Kaunolu

Kaunolu Review

Close to the island's highest cliffs, Kaunolu was once a prosperous fishing village. This important archaeological site includes a major heiau (temple), terraces, stone floors, and house platforms. The impressive 90-foot drop to the ocean through a gap in the lava rock is called Kahekili's Leap. Warriors would make the dangerous jump into the shallow 12 feet of water below to show their courage. King Kamehameha came here for the superb fishing and to collect taxes. The road is rocky, then gets soft and sandy at the bottom. From Lanai City, follow Highway 440 (Kaumalapau Highway) west past the airport turnoff; at carved boulder on your left on the hill, turn left onto an unmarked dirt road; continue 3 mi until you reach the second carved boulder, and then go right (makai ) 3 mi to village.