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Munro Trail Rd, Lanai City, HI 96763
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4x4 only dirt trail that's also popular with hikers and mountains bikers.
Features
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• General: Cost: Free
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• General: Photo Opportunity
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• Hiking: Hiking
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• Hiking: Length: 10+ Miles
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• Hiking: Level: Difficult
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• Hiking: Major Elevation Changes
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• Hiking: Out & Back Trail
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• Sightseeing: Great Views
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The Munro Trail is a 12.8 mile long dirt road and hiking trail in the Lanai City area of Lana'i. The trail is accessible by vehicle (4x4 only), mountain bikes (be ready for a rough ride), or on foot.
Although the trail is sometimes with a 4x4 vehicle, you'll need to check with your rental car company (which will likely be Dollar Rent A Car Lana'i) to see if they will allow you to drive this road without violating your agreement with them. It is common, after heavy rains, for the trail to be closed to vehicle traffic so always check current conditions and trail status before you drive on this road (contact your rental company for current status).
Assuming you plan to bike or hike this trail, which is the more common way to experience it, then you'll want to prepare for a pretty long hike. Bring plenty of water and snacks and read Hiking Safety & Essentials and apply plenty of sunscreen to Protect Yourself From Sunburn & Skin Cancer before heading out. As with many of the more remote places on Lana'i, expect to lose cell service along the trail.
The trail starts just north of Lanai City at the intersection of the Keomuku Highway and Cemetery Road, just behind the Four Seasons Resort Lana'i, The Lodge at Koele and The Experience at Koele Golf Course. You'll start on paved road but soon after you pass Veterans Cemetery the pavement ends and the dirt begins. You'll see a sign warning you of the risks ahead and reminding you that if you drive further you are doing so at your own risk.
There are some pretty amazing views along the trail, especially as you head to higher elevations, but you'll find your first scenic viewpoint after around 2.5 miles in. Expect to start around 1,600 feet above sea level and work your up 3,370 when you reach Lanaihale, which is the tallest peak on Lana'i. The name Lanaihale means "House of Lanai" in Hawaiian.
Make it to the top and you'll be rewarded with some incredible views. If the weather is good and the sky is clear it's possible to see O'ahu, Maui, Kaua'i, Big Island, Moloka'i, and even Kahoolawe Island from the top. Hope you brought a camera!
Make no mistake about it, hiking this trail isn't for everyone. If you did the full hike you'll be looking at 1,800 foot elevation gains and likely a full day of hiking. But you can always try hiking part way in and turn around when you've had enough.
Fun fact: The Munro Trail is actually named after George Munro who was a naturalist from New Zealand and arrived in the islands in 1890. Munro noticed how the island's existing pines gathered fog from the peaks to bring in additional rainfall. So he introduced the Cook Pine Trees to the island which are said to add as much as 20 additional inches of rainfall per year to the island. Over 100 years later and Lanai has a huge forest of these pines that you'll see all over the Lanai City area and surroundings.
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