Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
THE MYTH OF THE “PRIVATE ISLAND”
A pesky myth needs to be dispelled: Lana'i is not a private island. It's true that the
island has historically had only one main landowner (today, 98 percent of the island
is owned by a single landowner Oracle CEO Larry Ellison). However, the state of
Hawai'i retains ownership of certain parcels such as Manele Small Boat Harbor and
many local families own their own homes. You do not need to ask permission from
the primary landowner to come here: It has an airport and regular ferry service, and
there are 3,300 full-time residents.
Imagine that you live in a neighborhood where there are 100 homes in a 10x10
grid. Let's say you own your home, and then you buy your neighbor's, and then you
find a suitcase full of cash one day and buy 96 more. Despite the fact that you still
own 98 of the 100 homes in your neighborhood, you still live in a neighborhood
which is in a U.S. state, and in U.S. states there are laws. It's not just a private is-
land where you can do whatever you want. There are police officers, firefighters,
a public school, a county council member, and myriad state laws that accompany
your “private island.” Under Hawai'i state law, all shoreline which extends from the
ocean up to the line of vegetation is available for public use. Consequently there is
no such thing as a private beach in Hawai'i. This is one “private island” where you
are free to walk ashore.
It's unfortunate Kaunolu is so difficult to reach because it's one of the most historically
significant and culturally rich parts of the island. Then again, it's probably this level of re-
moteness which has kept Kaunolu undeveloped and virtually untouched.
The road down to Kaunolu is steep, eroded, and often bumpy and rough. It isn't even
listed on the map provided with a Jeep rental. There are three options for reaching the his-
toric outpost: Chance it with the Jeep and hope for the best (although your rental company
will frown on this), procure a private vehicle which has no restrictions, or drive until the
road gets too sketchy and then get out and walk, which is probably the best option.
To reach Kaunolu, follow Highway 440 south from Lana'i City and head toward the
airport. Just past the airport turnoff you will notice a large boulder with the name Kaunolu
inscribed on the side. Turn left off the highway and travel along a smooth, dusty, former
pineapple road which is fine in any two-wheel drive vehicle (provided it hasn't rained
heavily), avoiding turning off on anything that appears to be a side road. After two miles
