The island of Lanai is one that many travelers have heard little about because it has only opened to the public for the last decade. The entire island was once owned by Dole for producing pineapples, but cheaper labor in southeast Asia doomed this industry. Much of the island is wide-open country, and the best way to get around is in a four-wheel drive vehicle. Hawaiians love to come to Lanai as their escape; this is a high island that cools off markedly in the evening. With dusty plains and evergreen conifer trees on the mountain slopes, Lanai doesn't have the same feel as the other Hawaiian Islands, but this is a unique place to explore and experience. Inland attractions include the best preserved petroglyphs in Hawaii, the scenic Munro Trail, and the eerie Garden of the Gods.

Hulopoe Beach is one of Hawaii's great beaches and the National Winner in 1997. This lovely white sand beach is lined with palm trees, making for a tropical paradise in this historically "lost" island. The long crescent-shaped beach is anchored by a lava flow to the east and bounded to the west by a high sea cliff, where the luxurious Manele Bay Hotel is located. You can choose to stay in this seaside palace or simply enjoy the facilities at the beach park. The fine-sand beach drops off gradually, but there is some exposed flat sandstone in the nearshore area. The crystal clear waters make for great swimming, and the water is usually calm and safe except during a kona storm when heavy swells roll in from the south. Hulopoe is an idyllic place where native Hawaiians and visitors alike can kick back and enjoy this getaway beach.

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