Hawaii's Secret Island

Filed in archive Hidden Gems on January 3, 2008

If you are hankering for a cocktail under a disco ball, Lanai is probably not your best option. The sparsely populated island is part of Hawaii, but not "resort Hawaii." Lanai's cool Highlands and rugged beaches might not be the first example of paradise you'd think of, but you'd be hard pressed to find a more pristine landscape on any of the state's islands.

Lanai City, home of most of the island's 5,000 inhabitants is located in a cool highland area. Norfolk pines are more numerous here than palm trees are on the Big Island. An extensive trail network, Munro Trail, leads through the natural beauty of Lanai and ends atop the island's highest point from which most 7 of Hawaii's islands are visible.

The waters off the coast are rough and not easy to swim in. The beaches offer plenty of quiet, though, and the views of the sea are second to none.

Avid golfers are probably familiar with Lanai's two championship style courses (one pictured above). What the island lacks in choice, it makes up for with quiet and unspoiled beauty.

Several tour companies offer outdoor adventures, though taking a trek on Munro Trail or wandering the beaches is easily done on one's own.