Lānaʻi was a pineapple plantation for most of the twentieth century and is now almost entirely privately owned. It has one small town, two luxury resorts, and about 30 miles of paved road.
| Fact | Lānaʻi |
|---|---|
| Nickname | The Pineapple Isle |
| Land area | 140.5 sq mi |
| Population | 3,193 |
| Highest point | Lānaʻihale — 3,366 ft |
| Main airport | LNY (Lānaʻi City) |
What Lānaʻi Is Known For
Very high-end resorts
The island's visitor economy is concentrated in a small number of expensive properties. There is little in the mid-range.
Unpaved exploration
Most of Lānaʻi is reached on dirt roads — Keahiakawelo, often called the Garden of the Gods, and the wreck at Shipwreck Beach both need four-wheel drive.
Lānaʻi City
A former plantation town laid out around a park of Cook pines, and the centre of daily life for nearly everyone who lives here.
Lānaʻi Compared With the Big Island
Lānaʻi is the smallest inhabited island a visitor is likely to reach and by far the most concentrated in ownership. The Big Island offers vastly more variety at every price point; Lānaʻi offers quiet and exclusivity at a steep premium.
Who it suits: Travellers seeking seclusion at the luxury end, or a day trip from Maui by ferry.
Who it doesn’t: Budget travellers, and anyone wanting varied dining or activities.
Getting to Lānaʻi
No direct mainland service. Reach Lānaʻi (LNY) by small aircraft, or take the passenger ferry from Lahaina on Maui, which is how many visitors arrive. The ferry makes a day trip practical.
How long to spend: One to three days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you do Lānaʻi as a day trip?
Yes — a passenger ferry runs from Lahaina on Maui, which is how many visitors see the island.
Do you need a four-wheel drive on Lānaʻi?
For anything beyond Lānaʻi City and the resorts, yes. Most of the island's roads are unpaved.
VentureHawaii focuses on the Big Island — that is where our in-depth guides are. This page is here to help you work out whether Lānaʻi or Hawaii Island is the better fit for your trip. Read the Big Island guide.