Lanai is the sixth largest of the Hawaiian Islands, and has a small population of about 5,000 permanent residents. Sometimes called “the pineapple island” because, for most of the 20th century, virtually the whole island was one huge pineapple farm operated by the Dole company. Since 2012, 97% of Lanai’s land is owned by Larry Ellison, co-founder of the Oracle corporation. He has invested substantial funds into restoration and infrastructure improvement, and has stated that he intends to make the island the first economically viable, 100% green community. He also owns the two Four Seasons luxury resorts on the island. Manele Bay is divided into two parts, known and White Manele and Black Manele. White Manele, or Hulupo’e Bay, is the location of the star attraction, a wide beach of golden sand. It attracts swimmers and snorkelers and is famous for frequent visits by spinner dolphins and humpback whales. Offshore, the bay supports rich and varied marine life, and is an ideal snorkeling site. One notable feature is Puu Pehe, or Sweetheart Rock, looming 80 feet above the sea about 150 feet offshore. The “Black Manele” section is lined by tall sea cliffs called Pali Lei noHauni, offering panoramic views from their tops. Elsewhere on the island, Kaunolu Village is a National Historic Site noted for its ancient Hawaiian ruins and petroglyphs.
