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Lana'i takes its nickname, the Pineapple Island, from its long history as a pineapple plantation island. Ever since pineapple cultivation as an industry was phased out in the 1990s, the island has become increasingly dependent on tourism. Two major resorts at Manele Bay and Koele cater to the well-heeled, but any visitor who wants to get away from the crowds on O'ahu and Maui can find peace and quiet on this laid-back island.
Getting to Lana'i
Lana'i Airport, the only airport on the island, handles interisland flights only. Even though no flights go directly to Lana'i from the U.S. Mainland, there are plenty of flights to Honolulu on O'ahu which connect to Lana'i. Chicago-based United Airlines carries the most passengers. Other American carriers with frequent flights to the Islands include American, Continental, Delta, Northwest and Trans-World Airlines.
Getting to and from the airport
There is no public bus system on Lana'i. There are no car-rental counters at the airport either, and there are no taxi cabs on Lana'i. But yes, there are ways to get around.
Lanai City Service, 565-7227, is the island's only car rental service and is open 7 a.m.-7 p.m. The Lanai City-based company runs a shuttle to the airport which picks customers up and drives them to Lanai City and the waiting car. The drive is about five minutes. Customers who have booked a car can use a Lanai City Service courtesy phone at the airport's baggage claim to let the Service know they have arrived, and the shuttle will arrive promptly.
Rabaca's Limousine Service, 565-6670, e-mail rabaca@aloha.net, is also based in Lana'i City and offers limousine and shuttle service.
Where to stay
While it’s not true that there are only luxury accommodations on Lana'i, finding a room for under $100 is difficult. Best bet, though, is the venerable Hotel Lanai, or the bed-and-breakfast Hale O Lana'i.
In terms of luxury hotels, two resorts under the same management now dominate life on Lanai. The Manele Bay Hotel is the shoreline facility, and the more original Lodge at Koele is in the center of the island, within walking distance of the village named Lanai City. Both feature renowned golf courses.
Seeing Lana'i
Rabaca's Limousine Service, 565-6670, e-mail rabaca@aloha.net, offers Jeep tours around the island, which is a good way to explore the top Lana'i attractions. The Lodge at Koele offers small-bus tours as well as horseback riding on scenic trails which reach some of the plantations.
Expeditions is the only ferry on Lana'i, and it makes daily round-trips to Lahaina on Maui. The round-trip ride is about 45 minutes. The ferry departs from Lanai's Manele Bay harbor five times a day every day. Lana'i visitors who catch the last ferry to Maui have to wait until the next day for a ferry back to Lana'i, since the Maui-based ferry makes its trips from Maui to Lana'i and back.
Kids will enjoy the bird sanctuary near the Kilauea Lighthouse, and certainly the river boat ride up to the Fern Grotto.
Here is a list of top tourist targets.
Lana'i City
The Garden of the Gods
Shipwreck Beach
Manele Bay
Hulopo'e Beach
The Munro Trail to Lana'ihale
