Hawaii is almost always at the top of everyone’s bucket lists, and it’s no wonder why, from the beaches to the lush landscapes and breathtaking views. For those looking for a bit of adventure off the beaten path and away from hoards of tourists, the island of Lanai is the destination for you. Here is your guide to planning a trip to Lanai, one of Hawaii’s most charming islands. 

Lanai is home to about 3,000 people and is one of the smallest inhabited islands.

Bruce Yuanyue Bi/The Image Bank Collection via Getty Images The wonders of the small island of Lanai can be accessed by plane or by ferry from the nearby island of Maui.

For generations, the island of Lanai was used to harvest pineapples for grocery stores all over the United States.

Bruce Yuanyue Bi/The Image Bank Collection via Getty Images Once the pineapple harvesting left Lanai, the island went back to being relatively unknown.

Today, the biggest draw to the island is its beauty and mystery. Keahiakawelo, also known as the “Garden of the Gods,” looks straight out of a sci-fi movie and is a must when visiting Lanai.

Stuart Westmoreland/Image Source Collection via Getty Images The garden, located less than an hour from Lanai City, is a landscape of the naturally eroded forest. The park, which is literally the tale of Hawaiian legends, is great for hikers who want a challenging trek through the unpaved land and for travelers who want to feel transported to a different world.

Much of Lanai is carefully preserved, especially Hulopoe Beach.

Yin Yang/E+ Collection via Getty images It’s clear why Hulopoe Beach was once named “America’s best beach.” The beach is open to the public and is perfect for snorkeling, surfing, and catching a glimpse of the dolphins that can often be seen from the shore.

Lanai is unique, and one site that is unlike any other is Shipwreck Beach.

Meredith Narrowe/Moment Collection via Getty Images You’ll never walk along shores like the ones at Shipwreck Beach. For over six miles, you can see real shipwrecks of World War II vessels while walking along the beach.

The island makes a conscious effort of preserving the water, the landscape, and the wildlife.

Stuart Westmorland/Image Source Collection via Getty Images Traveling to Lanai means taking in all the island has to offer and recognizing the importance of nature conservation.

Do you agree that Lanai is one of Hawaii’s most charming islands? Let us know in the comments!

Bruce Yuanyue Bi/The Image Bank Collection via Getty Images

The wonders of the small island of Lanai can be accessed by plane or by ferry from the nearby island of Maui.

Once the pineapple harvesting left Lanai, the island went back to being relatively unknown.

Stuart Westmoreland/Image Source Collection via Getty Images

The garden, located less than an hour from Lanai City, is a landscape of the naturally eroded forest. The park, which is literally the tale of Hawaiian legends, is great for hikers who want a challenging trek through the unpaved land and for travelers who want to feel transported to a different world.

Yin Yang/E+ Collection via Getty images

It’s clear why Hulopoe Beach was once named “America’s best beach.” The beach is open to the public and is perfect for snorkeling, surfing, and catching a glimpse of the dolphins that can often be seen from the shore.

Meredith Narrowe/Moment Collection via Getty Images

You’ll never walk along shores like the ones at Shipwreck Beach. For over six miles, you can see real shipwrecks of World War II vessels while walking along the beach.

Stuart Westmorland/Image Source Collection via Getty Images

Traveling to Lanai means taking in all the island has to offer and recognizing the importance of nature conservation.

 

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Address: Hulopoe Beach, Hawaii 96763, USAAddress: Keahiakawelo?Garden of the Gods?, Lanai City, HI 96763, USAAddress: Shipwreck Beach, Hawaii 96756, USAAddress: Manele Bay Rd, Lanai City, HI 96763, USA