We are now aboard our lovely ship...and I didn't think that it was possible to fall in love with a boat again, but it has happened. There will be more to come about the Safari Explorer and life aboard, but first some details about the second island on our itinerary....the island of Lana'i. Our ship has anchored nearby and we have taken the skiffs over to the tidy little harbor that greets all seafaring visitors...
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Hawaii's most enticing island is one way that Lana'i has been described. But, we have found many descriptions of this unique place. It is also known as the Pineapple Island, once the home to the Dole Company whose familiar logo sits, aptly, right in the middle of Dole Park. An incongruous sight, but here at the little park the predominant tree is the Cook Island Pine, imported by Captain Cook in the 1700's.
At the Lana'i Cultural and Heritage Center, a fascinating little museum well worth the time, an interesting map sums this island up for us. It states, "I waena o Hawai'i, aia o Lana'i". The full quote is from an old Hawaiian chant, "In the center of the Pacific is Hawai'i, and in the center of Hawai'i is Lana'i". The word center literally means "heart" in Hawaiian, and I think this is an apt name for this charming place, that has won many a heart of those who visit.
I'd recommend making this museum your first stop, and then take time to wander about the delightful little town once you've gained a flavor of the history of the island. Here are just a few images from around the town of Lana'i City, although the term "city" is a stretch....there is nothing "city-like" about this stroll-able burg.
A short drive from town one finds a gorgeous bit of island scenery. The stunning red cliffs of Pu'upehe provided an energizing hike with breathtaking views of the ocean and the island.
Lana'i is currently undergoing some changes, and the locals seem to feel that the changes will be for the better. Within the last two years, Larry Ellison, the founder of Oracle, purchased the majority of the island from the former owner Castle and Cooke Publishing Company. A link to a recent article on how Mr. Ellison is using his influence can be found here, courtesy of Hawaii News Now.
After our small sampling of Lana'i we hope to be back to enjoy the hospitality of the two iconic Four Seasons Resorts. Meanwhile, we are more than content to return to our ship to relax and savor happy hour in the company of our fellow travelers.
I can imagine the locals feel good about Ellison's acquisition. Knowing a little bit about Hawaiian history, Dole and Castle & Cooke and the other Big 5 were instrumental in grabbing land from the Hawaiian people for their fruit production. In fact Sanford Dole was instrumental in dethroning and imprisoning Queen Liliʻuokalani because she wouldn't go along with their thievery. Terrible.
ReplyDeleteI can imagine any and all attempts to give the land back to the native people or at least to care for it in a way they approve of, will be met with enthusiasm by the locals.
I did my research on the history of Hawaii in an attempt to understand why "haoles" including myself were so severely scorned by the locals. I was able to let go of my animosity and bitterness after understanding that history.
Anyway, great post, Cate.
Thank you, Grace...and thanks for dropping by and reading these posts!
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