Garden of the Gods on Lanai

The "Garden of the Gods" on Lanai Island is an upland plateau of red-colored earth that is strewn with a chaotic array of rocks and boulders. The area takes on a rich red and brown glow in the late afternoon. The terrain was caused by hundred s of years of erosion by winds that have blow away the topsoil and left these bizarre rocky formations.

SITE NAME: Keahi a Kawelo
SITE NAME IN ENGLISDH: Garden of the Gods
DESCRIPTION: Geological Site / Rock Garden

- About a 45 minute drive from Lanai City
- Good driving instructions will be needed
- Look for "Garden of the Gods" sign
- Four wheel drive vehicle or mountain bike is necessary

- Located at the end of Polihua Road
- On the northwest side of Lanai Island
- Topography features boulders and rock towers
- some say most dramatic at dusk/sunset (orange glow/reds/purples)

Resources

Hawaii Tourism Authority "Keahiakawelo" Article

Dollar Lanai Car Rental "Keahi A Kawelo" Article
Article on the Dollar Lanai Rent-a-Car Web site with a description of the Garden of the Gods site and the driving distance between Lanai City and the site.

FROM LANAI MAAZINE:
Take Highway 440 North out of Lanai City. You will pass the Lodge at Koele. A rock sign (top picture on this page) on the right side of the road points toward the Garden. Turn left here on Polihua Road between the tennis courts and the horse stables. Past the stables the road becomes dirt. Turn right at the next large "intersection" and continue north-west to the site. Ancient Hawaiian legend states that the rocks and boulders here were dropped from the sky by the gods tending their gardens. Hence the name, Garden of the Gods. These beautiful and unique rock formations were formed by thousands of years of erosion creating pinnacles and buttes in a remote canyon area. Colors of red, purple, and ochra earth and crusted lava create a striking lunar landscape. This area is especially beautiful at dawn and dusk. DO NOT, however, try to travel these roads in the dark. The dirt road is pocked with ruts and rocks. Only 4-wheel drive vehicles should attempt this trip. It leads all the way to Ka'ena Point and Polihua Beach.

More Garden of the Gods Photos

Photo Credit: Hawaii Tourism Japan

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Visitor Attractions on Lanai Island

Lanai Island Travel Guide

Visitor Destinations in Hawaii

Hawaii for Visitors

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