Garden of the Gods

Polihua Road, North Central Lanai

These beautiful and unique rock formations were formed by thousands of years of erosion creating pinnacles and buttes in a remote canyon area. Colors of red, purple, and ochra earth and crusted lava create a striking lunar landscape.

The area is mostly dry and often windy, making the unearthly rock formations even more eerie. The best time for viewing is early morning or late evening when the sun's rays strike the minerals in the rock and bring out their most dynamic colors.

Axis deer and mouflon may be seen grazing on the few bits of vegetation that grows here. These wild animals and several others have almost destroyed the small plant life in many areas of the island and are a favorite game of hunters that come to this area.

Ancient Hawaiian legend states that the rocks and boulders here were dropped from the sky by the gods tending their gardens. Hence the name, Garden of the Gods.

This site is located about 7 miles outside of Lanai City. The dirt road is well marked but only a 4-wheel drive vehicle can manage the rutted and rugged trail. If there has been any recent rains, the road if may be closed and unsafe for driving. This road leads all the way to Ka'ena Point and Polihua Beach.

Useful Information:

It takes approximately one hour round trip to visit this site
4-wheel drive vehicles only are allowed on this dirt road
Check with the rental car company to see if this road is open before attempting to travel on it

More Useful Information:

This site is very remote. Be sure to have plenty of gas before setting out.
Be sure to bring water and snacks as there are no facilities anywhere along this road.

DIRECTIONS:
Take Highway 440 North out of Lanai City. You will pass the Lodge at Koele. A rock sign (top picture on this page) on the right side of the road points toward the Garden. Turn left here on Polihua Road between the tennis courts and the horse stables. Past the stables the road becomes dirt. Turn right at the next large "intersection" and continue north-west to the site.

The lunar-looking landscape seems out of place in tropical Lanai.

The dirt road is pocked with ruts and rocks. Only 4-wheel drive vehicles should attempt this trip.

This area is especially beautiful at dawn and dusk. DO NOT, however, try to travel these roads in the dark.

Polihua Road runs along side beautifyl pasture land when it first starts. There are two deer gates you will pass through that protect the Kanepu'u Forest from the wild deer and mouflon in the area.

Lovely wild flowers are scattered among the rocks and boulders. Dinner for the wild animals -- beauty for the human eyes!