Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Garden of the Gods

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Key Info

Tours & Tickets

Details

Hiking, Natural Wonders, Parks and Gardens Type
2 hours to Half Day Time to Spend

4.7

Overall

Scorecard

Value

5.0
Atmosphere

5.0

Read about how we rank Things to Do.

When you think "Garden of the Gods," you expect lush vegetation – but not here. This barren site, also known as Keahiakawelo, hosts only strangely shaped boulders and dust. So why should you visit this apparent wasteland? First, the terrain's appearance is probably the closest you'll ever get to Mars. And second, at sunset, the orange light turns the rocks shades of fiery reds and bright purples. According to Hawaiian legend, the dry landscape occurred as a result of a challenge between two priests who were tasked with keeping a fire burning on their respective islands longer than the other. The winner would be bestowed with an abundance of vegetation. To keep up with his competitor, the Lanai priest used all of the existing vegetation to keep his fires burning, resulting in the parched land that exists today.

Recent visitors said the trek to Garden of the Gods is an adventurous drive, but worth it. Some reviewers suggested visiting after stopping at Polihua Beach since the two sites are within close proximity to one another. Travelers described the views as "surreal" and "amazing." What's more, on a clear day you'll be able to spot the islands of Molokai and Oahu.

The Garden of the Gods is about 6 miles northwest of Lanai City along Polihua Trail. Even with a four-wheel-drive vehicle to navigate the unpaved road, you should expect to travel about 45 minutes to reach the site. It is free to visit.

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#2 Garden of the Gods When you think "Garden of the Gods," you expect lush vegetation – but not here. This barren site, also known as Keahiakawelo, hosts only strangely shaped boulders and dust. So why ... Read more » Walter Bibikow / Getty Images

#3 Dolphin & Whale Watching Tours Humpback whales can be seen from all of the Hawaiian islands (the region's warm, shallow waters attract humpback whales), but the Auau Channel between Maui, Molokai and Lanai is ... Read more » Joe West / Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA)

#4 Manele Golf Course The famous Jack Nicklaus designed the Manele Golf Course, and its position along Lanai's southern coast impresses golfers with its difficulty and architecture. The course boasts lush vegetation, ocean ... Read more » iShootPhotosLLC / Getty Images

#5 Munro Trail Munro Trail is a circuitous, 12.8-mile path that offers the only chance to see all six Hawaiian islands at once – on a very clear day that is. The ... Read more » Lanai Hospitality Partners / Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA)

#6 Polihua Beach About a 30-minute drive from the Garden of the Gods on the island's northern coast, Polihua Beach attracts visitors seeking a romantic setting for sunbathing or beachcombing. This remote ... Read more » Jenna Szerlag / Design Pics / Getty Images

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#8 Lanai Culture & Heritage Center Located in Lanai City, the Lanai Culture & Heritage Center is housed in the old Dole Administration Building. Small exhibits trace the island's history from its volcanic rise to ... Read more » Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA)

# Lanai Cat Sanctuary Read more » Lysandra Cook / Getty Images

# Mike Carroll Gallery Read more » Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Lanai Hospitality Partners