A Week on Lanai

The smallest of all the Hawaiian islands, Lanai was once a big pineapple plantation and now is home to two exclusive resorts, hundreds of years of history, and just one small town with some of the friendliest people you will ever meet. Like the island of Molokai, there are no direct flights from the mainland to Lanai. You will have to fly into Honolulu and then take a commuter plane to Lanai.

Day 1: Arrival & Hulopoe Bay

After you settle into your hotel, head for the beach. The best beach on the island is the marine preserve at Hulopoe Bay. It's generally safe for swimming, and because it's a marine preserve, no one can take the fish, which means snorkeling is terrific and the fish are so friendly you practically have to shoo them away.

Day 2: Tour the Island in a Four-Wheel-Drive Vehicle

Lanai is a fantastic place to go four-wheeling. Generally you will not need a car if you are staying at one of the two resorts or at the Hotel Lanai (they provide shuttle bus service). So splurge and rent a four-wheel-drive vehicle for 2 or 3 days. Get a picnic lunch from Pele's Other Garden and head out of Lanai City to the Kanepuu Preserve, a 590-acre dry-land forest. Next stop is Garden of the Gods and a picnic lunch at Polihua Beach, Lanai's largest white-sand beach. The beach generally is not safe for swimming and it can be windy here, but it most likely will be deserted and you'll have a great view of Molokai in the distance. After lunch, reverse directions and head to Shipwreck Beach and then on to Keomoku Village.

Day 3: A Day at the Beach

Plan a lazy day at Hulopoe Beach. Get a good book, watch the kids play in the surf, or take a long slow walk around the crescent-shaped bay. Wander over to the Manele Bay Hotel for lunch poolside at the Ocean Grill or over to the Manele Bay Clubhouse. Plan a nap for the afternoon or try your hand at some Island crafts at the Lanai Arts Program.

Day 4: Hike (or Drive) the Munro Trail

If it has not been raining and the ground is dry, do a little exploring. The adventurous can spend the day (plan on at least 7 hr.) climbing to the top of Lanai at Lanaihale on the Munro Trail. The not-so-adventurous can take a four-wheel-drive vehicle. Pencil in a soak in a hot tub on your return.

Day 5: A Day on the Ocean

Ring up Trilogy Lanai Ocean Sports and book a sailing/snorkeling, whale-watching, or scuba trip. Or go on a surfing safari with Lanai Surf School & Surf Safari to a secluded beach.

Day 6: Horseback Riding, Followed by a Trip Back in Time

Saddle up: Horse lovers should arrange a tour of Lanai through the Stables at Koele in the morning. Then plan a four-wheel-drive in the afternoon to the historic ruins of the old Kaunolu Village, on the southwestern side of the island.

Day 7: Biking & Shopping

The best way to get around the tiny village of Lanai City is via bicycle. Rent one from The Lodge at Koele and ride (downhill) into town. Lanai City has some terrific boutique shops that you'll find nowhere else.