By Land and by Sea
If adventure is what you're looking for, there are a lot of options for you to choose from on Lanai, both on land and at sea. These range from spectacular diving, to hiking, hunting, and mountain biking. The potential for serious fun is great even on this “quiet” island.
Lana'i EcoAdventure Company will set you up with all kinds of interesting experiences including hikes, sea-kayaking, snorkeling, mountain biking, and four-by-four excursions. They also rent gear. www.adventurelanai.com
Trilogy Ocean Sports can provide you with a variety of seabased adventures including sailing, scuba diving, sea kayaking, snorkeling, whale-watching, and boat charters. www.visitlanai.com
A Day at the Beach
Hulopo'e Beach has been called one of the best beaches in the world. Its waters are a delight to swimmers, snorkelers, and scuba divers, and there is a pleasant beach park. Hulopo'e Beach is separated from Manele Bay by a volcanic cone, and both bays are protected as part of a marine life conservation district.
On the northeast shore near the end of Hwy 44 is Shipwreck Beach. This approximately eight-mile long beach is aptly named, as ships have wrecked off the coast here since at least the 1820s. The giant rusting hulk of a World War II — era “Liberty ship” lies beached on the reef. Further west past Shipwreck Beach is Polihua Beach. Please be forewarned: Swimming at both of these beaches can be treacherous.
FAST FACT
A large offshore rock between Hulopo'e Beach and Manele Bay is called Pu'u Pehe. Pu'u Pehe is the name of a beautiful young woman from Maui who was captured and brought to Lanai, where she was kept in a cave by the sea by a jealous warrior. One day, while her husband was away fetching water, a storm came in, and Pu'u was drowned in the cave. She was buried on the rock, and her distraught husband jumped off a cliff into the sea and killed himself.
Hunting
A number of non-native species suitable for hunting were introduced to Lanai and have proliferated since. These include the axis deer, mouflon sheep, and several kinds of game birds. The Lanai Company allows for hunting on their land, but a Hawaii state hunting license is required. More information can be obtained from the Lanai Company at www.lanai-activities.com/activities/mauka/act-hunt.htm
Golf Lanai
There are only three golf courses on Lanai, but each is extraordinary. Two are world-class and one is free!
Cavendish Golf Course, near Lanai City in the central part of the island, was created for the use of plantation workers. It has 9 holes, and it's free (although visitors might like to make a contribution).
The Challenge at Manele is part of the Manele Bay Hotel. The course presents ocean views and interesting natural obstacles. 565-2222
The Experience at Koele is affiliated with the Lodge at Koele. Beautiful and challenging. www.lodgeatkoele.com
TRAVEL TIP
Skeet shooting and archery are available at Lanai Pines Sporting Clays (565-3800). Horses can be rented at the Lodge at Koele, as can mountain bikes. A few island hikes are described in Robert Smith's Hawaii's Best Hiking Trails (Hawaiian Outdoor Adventure, 1999).
