD Jeeps may be driven on dirt roads. Even then, the company limits which places you can drive. Check in advance, as a tow from a restricted area incurs fines, fees and possible