Lanai is a small island of only 13 miles in diameter, just west of Maui. Because Lanai is in the rain shadow of Maui and Molokai, it gets less rain so is not quite as lush and tropical in appearance, resembling New England instead of Hawaii. In places it looks more like New England or the Pacific Northwest. Most of the golf courses sit at least 150 feet above sea level built into the volcanic rock utilizing the steep cliffs and rocky coastline with built in breath taking views of the ocean and white sand beaches below. The island was famous for the Dole Pineapple Plantation but with the construction of two luxury resorts in the 90’s, farming became obsolete and tourism took off with the addition of golf courses, restaurants and shops. What was formerly referred to as “The Pineapple Island,” is now officially called “The Private Island,” but it will be a long time before its pineapple heritage is forgotten.
