Hotel Lanai

The early history of Lana'i is deeply rooted in folk tales and legends. According to island lore, the mischievous son of Chief Kaululuaau was banished to Lana'i, home to evil spirits. No match for the young prince, he was triumphant in chasing away the resident spirits, thereby making it suitable for habitation. Returning home to the island of Maui, he touted the beauty of Lana'i and so it first was inhabited around 1500 A.D. In the last few centuries, great battles were fought on the island, as warrior chiefs sought power and control of territory. The Luahiwa Petroglyphs that can be seen today are remnants of the first Polynesian settlers, who can be thanked for generating the lush plant life including sugar cane, banana, bamboo and breadfruit. Some of the best-preserved petroglyph carvings can be seen at the ancient fishing village, Kaunolu. Known for an abundance of fish, King Kamehameha the Great even established a summer home on the island to partake in the sport. In 1922 James D. Dole purchased the island of Lana'i for 1.1 million dollars to grow pineapples on this tropical land. At its peak, Lana'i produced 75 percent of the world's pineapples. In 1961 Dole Pineapple Company merged with Castle & Cooke and still this entity owns the majority of the island. Once known as the pineapple Isle , today, only about 100 acres are devoted to pineapple growing. Now aptly dubbed the "Private Island", Lana'i houses an estimated 3, 000 full time residents and has the coziness of a small town. This quiet oasis has just 29 miles of paved roads, a single gas station ( but not a stoplight ) and miles upon miles of untouched, unspoiled valleys and beaches. Hotel Lana'i History Erected in 1923, Hotel Lana'i was constructed by pineapple pioneer James D. Dole as a retreat for his executives and important guests to dine merrily and sleep soundly. With 10 guestrooms and an adjacent caretaker cottage, Hotel Lana'i existed as the first hotel on the Island of Lana'i and for some time, it was the place where every early 20th century traveler resided. Centrally located in Lana'i City, the Hotel soon became a gathering place for visitors and locals alike to engage in important meetings, social happenings or dine and talk story . Today, Hotel Lana'i rests in the heart of Lana'i City as historic gem. Sitting at an elevation of 1, 700 feet and nestled amidst Norfolk Pines, this upcountry plantation-style abode wholeheartedly illuminates the preeminent attributes of the past while imparting the comforts of modern day. The Hotel is a magnet for guests in pursuit of that picture perfect vintage Hawaii postcard experience. Directions: Take Highway 440 North out of Lana'i City and pass the Lodge at Koele. Turn left on Polihua Road ( between the tennis courts and horse stables ). Past the stables the road becomes dirt. Turn right at the next large intersection and continue northwest to the site. This site is located about 7 miles outside of Lana'i City. The dirt road is well marked but only a four-wheel drive vehicle can manage the rutted and rugged trail. This road leads all the way to Ka ena Point and Polihua Beach. Both store and classroom, this wonderful center not only sells art made by Lana'i residents but also offers classes and studio time in a whole range of artsy fields. Calligraphy, ceramics, drawing, glass, photography, silk and textile painting, watercolor, just to name a few! A host of guest instructors including make this center a real gem.