Lanai

Lanai is the smallest of the 6 main Hawaii islands and has a population of just over 3,000 (as of 2006).

This island was known as the Pinnapple Island, because for decades, the entire island was a Dole pinnapple plantation. But, in late 1992, they stopped growing and exporting the fruit. They built some hotels and started catering more toward tourism.

Even though the island has shifted it's focus to tourism, it is still one of the least-touristy islands you can visit.

It's the island that you'll want to visit if your not as interested in sightseeing or doing a lot of exploration. If you don't mind shelling out the cash, you can stay at one of the hotels on the island where you'll be completely pampered.

Activities and Attractions on Lanai...

Now, there are some activities and attractions on the island, of course!

Some of the most popular activities and attractions include Garden of the Gods (Keahikawelo), the Marine Sanctuary (Hulopo`e Bay), Shipwreck beach (Kaiolohi`a), Sweetheart Rock (Pu`upehe), and the Lana`ihale and Kanepu`u Preserve - called the Dryland forest.

Other activities on Lanai include an air rifle and archery gallery, rafting, 4 x 4 exploration, hiking, horseback riding, hunting, mountain biking, snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, tours of the island, golf, and more.

In fact, lanai has two of Hawaii's best golf courses -- the Experience at Ko`ele, designed by Greg Norman, and the Challenge at Manele, designed by Jack Nicklaus.

If you want to do some exploring of the island, you'll have to do it with a 4 x 4 vehicle. In fact, beyond that, we recommend only exploring with a guide. We've heard of people getting stuck or a little lost trying to explore themselves. It's better with a guide since you know that they know what there doing and where there going... and they can take you to places you probably would never see otherwise.

Quiet Lazy Lanai...

So... all in all, Lanai is the place to go if you are looking to have just a quiet lazy Hawaii vacation... not much adventure or touristy attractions - although they are available if you choose.

You can also ride a ferry to Lanai for a day trip. It's worth it if you are the adventurous type who just wants to get at least a little taste of each island.

With it's just recent focus change to tourism, Lanai really might be the most enticing island!