Island guide
A small island with an unusual history. About 98 percent of the land is owned by Larry Ellison through his company, Pūlama Lānaʻi. The pineapple plantation that once covered the island closed in 1992, and the economy now runs on two resorts and conservation work. Lānaʻi City, home to about 3,000 people, was built as a plantation town and still has its original street grid. Most of the interior is rough red-dirt road, best driven in a 4WD rental, and some areas are gated. In a town this small, visitors stand out. Drive slowly, say hello, and ask before photographing people or homes.
Central Lānaʻi
The green square at the heart of Lānaʻi City, ringed by tall Cook pines and plantation-era shops, cafés and the community's gathering places.
This is the island's town square, used daily by residents. Keep noise low, park only in marked spaces, and support the small local businesses.
Central Lānaʻi
A long, windswept beach on the north shore, with the rusting hull of a World War II–era ship stranded on the reef offshore.
Not for swimming; the water is rough and shallow over the reef. Do not climb on the wreck. Pack out everything.
Central Lānaʻi
An open-air sanctuary near the airport for hundreds of rescued cats, created to protect Lānaʻi's endangered seabirds from feral cats.
Free to visit during open hours; donations help. Wash or sanitize your hands, and follow the staff's rules about handling cats.
Central Lānaʻi
A small museum in Lānaʻi City telling the island's story, from Hawaiian life and the ranching era to the pineapple plantation and today.
Check opening days. Ask before photographing objects, and ask staff about the right way to visit cultural sites around the island.
North Shore
Petroglyphs carved into boulders a short walk inland from Shipwreck Beach, showing human figures and other images.
Do not touch, trace or climb on the carvings. Stay on the path. Take nothing.
North Shore
A strange, wind-sculpted landscape of red and orange earth and scattered boulders on Lānaʻi's dry northwest, tied to a legendary contest between priests.
Do not stack, move or take rocks. Stay on the road and marked paths. 4WD recommended.
North Shore
A long, remote white sand beach on the northwest coast, reached by 4WD, facing Molokaʻi. A nesting beach for green sea turtles.
Strong currents and wind; swimming is dangerous. Stay off the dunes and away from turtle nests. Pack out everything.
South Shore
A sheltered white sand beach in a marine life conservation district, with calm water, tide pools and frequent visits from spinner dolphins.
Do not chase or swim toward dolphins; let them rest. Do not stand on coral or take anything from the tide pools.
South Shore
A sea stack rising about 80 feet off the point between Hulopoʻe and Mānele bays, tied to a Lānaʻi love story.
View from the trail on the point; stay back from the cliff edge. Do not attempt to climb or swim to the rock.
West Lānaʻi
The highest point on Lānaʻi, reached by the Munro Trail, with views on clear days of Molokaʻi, Maui, Kahoʻolawe and Hawaiʻi Island.
Only for 4WD vehicles or hikers, and only when the road is dry. Stay on the road; the ridge drops steeply on both sides.
The Premium version of Mochi adds the full story and narration for all 18 places on Lānaʻi, plus the curated Drives and Ask, the travel assistant. Lānaʻi comes with Maui Premium: $4.99 for both islands, or $9.99 for all five.
