lanai

Lanai is the sixth-largest island in the state of Hawaii and the smallest of the main Hawaiian Islands with year-round residents. It is part of Maui County and covers about 141 square miles (365 square kilometers). The island is of volcanic origin, formed by two extinct shield volcanoes, East Lanai and West Lanai, with its highest point, Lanaihale, reaching 3,386 feet (1,032 meters). The interior is rugged and relatively dry, while the coast features beaches, cliffs, and coves.

Historically, Lanai was settled by Native Hawaiians and later developed for ranching and plantation agriculture, including sugar cane and pineapples, during the 19th and 20th centuries. In 2012, billionaire Larry Ellison acquired a majority of the island’s land, initiating a private development and conservation-focused program. Today the economy relies largely on tourism and small-scale agriculture, with Lanai City serving as the island’s main town and administrative hub.

Notable natural and cultural features include Keahikawelo, commonly known as the Garden of the Gods, a field of red rock spires atop a plateau, and Pu’upehe, the Sweetheart Rock offshore. The island offers scenic coastal views, hiking, and limited rural landscapes that contrast with its resort infrastructure. Lanai is served primarily by Lanai Airport (LNY), with harbor facilities at Manele Bay that provide access to Maui and other nearby islands.

Overall, Lanai is characterized by a low-density population, private land ownership, and a development approach that emphasizes tourism alongside conservation and rural land use.