introduction

Lanai is the 6th largest Hawaiian Island. The area of the island is 364 km². It is also known as the Pineapple Island, because of the pineapple plantation on the island in the past.

The island is in a comma-shape, with a width of 29km in the longest direction. Many of the island's landmarks and sites are located off of dirt roads where four-wheel drive is required.

surfing

Lanai has good exposure to swell from the south and the west but unfortunatelt very few wave friendly features along those coasts. The beaches along the norhtern and eastern rim of the island are some of the best in Hawaii but sadly often silent.

Larger northerly swells can punch past the upper islands and set some of the reefs here on fire. Transport again is a little tricky around the island. Expect to do a lot of walking between breaks. Some of the best empty waves in the whole islands when it all comes together.

travel

Plane, bus, boat, car - all these means of transportation are available in Hawaii. Airlines are quite good and you can find virtually all flights between the islands. And you can actually save money and time by planning "triangle routes" that arrive in Hawaii on one island and leave on another. An of course, booking in advance will save you money as well.

If you want to travel by car, book in advance (Waikiki is the only exception) and note that insurance coverage is very expensive - it can pretty much double your daily rate or more. Gasoline won’t be cheap as well. In this situation renting a scooter or taking a bus can be good alternatives. Renting a scooter won’t be as expensive as renting a car (about $50 per day), plus the gas is cheaper as well. And Oahu has an excellent public transportation system - TheBus. The route information on how to get around the island is available from the booklet “TheBus” at local ABC Stores. There are buses on the neighbouring islands, but the system is less developed.

If you prefer to get around by water, than the following options are for you.  There are ferries that operate between Oahu, Maui and Kauai daily, as well as charter boats between some islands, especially the Maui-Molokai-Lanai area.

where to stay

Accommodation is limited on the island so it is essential to make a booking early enough if you plan to visit. Rooms in April and December are busy seasons and booked up months in advance.

Budget Travellers

• Hulopo'e Bay Campgrounds
• The Pink House
• Hale Moe (Moe's House) Bed & Breakfast
• Blue Ginger Bed and Breakfast

Mid-range

• Jasmin Garden House Bed and Breakfast
• Hotel Lanai

Luxurious (4-5 star)

• The Lodge at Koele - one of two Four-Seasons properties on the island
• Four Seasons Resort Lana'i at Manele Bay

what to pack

Take everything you may need, but don't take too much. You’ll need short sleeved t-shirts, shorts and long trousers (pants) and probably a light jacket or pullover for the more blustery days and evenings and sun cream for days out on the water. In winter bring long trousers (pants), warm pullovers, warm waterproof coats.

Simple loose clothes for the hot weather. Bottles with water, camera, lots of good sunscreen, a hat and sunnies. Good walking shoes or maybe sandals will do as well.

Also, bring cash with you incase you can't find an ATM to withdraw money. You would probably find a bank but it will charge you a hefty fee! So be warned.

And of course, bring a camera, there're plenty of photo opportunities here to impress your mates with back home. And take a good protection for your camera from the sand.

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