Polihua Beach

About a 30-minute drive from the Garden of the Gods on Lanai's northern coast, Polihua Beach attracts visitors seeking a romantic setting. This remote two-mile stretch of sand used to be the nestling ground of sea turtles; now, sightings of these endangered creatures are infrequent. In fact, many recent travelers report being the only ones here -- human or animal. But if you come between December and April, you'll likely spot migrating humpback whales from the shore.

One sightseer comments to TripAdvisor: "We were warned not to swim in the water because of the strong currents. However, it is a great spot for a picnic and watching for whales."

For more information, check out the Hawaiian Tourism Authority's website.