 Honolulu is the destination that has it all. This busy capital city has the famous Waikiki Beach, historic landmarks, world class shopping, and fine dining. This is the home to most of Oahu's population and it stretches along the entire southeastern coast of the island. Waikiki is home to the majority of Oahu's hotels and resorts and was once the playground for Hawaiian royalty. Today it is the gathering place for visitors from around the world. It is famous for its beaches because of the calm waters which are perfect for surfing. But there is more to Waikiki than just the beach. Honolulu Zoo and the Waikiki Aquarium are fun for the entire family. Waikiki Beach Walk and the newly renovated International Market Place offer the island's best shopping. After the famous sunset, the fun continues with plenty of nightlife and live music. Waikiki is also very close to a variety of other attractions, including Leahi (Diamond Head), Pearl Harbor, Iolani Palace, and Hanauma Bay. Ala Moana Center, Chinatown, and Bishops Museum are also places of interest.
A trip to Honolulu is not complete without a hike to the top of Leahi where you get an amazing panoramic view of Honolulu. The iconic silhouette of Diamond Head sits along the Honolulu skyline just beyond Waikiki. The crater is one of Hawaii's most famous landmarks. It only takes a short drive or bus ride to get to Diamond Head Crater from Waikiki and the trail includes two sets of stairs totaling 175 steps, as well as dark, underground tunnels and old military bunkers that require a flashlight. The stunning views that greet you at the top of Diamond Head are well worth the effort. Downtown Honolulu is just 15 minutes west of Waikiki and is home to some of Oahu's most historic places. Next to the skyscrapers of the island’s main business district you’ll find important landmarks like the Iolani Palace, the King Kamehameha I statue, the Kawaiahao Church and the Aloha Tower. This area is also the seat of Hawaii’s government, home to the Hawaii State Capitol, Washington Place (the governor’s mansion) and Honolulu Hale (Honolulu’s City Hall). Clustered within blocks of each other, these cultural landmarks can be experienced on a leisurely walking tour. The National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific Oahu, located north of downtown in an extinct volcano called Punchbowl Crater, is the national cemetery honoring American Veterans. The memorial, placed on the National Register of Historic Places, honors the achievements of the American Armed Forces and commemorates the soldiers of 20th century wars, including those who were lost during the attack at Pearl Harbor. The memorial also offers a panoramic view of Honolulu from the top of the Punchbowl’s crater rim. Informative, free walking tours are led by Veterans of the American Legion. The most important landmark in Central Oahu is historic Pearl Harbor, the largest natural harbor in Hawaii. This active naval base is home to five Pearl Harbor Historic Sites that you can visit: The Pacific Historic Parks, the USS Battleship Missouri Memorial, the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park, the Pacific Aviation Museum and the USS Oklahoma Memorial. These special monuments commemorate the historic events that changed the course of history during World War II. In Central Oahu, you can also take a tour of the famous Aloha Stadium, home of the University of Hawaii Warriors as well as many other events throughout the year. The sunny and dry Leeward Coast of Oahu lies at the foot of the Waianae Mountain Range just 30 miles from Waikiki, but the contrast between the regions is striking. The Leeward side of Oahu is less developed, with picturesque towns, beautiful off-the-beaten-path beaches, and rural landscapes to explore. This 43 acre marina offers stretches of postcard-worthy shoreline with plenty of opportunities for water sports and championship golf. Other fun and family-friendly attractions in the area include the Paradise Cove Luau and the Wet n’ Wild Hawaii Water Park. Local beaches include Makaha Beach, one of the first spots where surfers began big wave surfing, and Yokohama Bay. At the very end of the road, you can hike to Oahu’s western-most point at sacred Kaena Point for incredible Pacific Ocean views. If you hike to Kaena Point, be sure to stay on the trail because the area is also a bird sanctuary, and bring water and other supplies with you because the remote area doesn’t offer amenities. Leave no trace, and pack up whatever you brought with you in order to respect the land and maintain the pristine natural area for others. The Windward Coast is full of lush valleys and country landscapes. Exiting the tunnels east of the Koolau Mountain Range, it feels as if you’re entering a different world. A trip to the Windward Coast reveals a slower-paced side of Oahu, and some of the most stunning natural beauty anywhere in Hawaii. Drive north and spend a day exploring the Windward Coast toward the North Shore. You'll find one of Hawaii's most photographed areas- Kualoa Ranch. This scenic valley has provided the backdrop for countless movies and TV shows, including Jurassic Park and Lost. Visitors to the ranch can enjoy horseback riding, ziplining, ATV tours and many other activities. Oahu's North Shore is legendary in the surf world. It attracts the best surfers and hosts premier surfing competitions during the peak months including the biggest of them all, the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing. Waimea Bay, Ehukai Beach (Banzai Pipeline), and Sunset Beach are great places to sunbathe and stroll along the shore—just leave surfing the huge waves to the pros because they can be very dangerous for inexperienced surfers. The months between November and February are the best times to see big wave surfing. The massive waves can sometimes swell up to thirty feet or more, so always heed warning signs. From May to September, the waves subside, creating a calmer atmosphere for surfing and swimming. About a one-hour drive from Waikiki, the North Shore is also home to a variety of accommodation options, including condo rentals and the exclusive beachside Turtle Bay Resort. Take a road trip to the charming surf town of Haleiwa Town, where you can shop, eat like a local, and cool off with rainbow-flavored shave ice. Continue your drive to Laie to visit the Polynesian Cultural Center and the old plantation town of Kahuku. Try to plan your visit to Oahu during one of its many special events. There's nothing like experiencing the culture by attending a festival, musical event, or sports competition.
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 Aloha! For the last couple of weeks, I have been sharing a series of articles on the Hawaiian islands. We have explored Maui, Molokai, and Lanai. Because it's in the news right now, this week I want to focus on Hawaii Island. Hawaii Island The Island of Hawaii is the youngest and largest of the Hawaiian Islands. Because it is almost twice as big as all the other Hawaiian islands combined, it is often called the "Big Island." There is something for everyone on Hawaii Island- the massive volcanoes of Maunakea and Maunaloa, the lava flowing at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the lush valleys of the Hamakua Coast, and the black sand beaches in Punaluu. The power of nature is experienced everywhere on this island. Last Thursday, Kilauea, the island's most active volcano erupted and is causing a lot of harm right now on Hawaii Island. After a series of earthquakes, the ground split and molten lava shot dozens of feet in the air. Residents of several neighborhoods were evacuated because of fire threats and the extremely high levels of sulfur dioxide gas in the air. Since the volcano first erupted on Thursday, the lava has continued to break through and spread. If you haven't seen the pictures online, you should take the time to look. It is truly amazing. Many of the residents are insisting that this fury is caused by Pele, the fire goddess, who has come back to reclaim her land. Some of us might laugh at this, but it is a deep part of Hawaiian culture, especially on Hawaii Island. Because of the size of the island, it is still safe for tourists to visit and there are plenty of things to do. Here are the parts of the island that you "must see." Hamakua Coast Hamakua Coast, just north of Hilo, is one of the most beautiful stretches of scenery on the island. Because it receives nearly 84 inches of rainfall a year, the area is full of beautiful waterfalls, lush tropical rainforests, and tranquil green valleys. During the 19th and 20th centuries, the Hamakua Coast was covered with sugar cane. Today, farmers are growing taro, vegetables, and tropical fruit. As you drive along this scenic coast, you will see water carved gulches, exotic plants, and two of the island's most famous waterfalls- Akaka Falls and Kahuna Falls. While here, don't forget to stop at Waipio Valley for a stunning panoramic view. Hilo Hilo is located on the northeastern side of the island. Because of the abundant rainfall here, you will find dramatic waterfalls, blooming gardens, and fertile rainforests. It's also home to Hilo International Airport and is only 45 minutes away from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. In early times Hilo was a busy farming and fishing area and a commercial center for the sugar industry. The town was built around a crescent shaped bay and today you will find a charming town full of museums, art galleries, and restaurants. There is plenty of natural beauty too. Liliuokalani Gardens features Japanese style fishponds, pagodas, and rock gardens, while Wailuku River State Park is home to Rainbow Falls and Peepee Falls. It also is home to the nation's only rainforest zoo which includes a collection of exotic plants and animals. Hilo is worth a visit to get a feel for the authentic side of Hawaii Island. Puna The Puna district and the town of Pahoa lie south of Hilo on the easternmost tip of the Island. Many locals believe that Puna is Pele's " workshop," where the volcano goddess continually creates and recreates the land they live on. This area is covered with lava and black sand beaches created by the volcanoes. Puna is also known for its coastal geothermal baths which are heated below the earth by the Kiluea volcano. There is a 12 mile stretch of beach parks which are great for scenic hikes and snorkeling in shallow tidepools. Another major attraction is Lava Tree State Monument, where a lava flow came through in 1790, leaving otherworldly lava molds in its path. Another interesting destination in Puna is Kalapana. In 1990, lava from Kilauea engulfed this historic town and its beaches. This is the site of today's current lava flow. Kau Kau is rural, remote, and the place to come to get off the beaten path. It is located in Hawaii Island's southernmost region and is free from hotels, resorts, and golf courses. It's home to one of the most famous beaches in the state- Punaluu Black Sand Beach. Kau is also home to most of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Kilauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes. Other sights in Kau include Kalae, known as South Point, the southernmost point in the United States, and Kau Desert, which is on southwest edge of Kilauea. Here you’ll find footprints of warriors who were trapped in volcanic ash long ago-a result of one of Kilauea’s rare explosive eruptions. In contrast, on the eastern slopes of Kau, there are macadamia nut orchards, coffee farms, and cattle. Kau is home to not only Hawaiian families who have been here for generations, but also writers, artists, philosophers and others seeking solitude. Kona The Kona district stretches along almost the entire west side of the island. Along this expansive area, you’ll find everything from coffee farms to historic Hawaiian landmarks. In fact, King Kamehameha actually spent his final years in Kailua-Kona. Home to shops, restaurants and nightlife, you can conveniently take a walking tour of Kona’s history at places like Hulihee Palace, Mokuaikaua Church and the Ahuena Heiau. Other significant historic places include Kealakekua Bay to the south, where Captain James Cook first set foot on the island in 1778 and was eventually killed. North of Kailua-Kona is the Kaloko-Honokohau National Historic Park, a 1160-acre park that lets you explore early heiau (temples), fishponds and petroglyphs. Shielded from winds by Maunaloa, south Kona’s calm and clear waters are perfect for snorkeling, diving, sailing and spotting dolphins and honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles). One of Kona’s most memorable experiences is going on a nighttime Manta Ray boat tour to scuba or snorkel with these gentle, graceful sea creatures. And while in this area, don't forget to travel to the cooler upland slopes of Holualoa, where you can sample the distinctive flavors of 100% Kona coffee, which is what Kona is famous for! Kohala North of Kona International Airport, you’ll see rugged lava fields surrounding you. You may not see it from Queen Kaahumanu Highway, but the Kohala Coast is where you’ll find some of the island’s finest resorts. Nestled among the black and red lava rock fields, a result of eruptions from the island's volcanos centuries ago, are green oases full of world-class accommodations, fine dining, and some of Hawaii’s best golf courses. The sunny Kohala Coast sees an annual average rainfall of only nine inches, so soak in the sun and relax at Hapuna Beach State Park, one of the area's largest white sand beaches, indulge at local restaurants or relax at a local spa. You’ll discover cultural treasures on the Kohala Coast, too, such as th remarkable Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site, the largest restored heiau in Hawaii. Just east of this area, explore the scenic pasturelands of Waimea. In sharp contrast to the lava landscapes along the Kohala Coast, this upcountry town is home to the paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy). From Waimea, head north on Kohala Mountain Road to visit Kahua Ranch for a horseback riding tour or ATV drive. Then continue on to the charming town of Hawi. On your way to Kapaau, home of the original Kamehameha Statue, you'll find dramatic Pololu Valley at the end of the road. Hawaii Island is distinctly different and very proud of its culture. It's a fascinating place to visit!   Hawaii Island The Island of Hawaii is the youngest and largest of the Hawaiian Islands. Because it is almost twice as big as all the other Hawaiian islands combined, it is often called the "Big Island." There is something for everyone on Hawaii Island- the massive volcanoes of Maunakea and Maunaloa, the lava flowing at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the lush valleys of the Hamakua Coast, and the black sand beaches in Punaluu. The power of nature is experienced everywhere on this island. Last Thursday, Kilauea, the island's most active volcano erupted and is causing a lot of harm right now on Hawaii Island. After a series of earthquakes, the ground split and molten lava shot dozens of feet in the air. Residents of several neighborhoods were evacuated because of fire threats and the extremely high levels of sulfur dioxide gas in the air. Since the volcano first erupted on Thursday, the lava has continued to break through and spread. If you haven't seen the pictures online, you should take the time to look. It is truly amazing. Many of the residents are insisting that this fury is caused by Pele, the fire goddess, who has come back to reclaim her land. Some of us might laugh at this, but it is a deep part of Hawaiian culture, especially on Hawaii Island. Because of the size of the island, it is still safe for tourists to visit and there are plenty of things to do. Here are the parts of the island that you "must see." Hamakua Coast Hamakua Coast, just north of Hilo, is one of the most beautiful stretches of scenery on the island. Because it receives nearly 84 inches of rainfall a year, the area is full of beautiful waterfalls, lush tropical rainforests, and tranquil green valleys. During the 19th and 20th centuries, the Hamakua Coast was covered with sugar cane. Today, farmers are growing taro, vegetables, and tropical fruit. As you drive along this scenic coast, you will see water carved gulches, exotic plants, and two of the island's most famous waterfalls- Akaka Falls and Kahuna Falls. While here, don't forget to stop at Waipio Valley for a stunning panoramic view. Hilo Hilo is located on the northeastern side of the island. Because of the abundant rainfall here, you will find dramatic waterfalls, blooming gardens, and fertile rainforests. It's also home to Hilo International Airport and is only 45 minutes away from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. In early times Hilo was a busy farming and fishing area and a commercial center for the sugar industry. The town was built around a crescent shaped bay and today you will find a charming town full of museums, art galleries, and restaurants. There is plenty of natural beauty too. Liliuokalani Gardens features Japanese style fishponds, pagodas, and rock gardens, while Wailuku River State Park is home to Rainbow Falls and Peepee Falls. It also is home to the nation's only rainforest zoo which includes a collection of exotic plants and animals. Hilo is worth a visit to get a feel for the authentic side of Hawaii Island. Puna The Puna district and the town of Pahoa lie south of Hilo on the easternmost tip of the Island. Many locals believe that Puna is Pele's " workshop," where the volcano goddess continually creates and recreates the land they live on. This area is covered with lava and black sand beaches created by the volcanoes. Puna is also known for its coastal geothermal baths which are heated below the earth by the Kiluea volcano. There is a 12 mile stretch of beach parks which are great for scenic hikes and snorkeling in shallow tidepools. Another major attraction is Lava Tree State Monument, where a lava flow came through in 1790, leaving otherworldly lava molds in its path. Another interesting destination in Puna is Kalapana. In 1990, lava from Kilauea engulfed this historic town and its beaches. This is the site of today's current lava flow. Kau Kau is rural, remote, and the place to come to get off the beaten path. It is located in Hawaii Island's southernmost region and is free from hotels, resorts, and golf courses. It's home to one of the most famous beaches in the state- Punaluu Black Sand Beach. Kau is also home to most of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Kilauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes. Other sights in Kau include Kalae, known as South Point, the southernmost point in the United States, and Kau Desert, which is on southwest edge of Kilauea. Here you’ll find footprints of warriors who were trapped in volcanic ash long ago-a result of one of Kilauea’s rare explosive eruptions. In contrast, on the eastern slopes of Kau, there are macadamia nut orchards, coffee farms, and cattle. Kau is home to not only Hawaiian families who have been here for generations, but also writers, artists, philosophers and others seeking solitude. Kona The Kona district stretches along almost the entire west side of the island. Along this expansive area, you’ll find everything from coffee farms to historic Hawaiian landmarks. In fact, King Kamehameha actually spent his final years in Kailua-Kona. Home to shops, restaurants and nightlife, you can conveniently take a walking tour of Kona’s history at places like Hulihee Palace, Mokuaikaua Church and the Ahuena Heiau. Other significant historic places include Kealakekua Bay to the south, where Captain James Cook first set foot on the island in 1778 and was eventually killed. North of Kailua-Kona is the Kaloko-Honokohau National Historic Park, a 1160-acre park that lets you explore early heiau (temples), fishponds and petroglyphs. Shielded from winds by Maunaloa, south Kona’s calm and clear waters are perfect for snorkeling, diving, sailing and spotting dolphins and honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles). One of Kona’s most memorable experiences is going on a nighttime Manta Ray boat tour to scuba or snorkel with these gentle, graceful sea creatures. And while in this area, don't forget to travel to the cooler upland slopes of Holualoa, where you can sample the distinctive flavors of 100% Kona coffee, which is what Kona is famous for! Kohala North of Kona International Airport, you’ll see rugged lava fields surrounding you. You may not see it from Queen Kaahumanu Highway, but the Kohala Coast is where you’ll find some of the island’s finest resorts. Nestled among the black and red lava rock fields, a result of eruptions from the island's volcanos centuries ago, are green oases full of world-class accommodations, fine dining, and some of Hawaii’s best golf courses. The sunny Kohala Coast sees an annual average rainfall of only nine inches, so soak in the sun and relax at Hapuna Beach State Park, one of the area's largest white sand beaches, indulge at local restaurants or relax at a local spa. You’ll discover cultural treasures on the Kohala Coast, too, such as th remarkable Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site, the largest restored heiau in Hawaii. Just east of this area, explore the scenic pasturelands of Waimea. In sharp contrast to the lava landscapes along the Kohala Coast, this upcountry town is home to the paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy). From Waimea, head north on Kohala Mountain Road to visit Kahua Ranch for a horseback riding tour or ATV drive. Then continue on to the charming town of Hawi. On your way to Kapaau, home of the original Kamehameha Statue, you'll find dramatic Pololu Valley at the end of the road. Hawaii Island is distinctly different and very proud of its culture. It's a fascinating place to visit!   Aloha! Last week, I began a series of articles on the Hawaiian islands. For many who have never visited, it's hard to know which one to choose for your vacation. Each island is very diverse and the experience will be different on every island you visit. Last week I wrote about Maui, the Valley Isle. Many don't know that Maui Nui (the county of Maui) is made up of Maui and the islands of Molokai and Lanai. A trip to Maui is not complete without seeing both Molokai and Lanai while you're there! You'll be glad you did. Molokai If you want to visit a place where time stands still, you must make the journey to Molokai. It is Hawaii's fifth largest island and is home to the highest sea cliffs in the world. Molokai has the highest percentage of native Hawaiians and they have preserved their culture and rural lifestyle. It is definitely a place where Hawaii's past comes alive. The central region of Molokai is the center of local life and the tallest part of the town is a church steeple. Here you will see macadamia nut and coffee farms and one of Hawaii's last royal coconut groves. North of central Molokai is where the victims of Hansen's disease (leprosy) were exiled in the 1800s. Father Damien came to the remote colony in 1873 to care for the residents, and after 16 years he contracted the disease himself. Today you can hike the cliffs and learn more about the colony and St. Damien. A fascinating thing to see along the south shore in Molokai is the ancient fishponds dating back to the early 13th century. Many are very well preserved and you can still see the semicircular walls of the ponds that were made from lava boulders. The fish ponds had wooden gates that would allow small fish to swim in to live and feed. As they grew, the fish became too big to get back out and Hawaiian Alii (royalty) would harvest fish from these ponds. Molokai's main town has remained virtually unchanged since the early 1900s. There are no traffic lights and the locals still fish on the pier for their dinner. For me, the best place to visit in town is Kanemitsu's Bakery. You can visit during the day, but it's more fun to go late at night because that's when the workers bake the bread. The locals line up in the alley and knock on the window to get fresh hot loaves of bread. They can be filled with cinnamon, cream cheese, jelly or butter and it is definitely a MUST visit! Outdoor activities are what you will want to experience when you visit Molokai. You will find some of the most beautiful deserted beaches here and this is where most visitors head. Don't be surprised if you see honu (green sea turtles) and Hawaiian monk seals swimming with you. Kayaking and paddle boarding are popular activities and you can also whale watch in the winter months. If you want to spend the night, Hotel Molokai is the only local hotel and it is charming! Lanai Lanai is the smallest inhabited island in Hawaii and is almost the complete opposite of Molokai. It is full of luxurious resorts and championship level golf courses. Lanai City is the main town and was founded in the early 1900s as a pineapple plantation town. At one time, Lanai produced 75% of the world's pineapple production. Although the pineapple plantations no longer exist, you can see the history at the visitor's center in Dole Park. This area is also home to shops, restaurants, and businesses. You will find unique shopping and the work of many local artists, from ceramics to watercolors. Because Lanai City sits at an elevation of 1700 feet, it is noticeably cooler than the coastal areas. There is a rustic side to Lanai too. Munro Trail, just north of Lanai City, is a one lane dirt road that offers spectacular views and many Cook pines. The trail reaches 1600 feet in elevation and takes you through a rainforest, and to a scenic lookout where you can see all six Hawaiian islands at once. If you hike the entire trail, it will take you to the top of Lanaihale, Lanai's highest peak of 3370 feet. If you head south, you'll find Hulopoe Bay and Manele Bay which are beautiful marine life conservation areas and the home to dozens of spinner dolphins. Between the two bays is the famous landmark Puu Pehe, or Sweetheart Rock. You can also rent a 4 wheel drive in Kaunolu, which was King Kamehameha's summer fishing retreat on the southern cliffs. Stay until dusk and view the incredible Lanai sunsets. If you're looking for a true tropical escape, Lanai has 18 miles of coastline with remote white sand beaches. The most popular beach is at Hulopoe Beach Park. It's a crescent-shaped beach with white sand and crystal water which makes it great for snorkeling. And the best part is that it fronts the Four Seasons Resort Lanai. This exquisite luxurious resort features a full service spa, fine dining, and the Jack Nicklaus designed Manele Golf Course. You can't go wrong with a stay here!   Aloha! For many who have never visited the Hawaiian Islands, it's hard to know which one to choose for your vacation. Each island is very diverse and the experience will be different on every island you visit. Many don't know that Maui Nui (the county of Maui) is made up of Maui and the islands of Molokai and Lanai. A trip to Maui is not complete without seeing both Molokai and Lanai while you're there! You'll be glad you did. Molokai If you want to visit a place where time stands still, you must make the journey to Molokai. It is Hawaii's fifth largest island and is home to the highest sea cliffs in the world. Molokai has the highest percentage of native Hawaiians and they have preserved their culture and rural lifestyle. It is definitely a place where Hawaii's past comes alive. The central region of Molokai is the center of local life and the tallest part of the town is a church steeple. Here you will see macadamia nut and coffee farms and one of Hawaii's last royal coconut groves. North of central Molokai is where the victims of Hansen's disease (leprosy) were exiled in the 1800s. Father Damien came to the remote colony in 1873 to care for the residents, and after 16 years he contracted the disease himself. Today you can hike the cliffs and learn more about the colony and St. Damien. A fascinating thing to see along the south shore in Molokai is the ancient fishponds dating back to the early 13th century. Many are very well preserved and you can still see the semicircular walls of the ponds that were made from lava boulders. The fish ponds had wooden gates that would allow small fish to swim in to live and feed. As they grew, the fish became too big to get back out and Hawaiian Alii (royalty) would harvest fish from these ponds. Molokai's main town has remained virtually unchanged since the early 1900s. There are no traffic lights and the locals still fish on the pier for their dinner. For me, the best place to visit in town is Kanemitsu's Bakery. You can visit during the day, but it's more fun to go late at night because that's when the workers bake the bread. The locals line up in the alley and knock on the window to get fresh hot loaves of bread. They can be filled with cinnamon, cream cheese, jelly or butter and it is definitely a MUST visit! Outdoor activities are what you will want to experience when you visit Molokai. You will find some of the most beautiful deserted beaches here and this is where most visitors head. Don't be surprised if you see honu (green sea turtles) and Hawaiian monk seals swimming with you. Kayaking and paddle boarding are popular activities and you can also whale watch in the winter months. If you want to spend the night, Hotel Molokai is the only local hotel and it is charming! Lanai Lanai is the smallest inhabited island in Hawaii and is almost the complete opposite of Molokai. It is full of luxurious resorts and championship level golf courses. Lanai City is the main town and was founded in the early 1900s as a pineapple plantation town. At one time, Lanai produced 75% of the world's pineapple production. Although the pineapple plantations no longer exist, you can see the history at the visitor's center in Dole Park. This area is also home to shops, restaurants, and businesses. You will find unique shopping and the work of many local artists, from ceramics to watercolors. Because Lanai City sits at an elevation of 1700 feet, it is noticeably cooler than the coastal areas. There is a rustic side to Lanai too. Munro Trail, just north of Lanai City, is a one lane dirt road that offers spectacular views and many Cook pines. The trail reaches 1600 feet in elevation and takes you through a rainforest, and to a scenic lookout where you can see all six Hawaiian islands at once. If you hike the entire trail, it will take you to the top of Lanaihale, Lanai's highest peak of 3370 feet. If you head south, you'll find Hulopoe Bay and Manele Bay which are beautiful marine life conservation areas and the home to dozens of spinner dolphins. Between the two bays is the famous landmark Puu Pehe, or Sweetheart Rock. You can also rent a 4 wheel drive in Kaunolu, which was King Kamehameha's summer fishing retreat on the southern cliffs. Stay until dusk and view the incredible Lanai sunsets. If you're looking for a true tropical escape, Lanai has 18 miles of coastline with remote white sand beaches. The most popular beach is at Hulopoe Beach Park. It's a crescent-shaped beach with white sand and crystal water which makes it great for snorkeling. And the best part is that it fronts the Four Seasons Resort Lanai. This exquisite luxurious resort features a full service spa, fine dining, and the Jack Nicklaus designed Manele Golf Course. You can't go wrong with a stay here!  |
AuthorAnn Jones, CTC, MCC Archives
February 2019
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