Out of the 8 main Hawaiian islands, there are only four that are frequently visited by tourist. The other four, Ni'ihou, Kaho'olawe, Molokai, and Lana'i are seldom seen by any by the most intrepid travelers, who seek out the less beaten path.
Lana'i is the island I focused on for this post. Used by ranchers in the latter part of the 1800's, the island became almost completely privately owned. In 1922 James Dole bought 98% of the island and turned it into one of the worlds largest pineapple plantations.
Nowadays the island has changed hands and is owned by Larry Ellison, of Oracle Software fame. There are two very fancy resorts of the island, run by the four seasons brand. At a minimum of $1,400 per night, they market to the top 2% of the Four Seasons customers.
For the intrepid photographer, looking to photograph the rarely seen side of Hawaii, this island provides a wealth of photo opportunities. The rugged lava rock coastline is full of caves and lava tubes. The waves crash against the iron rich lava rock, which shines red if you catch it in the low light. Underwater the island is surrounded by crystal clear water, filled with colorful fish, dolphins, and whales.
On the island itself you have to get a bit creative. There is the historic town of Lana'i City, which used to be the center point of all activity for the Dole pineapple plantation. Now it has a budding artisan community vibe mixed with that of a plantation ghost town. The Lana'i cat sanctuary, where feral cats live out their lives in paradise, safely tucked away from the endangered ground nesting sea birds, is another surprise find on the island.
Enjoy this brief look in photos at the island of Lana'i.
Some natural framing of Sweetheart Rock on the iron-rich lava rock coastline near Manele Bay, Lana'i.
Waves crashing on the coastline at Five Sisters, Lana'i.
A Native Hawaiian church that was delicately lifted and moved to avoid destruction when one of the resorts was built.
Selfie of me enjoying the cat sanctuary.
Freediver underwater Lana'i.
Monarch butterfly on a native Ohia Lehua blossom.
A brown booby in flight.
Cute buildings abound in Lana'i City.
Spinner dolphins are very commonly seen in the shallow waters surrounding Lana'i.
Snorkeler in advanced conditions off the rugged west side of Lana'i.
-Dai Mar
