The Munro Trail Lanai: Hiking Dream

The Munro Trail Lanai is one of Hawaii 's most widely recognized excursions that is roughly seven miles long and takes on average between two and three to complete. The potholed dirt road that characterizes the trail is best tackled in a 4x4  and will take visitor through rain forests and up to the summit of Mount Lanaihale which is at 3,370 feet above sea level. This is the perfect vantage point from which to see the six other islands. From the summit The Munro Trail Hawaii then extends down to the Palawai Basin .

After about three miles into The Munro Trail Lanai you will reach what is known as the Maunalei Gulch – which translates to "mountain lei". It got this name due to the lei-like almost garland appearance of clouds that typically hover around this mountainous area. There is also some history to this valley - in about 1778 an invading force from the Big Island blockaded Lanai . The Lanai forces made their last stand in this valley where they were eventually starved out and killed. Visitors to The Munro Trail Lanai can still see Hookio Notches that have been carved into the central ridge of the gulch

The Munro Trail Lanai does have a number of less frequently traveled roads stemming off from it – but you are advised not to leave the main trail as these other roads could possibly have unadvised road conditions. Those adventuring onto this Hawaiian trail should also please note that there are no facilities, so individuals and groups need to provide their own water and gasoline reserves.