South Lanai,
approximately 13 miles from Lanai City
Hulopo’e Beach on Lanai has been ranked as one of the world’s best beaches. In fact, in 1997 Dr. Stephen Letherman, a professional beach surveyor known as Dr. Beach, ranked Hulopo’e has the best beach in the entire United States. The golden sand beach fringed by palms and protected by fingers of coral, makes it one of the best spots in the islands. When you picture paradise, you picture a beach like Hulopo’e, the blue water sparkling and gently lapping onto the golden sand shores as palms sway in the breeze above. It is truly a magical spot.
Because of the protection provided by unique coral formations, Hulopo’e beach is the safest and best swimming spot in Lanai and offers great snorkeling, scuba diving, swimming and body boarding opportunities. The beach is also part of an extensive marine conservation preserve that stretches all the way from the shores of Maui to the south shore of Lanai The preserve is teeming with colorful tropical fish and humpback whales can be seen off shore in the winter months. The coral and rock formations in the shallower waters also provide great tide pooling opportunities during low tides.
Hulopo’e beach is also the central recreation area for the more secluded island of Lanai. It is a great place to spend an entire day (or multiple!) with full access to great facilities. There are restrooms, showers, picnic tables in a grassy area, trails for short hikes. Plus, because the spot is more isolated than many of the other popular Hawaiian beaches, it is rarely overcrowded. You can also camp in the adjoining county park. For camping permits, call 1-808-565-3982. You can also choose to stay in the Manele Bay Hotel, which overlooks the beach on the bluffs above.
Directions:
Take highway 440 South from Lanai City for approximately 13 miles and follow the signs for Hulopo’e Beach.
