Lanai City

Central Lanai

Lanai arouse from a single volcanic mountian, Lana'i Hale. A very small island, it remained uninhabited until 1425 when it came under the rule of the Maui king who, legend states, killed the evil spirits who lived on the island. In 1770's several wars were fought here ending in mass destruction of the land and death to most of the population. Finally, Kamehameha the Great, took over the island, brought peace, and established a vacation retreat at Kaunolu.

The explorers from the Western world ignored the small island and sailed past it for 50 years before finally landing and establishing missions here in the mid-1800's. In 1902, Charles Gay purchased almost all of the island and started a sheep ranch here. However, he feel upon hard times and was forced to sell his lands to the Lanai Company in 1909.

In 1922, the Dole Company bought the island and started the largest pineapple plantation in the world. This is when City of Lanai developed. A "company town", this plantation village stills remains much the same as it was in 1922. The stores, the houses, the roads were all built during that time to support the workers on the plantation

During those years, tall and majestic Norfolk and Cook Pines were planted around the city and on top of the mountains. These trees, growing to heights of 135 feet, are an essential element on Lanai as they act as a "fog drip", wicking moisture out of the mountain air and dripping it into artesian wells in the ground, providing the major water source for the entire island.

By 1985 the pineapple industry was in a slump and the land was sold to David Murdock. By 1992 it was obvious another industry had to be developed on the island and Castle and Cooke, Inc. were brought in to evaluate the situation. Tourism was to be the new economic endeavor. Today, with two large resorts and a host of supporting businesses, Lanai and Lanai City have made the transition from agriculture to tourism. Most of the island's 3,000 residents live in quaint Lanai City.

Useful Information:

Only city on the island and the only gas station
Location of all major shopping and grocery stores, several restaurants, and Hotel Lanai
Most stores close by 6pm daily and are closed on Sunday
Businesses encircle Dole Park located in the center of town

DIRECTIONS:
Located in the heart of Lanai, just north of the Lanai Airport, off Highway 440.

Pet pig wanders the front yard without any fears of ending up on someone's dinner table. Lanai city is safe and laid back for all "residents" .

However, Mr. Piggy, is not too sure he likes being photogrpahed by tourists.

Axis deer roam the woodlands surrounding the island and hunting is a favorite pastime of locals and visitors alike. This residents proudly displays some of his trophies.