Weekend Window: Lanai, Hawaii

 

Hawaii is a popular tourist destination and the state's bigger islands usually get the most visitors. That's why the state's smallest island is the perfect getaway for those looking for more low-keyed relaxation. 

 

Lanai, Hawaii is the state's smallest island. (ABC News)

 

"It's just so different from any other Hawaiian island. You won't believe it," said Kathy Caroll of Mike Caroll Gallery. "I think people should come to Lanai if they want to experience complete and utter solitude. I can't think of a more relaxing place to be."

The destination spot may have a calmer vibe than the sometimes-crowded beaches and tourist destinations on the larger islands of Oahu, Maui and Hawaii.

"You come to Lanai and you commune with nature. It's a real experience; it's not something that's contrived," said Kepa Maly, of Lana'i Cultural Heritage Center.

Lanai, which also is known as the Island of Mystery and the Secluded Isle, only has about 2,800 inhabitants, which adds to its feeling of quietude.

The island's geography offers a view of different cliffs and rock formations.

"[The] cliffs go [to] 1,000 feet. God has made all these rock formations," said Mike Lopez, of Trilogy Excursions. "I believe each formation represents something within itself."

Many see Lanai's landscape as a divine experience.

"One of the most amazing places to see here is Keahikawelo, otherwise known as the Garden of the Gods. It looks like a surreal landscape. It almost feels like you're walking onto the surface of Mars," Carroll said.

"When you go up onto the slopes, there's this amazing geology. The wind erosion that's occurred where the core of lava flows have remained intact," Maly said. "You get up on the flatlands, and onto the slopes above us, and you have this amazing mounding and piling of stones that some people would think, that's man-made. But in reality, it's God-made." 

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Weekend Window: Lanai, Hawaii

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