Of the five major Hawaiian islands, Lanai and Kauai are the smallest. This affords them a slight bit of exclusivity as well as prestige. Lanai is the smallest of the two, and as of 2016 was 97% owned by a singular private individual. The state and private homeowners own the remaining 3%. Kauai is popular with honeymooners, as its remote and lush. It is the oldest of the Hawaiian islands, and known for its deep canyons and tropical rainforest.
Lanai and Kauai
Lanai and Kauai are two of the smaller, less visited islands in the Hawaiian chain.
At nearly 6 million years old, Kauai is the oldest. It is also the farthest island from Oahu, about 105 miles across the Kauai Channel. It’s deep cut gorges, 10 mile long canyons, and lush remote rainforests draw millions of visitors each year. For much of the 19th and 20th century, sugarcane was the predominant industry on Kauai; today it is tourism. Ka’paa, Lihue, and Princeville are the three largest towns. Kauai is very fertile and still produces sugarcane, guava, pineapple, coffee, and an abundance of other crops. Ranching is another active industry.
Lanai, by contrast, is a volcanic island. It is the smallest of the five major islands and attracts about 60,000 visitors each year. Moloka’i is the only one to attract less.
What to do on Lanai
Lanai is where to go when you want to relax and get away from it all. There is little shopping, no nightlife, and limited transportation. Hiking, golfing, and exploring the remote beaches are timeworn activities here. Garden of the Gods is accessible by four wheel drive With just two hotels on the entire island – and zero stoplights – you’ll truly feel secluded from the modern world. The Four Seasons resort is an ideal place to spend your time on Lanai. To get to Lanai, fly from Honolulu or Maui, or take a ferry across the channel from Maui.
What to do on Kauai
Kauai is the honeymoon isle – despite Hawaii in general being the most popular honeymoon destination for Americans. It’s a lush, exotic land far from the bustling Waikiki or the adrenaline-pumping Maui. Kauai is serene while still being jaw-droppingly stunning. You might know it as the waterfall island — there are hundreds of incredible waterfalls on Kauai. While I discussed my experience on a helicopter tour of the Big Island, Kauai ranks as one of the top places to explore by helicopter. The spectacular Na Pali coast is best seen from the air – otherwise you won’t the get scope of it!
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