Lanai
Lanai is the smallest inhabited island in Hawaii. It is known as the Pineapple Island because of its past as a pineapple plantation. The island is 18 miles wide and has a total land area of 140 square miles. It only has a population of 3,367 people which almost matches its highest elevation of 3,366 ft.
The island is is almost completely owned by Larry Ellison, founder Oracle. According to Bloomberg…..in 2012 Ellison the $300 million purchase came with 98% of Lanai’s 90,000 acres, plus the two Four Seasons resorts that provide most of its jobs, a significant chunk of its homes, and practically all its commercial properties.
Getting to Lanai
Lanai does have an airport, it is tiny but it does exist. I arrived by boat. The ferry ride from Lahaina to Mānele Harbor costs $30 and it is awesome. You will get great views of Maui, Lanai and the open ocean. If your lucky, as a bonus, you will get a glimpse of dolphins and whales like I did.
The 4 Seasons Hotel- Lanai
There are a few hotels on the island but really there is only one. It is over the top luxury and it will set you back $1800/ night. https://www.fourseasons.com/lanai/ The 4 Seasons also another property a short distance away that is $2000/night. The other places are very average so save up your dollars, this is what you want.
Black Lava Rock
The black rock is a remnants of its volcanic past and can be seen all over the island and oeanside. It is very cool looking and picked up many different pieces of the black lave rock but I will throw out a hint of caution, don’t take any home as a souvenir! According to Hawai'n legend if you take sand and or lava rocks you will suffer streaks of bad luck after get home. They even have a website to help you send it back to Hawaii so that you break the streak if needed. https://wanderwisdom.com/travel-destinations/How-to-Return-Lava-Rocks-to-Hawaii
Red Lava Rock
The color of lava rock depends on the peak temperature the lava flow reaches, as well as what impurities are in the rock.Why are some volcanic rocks red? This is the red variety of scoria. The basaltic lava starts out black, but oxidation of iron during eruption and emplacement of the scoria turns it red.