Lanai
Can you smell the sweet scent of the pineapple fields? Once used almost exclusively as a pineapple plantation, Lanai has now retired its crown as the world's leading producer of this succulent crop, giving way to the tourism industry.
Lanai is one of Hawaii's smaller islands, nestled just south of Molokai and east of Maui. Although tourism is the islands main industry, Lanai is still largely undeveloped, sparingly populated, and moves at an island pace allowing visitors to relax and unwind.
At Lanai, you can capture a moment in history at shipwreck beach where the powerful Kalohi Channel has prevailed over some notable ships, mostly from European fleets. Although unsafe to swim due to the powerful current, this is surely a beach to visit for both the sun and the view.
If you are seeking one of the best snorkeling spots in the state, head over to the south side of the island to Hulopoe Bay (pictured right). Hulopoe Bay is teeming with tropical fish, sea turtles, and tide pools that have been etched out of volcanic rock. Spinner dolphins are often spotted off the coast as well as humpback whales in the winter months.
This charming island is home to a handful of resorts and Lanai city - a picturesque town center so small there isn't a single stop light! Lanai is the island to visit when you need to get away from it all.
Photos courtesy of Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA)/Ron Garnet/Ron Dahlquist/Hawaii Tourism Japan (HTJ)
