A place like no other near Lanai in Hawaii
The Garden of the Gods, also known as Keahiakawelo, may not have lush vegetation like you’d expect. Instead, it features peculiarly shaped boulders and dusty surroundings. But don’t dismiss it just yet! There are two reasons why you should pay a visit to this seemingly desolate place. First, its landscape closely resembles that of Mars, giving you a taste of what it might be like on the Red Planet. Second, during sunset, the rocks transform into vibrant hues of fiery reds and bright purples under the warm orange light. According to a Hawaiian legend, this dry terrain came about from a challenge between two priests. They were given the task of keeping a fire burning on their respective islands for the longest time, with the promise of abundant vegetation as the prize. Desperate to win, the priest from Lanai used up all the existing vegetation to keep his fires going, resulting in the arid land we see today.
The drive to Garden of the Gods is an exciting adventure that many recent visitors highly recommend. According to some reviewers, it’s a good idea to make a stop at Polihua Beach before heading to Garden of the Gods, as these two attractions are conveniently located near each other. People who have been there describe the views as absolutely stunning and almost surreal. On a clear day, you’ll even be able to see the islands of Molokai and Oahu in the distance.