Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
draws moisture from the afternoon clouds and fog, were planted in the 1920s as a water-
shed by naturalist George Munro, after whom the trail is named.
The trail looks down on deep ravines cutting across the east flank of the mountain, and
passes
Lanaʻihale
(3370ft), Lanaʻi's highest point. On a clear day you can see all the in-
habited Hawaii islands except for distant Kauaʻi and Niʻihau along the route. Stay on the
main trail, which descends 6 miles to the central plateau. Keep the hills to your left and
turn right at the big fork in the road. The trail ends back on Manele Rd (Hwy 440)
between Lanaʻi City and Manele Bay.
Ask at the Stables at Koele (
Click here
)
about ATV tours of the trail (from $200),
which may be the best recourse for non-hikers.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Hulopoʻe & Manele Bays
Lanaʻi's finest beach (and one of the best in Hawaii) is the golden crescent of sand at Hu-
lopoʻe Bay. Enjoy snorkeling in a marine preserve, walking to a fabled archaeological
site or just relaxing in the shade of palms. Nearby, Manele Harbor provides a protected
anchorage for sailboats and other small craft, just a 10-minute walk from Hulopoʻe
Beach.
Manele and Hulopoʻe Bays are part of a marine-life conservation district that prohibits
the removal of coral and restricts many fishing activities, all of which makes for great
snorkeling and diving. Spinner dolphins seem to enjoy the place as much as humans.
During wintertime
kona
(leeward) storms, strong currents and swells enliven the calm
and imperil swimmers.
Beaches
Hulopoʻe Beach
BEACH
One good thing about being the main beach on company-run Lanaʻi is that the same
gardeners who manicure the Four Seasons keep things looking lovely in this free, public
park. Everybody loves it - locals taking the kids for a swim, tourists on day trips from
Maui and the many visitors who end up losing track of time here.
This gently curving golden-sand beach is long, broad and protected by a rocky point to
the south. The Four Seasons Resort Lanaʻi at Manele Bay sits on a low seaside terrace on
the north side. But the beach is big enough that even with the hotel presence it never gets
crowded. Generally, the most action occurs when the tour boats pull in from Maui late-
