Lanai HistoryThe Ancient Hawaiian Island Lanai History – this is a small Hawaiian Island which is just off the west coast of Maui , which is very sparsely populated and contains much uninhabited land. The history of lanai states that it was first discovered by a person called Kaululaau who was the son of a chief on Maui by the name of Kakaalaneo. And it was here that Kaululaau was banished to by his father after he managed to destroy the population's breadfruit crop. Many still believe that this is the isle where the evil spirits reside to this day.According to Lanai history - it was only in the fifteenth century when people started to settle on the island and thought about trying to bring life to some kind of agricultural industry – although this took a number of attempts. China thought this Hawaiian Island would be perfect for sugar cane plantations, yet this was not met well by the islands geography or its water levels. Private companies even tried to come in and set down a crop of sugar cane, while people like Charles Gay, after purchasing the whole island, tried to introduce sheep ranching – he was forced to sell up in 1909. Lanai History finally took a turn when a pineapple grower by the name of James Dole arrived and purchased the island in 1922 for about 1.1 million US dollars. Many thought he was made and taking an incredible gamble…however, his pineapple scheme – if you will excuse the pun – bore fruit. It was due to the mass growing, and production of tinned pineapple did this little island become know historically as “The Pineapple Island.” People from around the world – Korea , Philippines , Japan , China and Portugal - were being shipped into man the large plantations at the turn of the 20 th Century. Thus Lanai 's cultural history is rather broad and cannot be traced back to a single group of people – we therefore use the word multicultural. Lanai History: Lanai City: This Hawaiian city emerged in the early 1920's after a lot of investment from the Hawaiian Pineapple Company which later became known as Dole Pineapple. During those times Cook Pines from Norfolk took root in the soil and flourished, growing as high as 134 feet and more – these trees have been inscribed onto the city's character and act as a “fog drip” catching water. To this day this historical Hawaiian city has managed to keep some of the old-world, bucolic and rural traits it once had. The pineapple industry has is now been paved over by focus on tourism with the Castle and Cooke Company As the industry dried up, Dole Pineapple merged with the Castle & Cooke Company and a greater focus was then placed on generating a tourism industry. The latest additions to this have been the development of The Lodge at Koele and The Manele Bay Hotel both which draw visitors in by the thousands, especially with their two unique golf courses - the Experience at Koele and the Challenge at Manele . These were designed by Greg Norman and Jack Nicklaus, respectively . Pineapple production is now only set to satisfy local demand, with less emphasis placed on exportation. Things To DoHulopo'e Beach - Enjoy swimming, snorkeling, surfing and a pristine white sand beach. Hulopo'e Beach Park is the site of an ancient village dating back to 900 AD. From this site you can see a point of the island of Kaho'olawe called Kealai Kahiki -- also the name of the channel between the two islands. Hulopo'e Bay is now a marine sanctuary for spinner dolphins, humpback whales and rare sea turtles.
Manele Harbor - The sheltered bay at Manele offers ferry service to Lahaina, Maui. Also a place to dock small boats and origination of many of Lanai's ocean adventures.
Polihua Beach - The wide deserted sands of Polihua Beach is accessible by unpaved road from Lana'i City. According to legend the goddess Pele came here to harvest turtle eggs. The Hawaiians say, "Aia ka 'ike Polihua a lei i ka manewanewa," which translates, "One proves a visit to Polihua by wearing a lei of manewanewa."
Shipwreck Beach - Winding past several deserted shacks, the dirt road stops at a cluster of dunes. Cross the dunes toward the rusted hulk of a freighter which ran aground decades ago, giving the beach its name. Dozens of reef-sheltered pools separate the coast from rough open ocean. Water gently laps the shore, leaving pristine white sand, marked only by the footprints of shorebirds.
Lana'i Pine Sporting Clays - The only resort sporting clays course in Hawaii, the Lana'i Pine Sporting Clays is designed for both skilled and new shooters. The state-of-the-art facility is situated amid 200 acres of pine woods overlooking Molokai. The 14-station course features challenging terrain and a variety of targets, with clays launched to simulate flight or running patters of particular game species. Players can also enjoy Compact Sporting (or Five Stand), Skeet Shooting, or Wobble Trap (Olympic Trap). Certified instructors teach introductory sessions for first-timers and offer a 15-minute course introduction for the experienced shooter. Lana'i Pine Archery - offers the excitement and challenge of archery at its best. The 12 target range provides spirited fun for archers of all ages and skill levels. Novice, intermediate and advanced archers welcome the challenge of targets set up at 15 and 35 yard ranges. Test your skills or learn the sport from certified instructors. Anyone who can safely handle and draw a light bow will enjoy this medieval sport. The instructors provide safety tips and pointers, so you'll be on target in no time. The Lana'i Pine Archery Pro Shop will outfit you with all the necessary equipment. Recurve, Compound, and youth bows are available. The Munro Trail - traces Lanai's highest ridgeline to Lanaihale, the island's 3,370-foot peak. The trail is named for George Munro, a visionary New Zealander who planted the trees along the ridgeline and set aside protected tracts of Lanai's native forest. The trail (actually the width and quality of a jeep road) does not simply run straight along, it twists and turns, always keeping you eager to see what comes next. Its smooth surface permits hybrids or even road bikes equipped with knobby tires to pass, although the clay can become treacherously slick in wet conditions. On a good day, all the Hawaiian Islands except Kauai are visible from Lanaihale.
The Garden of the Gods - An isolated upland plateau strewn with a seemingly chaotic array of boulders, the Garden of the Gods takes on a rich red and brown glow in the late afternoon. Even in broad daylight, a deep spirituality pervades this bizarre red rock-covered landscape. Centuries of wind erosion have blown away the topsoil leaving behind the Garden of the Gods' breathtaking display. The stark geometry of exposed rocks and boulders expresses pure elemental power, making it easy to imagine gods in such a place. The Garden of the Gods borders the vast fields of the Palawai Basin, the floor of the volcano which formed Lana'i a million years ago. Wild grasses have now overgrown the vast pineapple fields that once led here. But the dirt plantation roads are still passable. Keep your eyes open for Axis Deer and other natural wildlife.
Petroglyphs - Luahiwa Petroglyphs - are on the way to the Palawai Basin, central Lana`i. These early rock carvings and drawings are inscribed on 34 boulders on a steep slope overlooking the Palawai Basin. The rock drawings are a mixture of ancient and historic styles. The petroglyphs are fragile and should not be disturbed or damaged in any way. Visit and enjoy them and leave them intact for those who follow. Puaiwa Petroglyphs - another set of ancient carvings which can be seen while visiting shipwreck beach.
Keomuku Village - The population center of Lana'i in the late 1890's, Keomuku now lies abandoned. In ancient times, farmers and fishermen inhabited portions of the fertile north coast and the adjacent valley of Maunalei. In 1898 the Maunalei Sugar Company announced plans to build a sugar plantation, boosting Lana'i's population from 174 to nearly 900. Initial prosperity gave way to a series of setbacks after the company destroyed a heiau (temple) in order to build a cane railway along the coast, bringing predictions of failure. Maunalei Sugar shut down in 1901 and little remains today except the steepled Malamalama Church, now restored and offering a glimpse of the island's past. Kaunolui Village Ruins - Situated on the cliff-lined south shore, the remains of the ancient Hawaiian fishing village at Kaunolui include a heiau (temple) and the rocky debris of what once was Kamehameha the Great's summer retreat. The heiau at Kaunolu was a pu'uhonua, or a sanctuary for those who who had broken the kapu (taboo) or were being pursued by enemies.
The Stables at Koele - Equestrians will find Lanai provides a thrilling setting for active and leisurely trail riding. Koele, Paniolo and Mahana Trail Rides are walking rides and are Western tack only. The Private Trail Ride (English, as well as Western tack) allows the more experienced rider to go at a faster pace if desired. Group rides can be customized to your requirements upon advanced notice. Specific rides are not available on a daily basis, but may be booked 30 days in advance. This is truly a lovely way to experience the Island. Kaumalapau Harbor - Another paved stretch of Highway 440 which, like the one to Manele Bay, cuts through miles of what used to be pineapple fields and is now hay fields, connects Lanai City with this main island port. Pineapples, vehicles and freight are shipped out from this harbor. Other than this activity the simple harbor is of little interest to outsiders, but the dramatic views of the sea, high bluffs, and jagged cliffs on the stretch of the coast are worth the six-mile ride from town.
Lanai Weekly Events - Saturday Market in Dole park: A weekly gathering of local vendors, as they proudly present authentic fares. Local grown vegetables, potted plants and a cultural mix of Hawaiian, Japanese, and Filipino delicacies can be found. Local artists and craft makers may also display their works of art here. Lanai Theatre - First run movies are played from Friday through Tuesday evenings. Two shows at 6:30 p.m. and 8:15 p.m.  Special Events - Lanai Visiting Artist Program: Throughout the calendar year the island community and visitors have a unique opportunity to meet and mingle with world-famous virtuosos of literature, music, film, fine arts and the culinary world. This program is sponsored by Castle & Cooke Resorts, LLC., Island Air and Happy Vacations. Please inquiry directly, for information on a schedule of the upcoming visiting artist program. Annual Events - TBA - Lions Club, Huli-Huli Chicken sale May - CHA-3 Kenpo Karate Tournament, Bicycle Rodeo & Health Alliance Fair June - Miss Lanai Filipina Pageant July - Pineapple Festival, Bon Dance, American Cancer Society Walk September - Aloha Festivals December - Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony DiningBlue Ginger Café 565-6363  Pele's Other Garden  Canoes Lana`i 565-6962  Lanai Facts
Some Fast Facts about Lanai Hawaii – “The Most Secluded Island”
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