The most commonly visited Hawaiian Islands are the islands that most of us know fairly well. There’s Oahu and Maui, the two most popular islands to visit, and then there’s Kauai and Big Island, still popular in their own right, mostly so with repeat visitors to Hawaii. But, there are more islands to visit, and one of those is a short fairy ride from Maui, making it the perfect destination for a Maui vacation getaway. Lanai (and Molokai) is a retreat from it all, an escape from everything, and the place where you will find a Hawaiian experience like no other.
During your Maui vacation, you can spend a day on Lanai and discover what this quiet island has to offer. A short ferry ride takes you from the coast of Maui, across the channel that separates the islands, and to the shores of Lanai, where adventure and fun await.
Though Lanai is part of the Hawaiian Islands, it is a privately owned island, belonging to the CEO of Oracle, Larry Ellison. There are around 3,000 permanent residents on Lanai, and a majority of the island is accessible only by dirt road. There are few options for hotels, with a the luxurious Four Seasons being the most common to stay at. And most interestingly, there are no traffic lights on the entire island. When you think of a throwback to the days that made Hawaii famous, this is it.
During a day on Lanai, you’ll find really neat sites to visit. Shipwreck Beach is the site of at least a dozen shipwrecks. The entire North Shore of the island is known for ships that have run aground, and though ocean conditions prevent any ocean activities, it is a beach you will want to visit. Most notably, a World War II era fuel tanker is permanently beached here, making for quite the striking site from shore.
Another of Lanai’s must-see sites is Garden of the Gods, a mysterious area that has puzzled historians for quite some time. The origins are largely unknown and mostly left to theories that can’t quite be explained. Ancient Hawaiian legend surrounding the garden is that the Gods enjoyed the creation of art, and chose this location to create and display their sculptures. To aid in the creation, they created powerful winds to shape their sculptures and left their works here to be admired.
Finding different things to do in Hawaii is a must. A visit to Lanai certainly fits the bill, and will be one of those days that you look back on from your Maui vacation and have great memories. You can choose a guided day on the island, or rent a jeep and head out on your own. Either way, you will love a day on Lanai.
Due to the high volume of visitors traveling to Hawaii year round, our Maui tours and Maui activities sell out quickly. In many cases, tours sell out weeks or months in advance. To ensure your spots on tour, we recommend reserving your tours today. Call our office or book online to take advantage of our low price guarantee today.
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