Lanai City travel guide

Lanai City tourism | Lanai City guide

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Introduction

What to do

You're Going to Love Lanai City

Lanai is Hawaii's smallest inhabited island. Also known by some locals as Pineapple Island because of its history as a pineapple plantation, this 141-square-mile oasis offers a peaceful remote atmosphere.

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Lanai City

1. Water Sports

Lanai is a great place to enjoy snorkeling, swimming, sailing, and scuba diving in warm, clear waters.

2. Tee Off

There are three golf courses on the island, including the Jack Nicklaus-designed Manele Golf Course.

3. Dole Park

This is where the locals go to relax. Enjoy a picnic and get used to that wonderfully slow pace of life.

4. Kaumalapau Harbor

You will find some of the best views on the island from the 1,000 foot cliffs by the harbor.

5. Keahiakawelo

This "Garden of the Gods" is an area of otherworldly rock formations, with views to the islands of Oahu and Molokai.

When to Visit Lanai City

Lanai enjoys a tropical climate with fairly stable temperatures all year. The ocean provides a cooling influence and the island is pleasant to visit at any time of year.

When the weather is nice in Lanai City

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How to Get to Lanai

Plane

As an island, Lanai is only accessible by air or sea. Lanai Airport (LNY) has connections from Honolulu, Molokai, Kahului, and Kapalua. Once on the island, a courtesy bus will take you to Lanai City and the resort hotels for $10.

Ferry

There are several ferry connections every day from Lahaina on Maui. The adult fare is $30 with a child ticket costing $20. The ferry is for foot passengers only and does not transport cars.

Airports near Lanai City

LNY Lanai City

Airlines serving Lanai City

Hawaiian Airlines

Excellent (6,812 reviews)

Southern / Mokulele

Good (70 reviews)

Find flights to Lanai City

Where to Stay in Lanai City

Do remember that accommodation on the island is limited, so you should book well ahead of your visit. The Four Seasons Resorts at Koele and Manele Bay are two of the main hotel complexes, while Blue Ginger Bed and Breakfast on Lama Street has more modest accommodation.

Popular Neighborhoods in Lanai

Dole Park - this is the central area of Lanai City, where you will find most of the restaurants and shops.

South Lanai - this is where you will find most of the luxury hotels and the beautiful Hulopoe and Manele Bays.

Kaumalapau Harbor - this is the main seaport of Lanai. It's probably the best spot on the island to watch spectacular sunsets and is a great place to see whales and dolphins.

Where to stay in popular areas of Lanai City

How to Get Around Lanai City

Public Transportation

There is no public transport network on the island but a shuttle bus will take you between Lanai City, the airport, the harbor, and the major resort hotels. It costs $10 for a day ticket.

Taxi

Taxi services are limited and need to be booked in advance. The meter drop fee is $3.50, and then it is around $4 per mile.

Car

Driving in Lanai is a relaxing experience with little in the way of traffic. Car rental is available but more expensive than in mainland areas. Expect to pay around $150 per day for a 4WD (which is recommended).

Find car rentals in Lanai City

The Cost of Living in Lanai City

Shopping Streets

The streets around Dole Park contain almost all the stores on the island. There are no malls and instead small local stores sell local fashion and crafts.

Groceries and Other

Richard's Market on 8th Street stocks a good selection of groceries. In general, a quart of milk in Lanai costs $1.59 and loaf of bread is $4.67.

Where to Eat in Lanai City

The Lanai City Grille on Lanai Avenue specializes in local meat and seafood dishes, with mains from around $15, while Cafe 565 on 8th Street offers a more informal dining experience with salads and sandwiches from $8.

Other popular cities in Hawaii

Kahului

Honolulu

Lahaina

Lihue