The Islands Lanai
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Castle & Cooke, which owns 95% of Lanai through its Dole subsidiary, is in the process of phasing out its pineapple operations and is attempting to turn rural Lanai into an excluse tourist destination. Lanai City, the only town, is a small plantation town. Highlights include some good archaeological sites and petroglyphs, as well as the last native dryland forest in Hawaii. Outside Lanai City, there are only three paved roads and a 4-wheel drive is desirable for the many dirt roads.
Lanai’s nickname is ‘The Pineapple Island’. Its official flower is the kaunaoa. Its official color is yellow. Lanai is the sixth largest Hawaiian Island. It’s 18 miles long, 13 miles wide and has an area of 140 sq. miles. Lanai City has a mild climate. The lowest temperature on record is 46°F, the highest 88°F. Average temperatures range from 73°F in the summer to 66°F in the winter. Evenings can be brisk, commonly dipping down to around 50°F in winter. Lanai is rather dry. Molokai and Maui to the north and east draw much of the rain out of the moisture-laden trade winds before they reach Lanai. Annual rainfall averages 37 inches in Lanai City and 10 to 15 inches along most of the coast. For recorded weather forecasts and water conditions call (808) 565-6033. For information on trails try the state’s Department of Land & Natural Resources at (808) 565-6688.
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