Hiking

Munro Trail—This tough, 11-mile (round-trip) uphill climb through groves of Norfolk pines is a lung-buster, but if you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking view of Molokai, Maui, Kahoolawe, and Hawaii Island. Figure on 7 hours. The trail begins at Lanai Cemetery (interesting in its own right) along Keomoku Road (Hwy. 44) and follows Lanai’s ancient caldera rim, ending up at the island’s highest point, Lanaihale. Go in the morning for the best visibility. After 4 miles, you’ll get a view of Lanai City. The weary retrace their steps from here, while the more determined go the last 1.25 miles to the top. Diehards head down Lanai’s steep south-crater rim to join the highway to Manele Bay. For more details on the Munro Trail—including four-wheel-driving it to the top—see “Munro Trail”.

Kapihaa Trail—An old fisherman’s trail starts at Manele Bay and snakes along the scenic coastline. This easy hike will expose you to Lanai’s unique geography and many unusual native Hawaiian coastal plants. The back-and-forth trek takes around 90 minutes. Venture out on your own or, if you’re a Four Seasons hotel guest, arrange a complimentary guided hike through the concierge (www.fourseasons.com/lanai; 808/565-2000). You can also download an informative brochure from the Lanai Visitor Center website (www.lanaichc.org/kapihaa.html).

Koloiki Ridge Hike—The leisurely 2-hour self-guided hike starts by the reflecting pool in the backyard of the Lodge at Koele and takes you on a 5-mile loop through Norfolk Island pines, into Hulopoe Valley, past wild ginger, and up to Koloiki Ridge, with its panoramic view of Maunalei Valley and the islands of Molokai and Maui in the distance. Go in the morning; by afternoon, the clouds usually roll in, marring visibility at the top and increasing your chance of being caught in a downpour. The path isn’t clearly marked, so ask the concierge at the Four Seasons (www.fourseasons.com/lanai; 808/565-2000) for a free map, or sign up for a guided hike. It’s considered moderate, with some uphill and downhill hiking.

Puu Pehe—Skirt along Hulopoe Bay to scale the cliff on its southern edge (it’s a gentle slope, not a steep climb). This 20-minute hike leads above the turquoise-gray waters of Shark’s Cove to the dramatic point overlooking Puu Pehe, or Sweetheart’s Rock. The picturesque islet rises 80 feet from the sea and is home to nesting seabirds. Look closely and you’ll see an ahu, altar of rocks at the top. According to legend, a young Lanai warrior hid his beautiful wife in a sea cave at the base of the cliffs here. One day a storm flooded the cave and she drowned. Grief-stricken, her beloved climbed the sheer face of the islet, carrying her body. He buried her, then jumped to his death in the pounding surf below.

Camping at Hulopoe Beach Park ★★★

There is only one legal place to camp on Lanai, but it’s a beauty. Hulopoe Beach Park (www.lanai96763.com/information; 808/215-1107) has eight campsites on the shady grass lawn fronting this idyllic white-sand beach. Facilities include restrooms, showers, barbecues, and picnic tables. Email info@lanaibeachpark.com 72 hours in advance to request a permit. You’ll pay an $80 permit fee, which covers four people for three nights. Payment is by credit card only. Permits are issued in person, first-come, first-served, major holidays excluded.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.