Lanai Island
See the Lanai Island Map.
Lanai Golf Courses
Both of the golf courses in Lanai are part of the Four Seasons' Resorts. Koele is a 6,200 yard course designed by Greg Norman. This course is unique in its incredible views and diverse landscape. Manele was designed by Jack Nicklaus and runs along the sea cliffs with some outstanding ocean views.
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Lanai Passenger Ferry
Though Lanai does have a small airport, the most popular way to travel to Lanai is by the Expeditions Ferry from Maui. This ferry runs from Lahaina and Maalaea Harbors and usually takes around 45 minutes to cross the channel. To make reservations call 1-800-695-2624.
Lanai Scuba Diving
Lanai is World famous for its diving. You can take boat trips from Maui or stay on Lanai and have the resort take you out to Cathedrals, Shark Fin, White Rock, or any of the many other grea scuba diving spots.
Lanai History
The quiet island of Lanai, the Pineapple Isle, has been inhabited since the 15th century. Mostly overlooked by European explorers, Lanai has enjoyed a much more peaceful history than its neighboring islands. In 1922, Lanai was bought by James Dole and used as the largest pineapple plantation in the world. For 63 years the Hawaiian Pineapple Company (Dole Food Company) owned and controlled the island and its plantation. The famed billionaire David H. Murdock took control of Lanai in 1985, continuing the plantations pineapple production. With the introduction of cheaper produce from Central and South America, Lanai has not been able to compete with the imported fruit. All commercial pineapple production on Lanai was shut down slowly with the final plant closing in 2007.
With the lack of revenue from pineapples came an opportunity for the people of Lanai to concentrate more on tourism. Lanai Island has 2 large resorts, both managed by the Four Seasons, at Manele Bay and the Lodge at Ko'ele. With these resorts and the smaller Hotel Lanai, over 3,000 locals are able to live and work on Lanai.
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