Lanai and Molokai, Hawaii

Lanai and Molokai are the fifth and sixth largest Hawaiian islands, respectively, and are known for their remoteness and mesmerizing natural beauty.

Lanai is a destination of absolute tranquility, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. This small romantic island guarantees a relaxing holiday. Lanai is not for everyone. And that is exactly why so many visitors fall in love with this island.

Once a pineapple-growing area, Hawaii’s smallest island was formed by a single volcano that eroded down to the 4,500-foot Puu Mahana, leaving behind a rugged landscape. There is not a single traffic light here. Although Lanai is only nine miles from Maui, the two islands are worlds apart. Lanai can at times have two faces: The first is the face of luxury resorts, where travelers can experience world-class amenities and championship golf at The Challenge at Manele and The Experience at Koele golf courses. The second is found driving a 4×4 on a gravel road while discovering unexpected treasures like Keahiakawelo (Garden of the Gods) and Polihua Beach.

According to collegesanduniversitiesinusa, Molokai is a very contrasting island, because the east is dominated by green valleys and rainforest, the west is highland and the south is flat. There is a 5.3 million liter water reservoir on Molokai, which is the largest of its kind in the world. There’s still a special place under the tropical sun, an unusual sanctuary that lies beyond our hectic lifestyles. An island bursting with natural and cultural resources.

Miles of clean, empty, white sandy beaches accessible only by boat. Molokai offers breathtaking activities or just relaxation. Molokai is the place for independent adventurers. A place where you can “find yourself and the love of nature”.

Here you can discover ancient fish ponds and heiau (Hawaiian temples), swim under a waterfall and hike down a 1,600-foot, winding mountain trail to the legendary peninsula of historic Kalaupapa.

Lanai and Molokai information

Location and Size
Lanai is 18 miles long and up to 13 miles wide. The surface area is 364 km². The highest elevation is the 1,030 m high Lanaihale in the southeast of the island. Moloakai stretches up to 60 km in length and up to 16 km in width, the total area is 673 km².

Population
Almost 3,200 people live on Lanai, and about 7,400 people live on Molokai.

Arriving
by air
Lanai’s main airport is Lanai Airport (LNY). Molokai’s main airport is Molokai Airport (MKK).

Climate
Lanai City is slightly cooler than the beaches due to the elevation. The climate is relatively dry for a Hawaiian island – only about 1,000 mm of precipitation falls per year. On Molokai it is dry and clear in the west; lush green and mountainous in the east.

Average temperatures in Lanai City (Lanai) in °C
Month	Jan	Feb	March	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Max	22	23	23	23	24	24	25	26	26	25	24	23
Min	16	15	16	16	17	18	18	19	19	18	18	16

Average temperatures on Molokai in °C
Month	Jan	Feb	March	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Max	26	26	26	27	28	28	29	30	30	29	28	26
Min	17	17	18	18	19	21	21	22	22	21	20	18

Clothing
Casual clothing is the order of the day. Temperatures are cooler in the higher elevations of Lanai City, so a sweater or light jacket is appropriate. On Molokai, you should take a light windproof or waterproof jacket with you in case it rains.

Beaches on Lanai and Molokai

Hulopoe Bay, Lanai Hulopoe Bay
‘s pristine beauty has earned it the title of America’s Best Beach from geoscientist Stephen Leatherman (Dr. Beach). Located on the south shore of Lanai, the bay captivates with beautiful white sand and crystal clear blue sea. Opposite the 5-star Four Seasons Resort Lanai at Manele Bay, this sheltered cove is the best spot on the island for snorkeling and swimming for most of the year. In the winter months, however, swimmers should avoid the harsh conditions.

Papohaku Beach, Molokai
Papohaku Beach – also known as Three Mile Beach – is a 3-mile stretch of sandy beach in Molokai’s West End. There is enough space to spread out and soak up the atmosphere on one of the largest white sandy beaches which is around 90m wide.

Attractions on Lanai and Molokai

Kaiolohia (Shipwreck Beach), Lanai
Kaiolohia Beach, also known as Shipwreck Beach, is a half-hour 4WD drive north of Lanai City. Numerous ships have crashed in the shallow, rocky waters along this windswept, 12.8 km stretch of beach. The hull of a ghostly 1940s oil tanker stranded on the coral reef still lies off Kaiolohia Bay, with the rusting hull lending the beach an almost surreal feel.

Puu Pehe (Sweetheart Rock), Lanai Lanai
‘s southern shore is home to scenic Hulopoe Bay and Lanai’s main boat harbor, Manele Bay. Between these two bays rises, in the middle of the sea, the famous Puu Pehe, also called Sweetheart Rock. In addition to being a scenic, natural landmark on Lanai, the rock is steeped in numerous Hawaiian legends.

Halawa Valley, Molokai
Wander into the East End’s Cathedral Valley for a slice of ‘Hawaii from a bygone era’. Researchers believe the Polynesians settled in the lush Halawa Valley as early as 650 BC. settled. It is obvious why this nearly 1 km wide and 4 to 6 km long region is one of the most historic regions of the island with its many hidden heiau (temples), magnificent views and massive waterfalls.

Kaunakakai, Molokai
In the central town of Kaunakakai, where there is not a single traffic light, you are transported back in time to a bygone era. Not much has changed here since the beginning of the 20th century. Paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) town is the island’s main port. Here you can witness how some locals still catch their own dinner.