HAWAII: THE ALOHA STATE
BY CLAY
LARROY
Travel is
so much more that simply hopping on a flight to a new destination. If you plan
it correctly, it could be a thrilling time you'll never forget. Planning a trip
is fun as there are tons of things to do and see. Do you know how to plan a
trip effectively? Packing light is key to making your travels as easy and free
of stress as possible. Bring one carryon bag that includes everything you need,
not necessarily everything you want. Your smart packing will pay off when you
are happily carrying one bag around on vacation instead of lugging around
multiple bags. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!
Lanai – “The Pineapple Isle”
About Lanai
You won’t find a single traffic light here and
that’s exactly how the people of Lanai like it. Only nine miles from Maui yet a world away, Lanai can feel like
two places. The first is found in luxurious resorts where visitors can indulge in
world-class amenities and championship-level golf at the Manele Golf Course and Koele Golf Course. The other is found bouncing
along the island’s rugged back-roads in a 4-wheel drive exploring off the beaten path
treasures like Keahiakawelo (Garden of the Gods) and Polihua Beach. In fact, only 30 miles of Lanai’s
roads are paved.
The smallest inhabited island
in Hawaii, Lanai offers big enticements to its visitors. From the stunning
views atop the pine-lined Munro Trail to watching the acrobatic spinner dolphins from
romantic Hulopoe Bay, Lanai is a special place where you’re sure to find
serenity, adventure and intimacy. If you want to get away from it all, get away
to Lanai.
Lanai History
Uninhabited until the 1500’s, Lanai
was always a place of mystery even to Native Hawaiians. Legends tell the story
of a challenge between kahuna (priests) that scorched the earth of Keahiakawelo (Garden of the
Gods), explaining some of the otherworldly terrain of the island.
Lanai was a sovereign land until King Kamehameha I united
the Hawaiian islands into one royal monarchy in 1810. The ruins of Kamehameha’s
favorite summer fishing retreat can still be seen in South Lanai.
Called Kaunolu, this sacred spot and fishing village has been registered as a
National Historic Landmark. Home to Halulu heiau (religious temple) you can
also find ancient petroglyphs carved into the stones here. This treasured
cultural site can only be accessed by 4-wheel drive.
After contact with the west, Lanai was
eventually purchased and converted into a cattle ranch. The Four Seasons Lanai,
The Lodge at Koele now resides in the area that was once the center of the
island’s ranching operations. As a former manager of this ranch, George Munro
made an indelible mark on the landscape by planting the first of what became
the island’s many Cook pine trees. The Munro Trail,
named after Munro, leads to Lanaihale, Lanai’s highest point.
Later, under the leadership of James
Dole, Lanai became the world’s foremost grower and exporter of pineapples – a
title the former "Pineapple Isle," held for most of the 20th century.
As the cost of business rose, pineapple production was moved overseas, but
Dole’s legacy lives on today. Stay at the Hotel Lanai, a hotel Dole built for
managers and VIPs who visited the island. This historic inn is conveniently
located just above Dole Park in Lanai City.
Throughout its history, man’s impact
on the island has been minimal. There are now two lavish resorts here
yet only a scant 30 miles of paved road. The timeless landscape is largely as
it was, offering a glimpse into the Lanai of another time, on an island unlike
any other in Hawaii.
Featured Sites and
Attractions
Keahiakawelo, also
known as Garden of the Gods, is an otherworldly rock garden at the end of rocky
Polihua Road.
4-wheel drive about a
half-hour north from Lanai City and you’ll discover Kaiolohia, also known as
Shipwreck Beach.
Fronting the Four
Seasons Resort Lanai, this protected bay is home to incredible tide pools and
is a great place to view dolphins.
The rustic Munro
Trail begins just north of Lanai City.
REFERENCE SITES:
I grew up in Hawaii so I was
outside a lot playing in the water.
Kelly Preston
Travel and create
magnificent memories for your family!
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