Things to do on Lanai

Fisherman’s Trail  – From the other side of Hulopoe Beach is a scenic hiking trail (along the coastal side of the Four Seasons). You’ll go past the remains of old housing structures and temples. This trail also offers information about Hawaii’s unique culture along the trail.

Garden of the Gods / Keahiakawelo – This is an otherworldly place with a surreal lunar landscape You will feel like you have just stepped on Mars, almost like some of the landscapes on Haleakala on Maui. The area’s red-dusted alien landscape features a massive rock garden filled with rock towers and giant boulders formed by thousands of years of erosion. Hawaiian legend says that those boulders were dropped from the sky by the gods to protect their gardens, while another one says that the dry landscape was created due to a contest between two priests of Lanai and Molokai. Each of them had to keep a fire going on their island, and the one who kept it longer would win. Lanai’s priest won by using all the vegetation of the island to fuel his fire. You’ll need a four-wheel vehicle for an adventurous drive to uncover this wild and windswept area.

Koloiki Ridge Trail  – This is a well-marked, moderate 5-mile loop trail that will take you past pine forests up into lush mountains from where you can take in the sweeping ocean scenery and admire the view of Maui and Molokai. Koloiki Ridge once served as a brutal Hawaiian battle site in the 18th-century, and now it separates Naio and Maunalei. You can start the trail either near the Four Seasons Hotel Lanai at Koele or from Munro Trail, which will make your hike longer (6 miles).

Poaiwa Petroglyphs -In order to get to them, you’ll need to drive to Shipwreck beach, and get on a half-mile trail along the coastline. The hike will lead you to Poaiwa Valley, where you will find the petroglyphs carved on huge lava rock boulders, which were considered to be the ideal surfaces for recording historical events. The faded petroglyphs depict a wide variety of symbols, ranging from fighting warriors to friendly pets. The whole area where the petroglyphs are found is protected under Hawaii Revised Statutes and the Federal Archaeological Resources Protection Act. So please respect the area.

Puupehe Trail – At the end of this trail, you will catch a glimpse of iconic Sweetheart Rock, one of Lanai’s most picturesque natural landmarks. This 20-minute hike allows you to take in the full majestic beauty of the ocean the entire way, offering the perfect spot for an early morning walk to admire the breathtaking sunrise, which makes it one of the most scenic hikes on Lanai. Nestled between Hulopoe Bay and Manele Bay, this impressive rock formation rises impressively 80 feet out of the sea and has a tragic Hawaiian legend behind it According to the Lanai legend, Maka, a warrior from the island, fell in love with Pehe and hid her in a sea cave out of jealousy. One day a violent storm made her drown in a cave, and grief-stricken Maka, climbing to the top of the rock, buried her there and then jumped to his death. 

Munro Trail – NOTE: *The Munro Trail is currently closed due to construction and restoration efforts.*

This trail is 12.8-miles long. Just past the stables at Four Seasons Resort, you can walk, bike, or take a 4×4 down a one-lane dirt road all the way to the top of Lanaihale. Along the way, you will have beautiful views as you walk through forests of pine, lehua, ironwood, and eucalyptus trees. You’ll also get a great canyon view of the Maunalei gulch. For this trail, make sure you’re wearing proper shoes, and bring along water, food, and sunscreen.

Kaunolu Village and Trail – Take a Jeep ride to the ancient Hawaiian village of Kaunolu. It was a retreat for Kamehameha the Great as he enjoyed fishing on Lanai. An interpretive trail is available to describe the history, Halulu heiau (temple), Kaneapua Rock, and other sights in the village.