Things to do & places to visit in Lanai, Hawaii, United States

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.

Lanai island in Hawaii, United States. Timezone: Pacific/Honolulu, current date and time: Tuesday, April 23, 2024, 12:20.

Top things to do (17)

• Beaches
• Nature & Wildlife Areas
• Lookouts
• Flea & Street Markets
• Points of Interest & Landmarks
• Golf Courses
• Geologic Formations
• Historic Sites
• Parks
• Educational sites
• Hiking Trails
• Off-Road & ATV Trails
• Piers & Boardwalks
• Art Galleries
• Natural History Museums
• Mysterious Sites
• Ancient Ruins

Top places to visit (28 attractions)

1. 5.0 Manele Golf Course (231 reviews)
   - Amazing!
   Tuesday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Off-Road & ATV Trails • Golf Courses
   
   
   This 18-hole, par-72 course over 7,039 yards runs on red lava fields along a scenic coastline, offering stimulating challenges like drives over cliff, deep gorges and ravines with flags very close to the cliff's edge. See more..
   
2. 5.0 Polihua Beach (57 reviews)
   - So Worth The Trip
   Beaches
   
   
   An isolated white sand beach. See more..
   
3. 5.0 Sweetheart Rock (31 reviews)
   - Fabulous walk with variety
   Points of Interest & Landmarks
   
   
   Lanai isn't big on signs, so if you don't know about this, PLEASE check it out, but don't look for the sign. From Hulopo'e Beach, walk along the left side. Please take some time to explore the wonderful tide pools! From the place where the stairs go down to the tide pools, there's a little path to the left that will take you over to a beautiful arch rock and Sweetheart rock (which we've always called Chocolate Cake rock.) This is a VERY short hike that could be done in flip-flops. Bring your camera. You will see tide pools and beautiful water and rocks, a little beach that's difficult to get to ... and of course, the great rock. NOTE: there are no rails, and some very steep cliffs. If you have children, do not let go of their hands! :-) See more..
   
4. 5.0 Puu Pehe (Sweetheart Rock) (10 reviews)
   - Stunning views
   Spent 1-2 hours Geologic Formations
   
   
   I was in awe over these views. Stunning doesn't cover it. I wanted to pop a tent and camp there and just stare all day. A must see. See more..
   
5. 5.0 Kaumalapau Harbor (4 reviews)
   - Spectacular Views
   Points of Interest & Landmarks • Piers & Boardwalks • Beaches
   
   
   The stop is not that long, but the views are simply amazing especially in the afternoon. The view up and down the coast is worth the stop along with the photo opportunities. See more..
   
6. 5.0 Heart of Lanai Art Gallery (1 review)
   - Art is Amazing
   Art Galleries
   It is a tiny island, few things to do. Art gallery lets you appreciate local creativity. They had interesting paintings and photos, some black and white covering Lanai history. When I visit a place, I like to get to know the place, people, culture and its history - this way I understand, admire and get a real perspective of that place. Travel is both enjoyment and education, in that sense this art gallery is worth the visit. See more..
   
7. 5.0 Pine Isle Market (1 review)
   - 13 flavors of spam
   Tuesday: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 1:30 PM - 7:00 PM Flea & Street Markets
   
   
   an open and inviting market with a bulletin board of all the events and sales around Lanai city. something for everyone. See more..
   
8. 5.0 Kanepuu Preserve (1 review)
   - Restoring an island....
   Nature & Wildlife Areas
   
   
   Our guide, Bruce, drove us past the Preserve on our day-long tour of the island. He explained about the total destruction/burning of the island in the past, the years of pineapple production in the more recent past, and the current endeavors to restore/preserve the island's habitat. Having a resident of the island, who has a detailed historic knowledge of the area, explain what is being seen; really makes all these places come alive. See more..
   
9. 4.5 Lanai Culture & Heritage Center (136 reviews)
   - Small but Awesome museum
   Temporarily closed - Closed until further notice Natural History Museums
   
   
   The nonprofit Lānaʻi Culture & Heritage Center was founded in 2007 to protect, preserve and perpetuate the culture and history of the island. There is no other entity completely devoted to this endeavor. Educational opportunities and events are offered year round. The museum opens for special events. As a 501c3 nonprofit, all of its initiatives to support Lānaʻi's legacy, including the protection of its archival collections that includes thousands of artifacts, are funded by friends like you. See more..
   
10. 4.5 Hulopoe Beach (128 reviews)
    - Day Trip from Lahaina, Maui
    Beaches
    
    
    Most popular for swimming and picnicking beach on Lanai also has safe tidal pool area for small children. See more..
    
11. 4.5 Munro Trail (63 reviews)
    - What a fiasco!
    Hiking Trails
    
    
    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. See more..
    
12. 4.5 Lanai Jeep Rentals (35 reviews)
    - Great experience
    Spent More than 3 hours Off-Road & ATV Trails
    
    
    Rent from them, they are great! Yes, renting a vehicle on Lana’i for one day can be expensive, but it is worth it. I spoke with the owner Gail, when I called to book, received a check in text to make sure we were still coming the day before we arrived, and then Jim texted me right before we picked up the jeep. Jim showed us a map with points of interest, travel times, and a brief explanation of the beautiful little island. The jeep was clean, and didn’t have the feel of being a beat up rental. It literally felt like I just borrowed my friend’s car. Icing on the cake was that I accidentally left my camera lens in the jeep, and they are mailing it to me! Thanks, guys!! ❤️❤️ See more..
    
13. 4.5 Koloiki Ridge Trailhead (28 reviews)
    - Worth the views!
    Lookouts • Hiking Trails
    
    
    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. See more..
    
14. 4.5 Manele Small Boat Harbor (25 reviews)
    - Ferry from Lahaina lands here.
    Spent 1-2 hours Piers & Boardwalks
    
    
    Ve3ry modern and clean harbor, bathrooms and Grocery store and gift shop. Pick up a Shuttle up to Lanai City See more..
    
15. 4.5 Lanai Art Center (24 reviews)
    - Community Art Center
    Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Art Galleries • Educational sites
    Beautiful Art , Crafts and gifts! Very friendly staff . All proceeds benefit the students of the Island with Art teacher money and materials. See more..
    
16. 4.5 Lopa Beach (14 reviews)
    - WOW!
    Beaches
    
    
    Can you imagine being on the most beautiful beach in the world with no one else around? This is it. Your views will be of the island of Maui and Molakai with whales breeching in the channel. You will need to rent a jeep to get there and will enjoy other interesting and historic sites on the way to Lopa beach See more..
    
17. 4.5 Kaunolu (11 reviews)
    - Way worth it!!
    Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins
    
    
    Archaeological site of fishing village on a cliff. See more..
    
18. 4.5 Dole Park (8 reviews)
    - Grassy oasis
    Spent < 1 hour Parks
    
    
    Great for a picnic! Or just sit on the lawn in the shade! Surrounded by stores and small homes, its a great place to meet or just relax. See more..
    
19. 4.5 Keomuku (7 reviews)
    - Remnants from Years Past
    Ancient Ruins
    
    
    The road to Keomuku is best with a 4x4/jeep type given it is not paved. The area is simple/base with only the church left standing. There is a path on the opposite side of the road leading towards the beach. For over a century the church has been there with an interesting past. See more..
    
20. 4.5 Kukui Point Petroglyphs (6 reviews)
    - Wonderful Hawaiian petroglyph site!
    Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Mysterious Sites
    
    
    On the way to Shipwreck Beach, about 200 yards from the last Jeep Turnaround. A really great site with many cool old Hawaiian petroglyphs. Just like those in the Four Corners states, these really bring a picture of what their lives were like. Really worth the short hike but wear sturdy shoes due to thorns and lava rock. Follow the cairns to the site. See more..
    
21. 4.5 Poaiwa Petroglyphs (3 reviews)
    - The trail is now well marked
    Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites
    
    
    These Petroglyphs are accessible from Ship Wreck Beach. The trail is well marked with information placards, a welcome addition. See more..
    
22. 4.0 Shipwreck Beach (211 reviews)
    - Hidden Beach
    Beaches
    
    
    The drive to/towards the beach is scenic. From Lanai city down the winding road towards the beach has views of Maui, Molokai and ultimately the beaches. Once parking at the end of the road, it is roughly a 5-10 minute walk depending on the path. Note - having a 4x4 jeep or similar is ideal. See more..
    
23. 4.0 Garden of the Gods (206 reviews)
    - A magnificent desolation.
    Historic Sites
    
    
    Garden of the Gods can be found driving off paved roads past the Stables and a Preserve. It is surrounded by Rock formations caused by years of erosion. See more..
    
24. 4.0 Naha Beach (5 reviews)
    - End of the road
    Beaches
    
    
    Naha is the area at the end of the road the goes along the eastern (Maui-facing) shore of Lanai. If you go there's a good chance you won't see anyone else around. There are a couple of interesting things to see. One is the remains of an old Hawaiian fishpond out in the water. Look for a large circle of rocks extending from the shore - it's fairly easy to spot. (I posted a photo.) The other is an old Hawaiian stone paved path/road. To see this you have to hike a very short distance (five minutes or so) from the end of the road and angle uphill a little. It should be fairly obvious that it is a man-made path of stones fitted together. It seems to extend maybe a quarter of a mile up the slope before it gets harder to follow. (I also posted a photo of this.) There are nice views of Maui from up on the slope - you might even see the ferry that goes back and forth from Lahaina. See more..
    
25. Keahikawelo (0 review)
    Points of Interest & Landmarks
    
    
    See more..
    
26. Halepalaoa Beach (0 review)
    Beaches
    This beach is only accessible by 4-WD vehicles, ideal for sun bathing and strolling but not for swimming. See more..
    
27. Lanai Marketplace (0 review)
    Flea & Street Markets
    See more..
    
28. Halulu Heiau (0 review)
    Ancient Ruins
    See more..