Lānaʻihale Mountain

Lanaihale is the summit of Lanai, the island's 3,366-foot high point crowning the Munro Trail along its razorback ridge. The route climbs through a lush cloud forest of ohia lehua, ironwood, eucalyptus, and the Cook pines planted by naturalist George Munro, whose windbreak trees still help draw moisture from passing clouds to feed the island's aquifer.

On a clear day the summit offers one of Hawaii's rarest views: five other islands at once, with Maui, Molokai, Kahoolawe, Oahu, and the Big Island spread across the horizon. Along the way, lookouts open onto the dramatic Maunalei Gulch and Hookio Ridge, a striking contrast to the arid lowlands below.

• Five-island panorama on clear days: Maui, Molokai, Kahoolawe, Oahu, Big Island
• Views into the deep Maunalei Gulch and Hookio Ridge
• Cloud forest of ohia, ironwood, eucalyptus, and Cook pines
• Munro's towering Cook pines that harvest water from the clouds
• The 3,366-foot summit, the highest point on Lanai

Lanaihale is reached via the Munro Trail, a narrow one-lane dirt road that starts near the Lanai Cemetery just north of Lanai City. It is best driven with a 4WD and a confident driver, taking two to three hours round trip, though fit hikers and bikers also tackle it. The trail is unpaved throughout and can become impassable after rain, so check conditions before setting out.

Attempt the summit on a clear, dry day, ideally in the morning before clouds build over the ridge and obscure the multi-island view. Avoid the trail during or right after rain, when the mud makes it slick and sometimes impassable. The higher elevation is cool and often misty, so bring a layer even on warm days.