Lanai

simple:Lanai Lanai (Lāna'i in Hawaiian) is sixth largest of the Hawaiian Islands. It is also known as the "Pineapple Island" from its history as a pineapple plantation. The island is somewhat circular in shape with a width of 18 miles in the longest direction. The land area is 140 sq. miles (367 sq. km). It is separated from the island of Moloka'i by the Kalohi Channel to the north, and from Maui by the 'Au'au Channel to the east.

History

Lāna'i was first seen by Europeans on 25 February 1779 by Captain Clerke, with HMS Resolution on the James Cook expedition. Clerke had taken command of the ship after Capt. Cook was killed at Kealakekua Bay on February 14, and was leaving the islands for the North Pacific.

In 1922, Jim Dole, the president of Dole Pineapple Company, bought the island of Lāna'i, and developed a large portion of it into the world's largest pineapple plantation.

Tourism

Tourism on Lāna'i started more recently as the growing of pineapple has slowly been phased out in the Islands. On Lāna'i, you can commune with nature and feel the mood of rural Hawai'i. Unlike nearby O'ahu, the only town (Lāna'i City) is small and lacking traffic and shopping centers. The main tourist activity is relaxation.

There are three hotels on Lāna'i and several golf courses.

See Tourism (Lana'i)