May 16th, 2007
Lanai’s Garden of the Gods
About seven miles north of Lanai City is perhaps Hawaii’s ultimate "rock garden," an awe-inspiring lunar-like setting that’s as shrouded in mystery as it is in stark beauty.
Keahikawelo, also known as Garden of the Gods is a visual wonder uniquely characterized by boulders of varying sizes, shapes and colors. Its appearance is simply unmatched in all the Hawaiian islands, and you won’t have to be a geology buff to appreciate the dramatic formations that litter the landscape.
Science will tell you that these formations are the result of thousands of years of erosion that created pinnacles and buttes in one remote canyon area. Just one look, however, and you’ll wonder whether each rock has been placed for some divine purpose.
One Island legend tells us that the rocks and boulders were dropped from the sky by the gods tending their gardens. Another ancient tale explains that the rocks house the spirits of ancient Hawaiian warriors. And still another legend says that the gods enjoyed creating art, and this spot on the island is where they made their favorite sculptures.
There is absolutely no vegetation in the Garden of the Gods. According to Hawaiian lore, this barren landscape is the result of a contest between two kahuna (priests) of Lanai and Molokai. Each was challenged to keep a fire burning on their respective island longer than the other, and the winner’s island would be rewarded with a great abundance. The Lanai kahuna, Kewelo, used every piece of vegetation in Keahikawelo to keep his fire burning, which is why this area is so barren today.
The best time to view the Garden of the Gods is during the early morning hours, when the sunlight casts eerie shadows against the boulders and bring out the rocks’ most dynamic colors. Bring your camera, but don’t do anything disrespectful like rearranging the rocks (would you tamper with artwork created by the Hawaiian gods?).
The area also provides fabulous views of the Pacific Ocean, Moloka‘i and (on clear days) Oahu.
The Garden of the Gods is accessible via bicycle or four-wheel drive vehicle. The dirt road is well marked, but be sure to check accessibility beforehand, as rains may force temporary closures.
Directions:
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.
Useful Information:
- It takes approximately one hour round trip to visit this site
- 4-wheel drive vehicles only are allowed on this dirt road
- Check with the rental car company to see if this road is open before attempting to travel on it
- This site is very remote. Be sure to have plenty of gas before setting out.
- Be sure to bring water and snacks as there are no facilities anywhere along this road