Lānaʻi: A Look Back at Hawaiʻi’s Pineapple Isle

Picture Credit to Lāna‘i Culture and Heritage Center

Lānaʻi: A Look Back at Hawaiʻi’s Pineapple Isle

For much of the 20th century, Lānaʻi was home to one of the largest pineapple plantations in the world and became known as the “Pineapple Isle”. Today, while tourism and conservation drive its economy, its history as the “worlds” pineapple producer remains significant.

The Birth of Pineapple on Lānaʻi

The pineapple industry came to Lānaʻi in the early 1920s, when James Dole, the president of the Hawaiian Pineapple Company (later known as Dole Food Company), purchased nearly the entire island. Pineapples were becoming a major agricultural export for Hawaiʻi, and Dole saw an opportunity to expand farming operations beyond Oʻahu.

By 1922, Dole had turned Lānaʻi into the world’s largest pineapple plantation, covering approximately 20,000 acres. The plantation’s success was fueled by ideal growing conditions.  Lānaʻi’s arid climate and well-drained volcanic soil made it perfect for cultivating high-quality pineapples.

Life on the Pineapple Isle

At its peak, the plantation employed thousands of workers, many of whom were immigrants from Japan, the Philippines, and Portugal. The town of Lānaʻi City was built to support this growing workforce, complete with homes, schools, and a community center. Dole built Kaumalapa‘u Harbor in the 1920s and all of the pineapple grown on Lānaʻi was shipped via barge to O‘ahu for processing and canning.

Pineapple production boomed.  The processed fruit was shipped to the continental United States and global markets around the world. The island played a starring role in making Hawaiʻi synonymous with pineapple, and its fruit was considered some of the sweetest in the world. By the 1930s, Lanai grew about 75% of the world’s pineapples.

The Decline of Pineapple

Despite its success, the pineapple industry in Hawaiʻi began to decline in the latter half of the 20th century. Increased global competition, particularly from countries with lower labor costs such as the Philippines and Thailand, made it difficult for Hawaiʻi’s pineapple plantations to remain profitable.

By the 1980s, the pineapple industry on Lānaʻi was in decline.  In 1985, David Murdock bought Dole Food Company and with it, 98% of Lanai.  Dole phased out its operations on the island, marking the end of an era.

1992 marked the last large-scale harvest as the island turned toward high-end tourism. Murdock built two high-end resorts: the Manele Bay Hotel and Lodge at Koele (now Four Seasons Resort Lānaʻi and Sensei Lānaʻi, Hawaii Wellness Resort).

In 2012, Larry Ellison, founder of Oracle, bought 98% of the island from Murdock. Ellison started projects for a green future and more jobs while keeping what makes Lānaʻi’s special.

Pineapple’s Legacy on Lānaʻi

Although large-scale pineapple farming is no longer a part of Lānaʻi’s economy, its influence is still visible. Lānaʻi City, with its historic plantation-era buildings, remains the last intact plantation town in Hawaii and there are still no stoplights on the island. Visiting Lānaʻi provides a glimpse into “old” Hawaii‘i,  together with its agricultural past and its commitment today to sustainability and responsible tourism.

Day-Trip to Lāna‘i

A day-trip to Lānaʻi is an easy ferry ride from Maui, departing from Maalaea Harbor.  You can book your day trip itinerary with Lost on Lānaʻi that includes your round trip Maui to Lānaʻi ferry and transfers at the same price as doing it independently. With the added time saving convenience of not having to book the ferry and call the shuttle yourself. Visit the Lāna‘i Cat Sanctuary, Lāna‘i City or Hulopo‘e Beach.

Have you visited Lānaʻi or have questions about a day-trip?  Share your thoughts or questions in the comments below!

(Picture Credit to Lāna‘i Culture and Heritage Center. Check out their website to learn more about Lāna‘i’s history.)