Summary
When visiting the island of Lanai in Hawaii, we were surprised to see just how dry it was. Like many tropical islands we have traveled to around the world, we have noticed how man has decimated every piece of land he takes over. With little regard for the future, early European settlers of Hawaii ruined many ecosystems, and the Hawaiian Islands are no different.
This is a repeating narrative. When Europeans settled in these islands, they brought their plants and animals from their homelands, leading to the rapid decline of the native flora and fauna.
Feral cats ran rampant across the land, killing birds, and invasive species spread uncontrollably. On Lanai, pineapples were grown on nearly every inch of cultivatable land, leaving black plastic embedded in the soil. This trend certainly did not bode well for the wildlife or the native forests of Lanai.
The Island of Lanai
It is not widely known, but the beautiful island of Lanai does not receive significant rainfall throughout the year. Instead, it relies on fog drip in the highlands. Native plants capture the dew from the low-hanging clouds, allowing the water to seep through the soil into the watershed below.
This is where Lanai derives its water, underscoring the importance of native plants for a balanced ecosystem. Consequently, the work of the Lanai Native Species Recovery Program is crucial for the island’s environmental health.
Golf Courses on Lanai
Notably, Lanai has two golf courses that require substantial water to remain green, while the rest of the island focuses on conservation in hopes of rain. Once again, human activities create challenges for nature.
During our visit, we met Christine in downtown Lanai City. Our aim was to drive up Munro Trail to observe the efforts to restore the island’s native flora and fauna. Christine’s warm nature reminded us of her daughter Charity, whom we had met days earlier at the Lanai Cultural Centre.
We were eager to explore various parts of the island that are mostly off-limits to tourists due to road conditions. However, we ended up getting stuck during our expedition, prompting Christine to call for assistance to help us out.
It was quite muddy up there, and even a rugged 4×4 truck had difficulty navigating the deep sludge. As we attempted to turn around, we quickly sank into the mud, showing no signs of escape. Yet, it was a pleasant situation—stuck in Paradise—while taking in stunning views of neighboring islands Molokai and Maui. We enjoyed panoramic vistas of the entire island.
Lanai Native Species Recovery Program
The program has demonstrated success, managing to control invasive species and restore native plants to a healthy state. It is promising to drive up to the fog line and witness just how green and lush the island appears.
By removing invasive species, native plants can fulfill their role in the ecosystem, capturing water and redistributing it where needed instead of depleting the soil’s nutrients.
Wildlife of Lanai
The native species recovery program extends beyond plants; it also aims to restore the Hawaiian Petrel, a bird species listed as endangered. We learned about the Petrel during our visit to the Lanai Animal Rescue Centre.
Feral Cats on Lanai
A group of dedicated residents took the initiative to gather the feral cats and establish a sanctuary for them. This effort supports Lanai’s ecosystem while providing the cats with a loving and safe environment. This humane approach not only reduces the impact on the birds but also facilitates the reintroduction of native forests, helping maintain the bird population.
Though challenges remain, the residents of Lanai recognize how special their home is and are committed to ensuring its future viability for subsequent generations to appreciate the beauty of Hawaii.
The outlook for Lanai appears bright.
Our trip to Lanai was facilitated by the Lanai Visitors Bureau, as part of a New Media Artists in Residence program focused on Travel Blogs.
Planning Resources for Your Maui Vacation
- Maui: 26 Best Things To Do In Maui
- Oahu: The Best Things To Do In Oahu, Hawaii
- Lanai: Things To Do In Lanai, Hawaii
- Road to Hana: The Best Stops On The Road To Hana, Maui
- Adventure in Hawaii: 22 Unique Adventures In Maui
- Big Island: Big Island Of Hawaii: 15 Best Things To Do
- Hawaii Hotels: Where To Stay In Maui – The Best Hotels
Travel Planning Resources
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Your Flight: Start by discovering the best flight deals on Skyscanner. Our experience indicates that they offer exceptional flight prices.
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Find Apartment Rentals: Discover affordable apartment rentals with VRBO.
Travel Insurance: Always ensure you are covered during your trips; we recommend:
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Your Activities: Searching for walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more? We recommend Get Your Guide.
Need more help planning your journey? Make sure to explore our Resources Page, which features all the dependable companies we trust when we are traveling.
