The entire island of Lanai used to be a private pineapple farm. When the island was sold in 1985, the new owners decided to turn it into a tropical getaway. Lying in the rain shadow of two nearby islands, Lanai receives little precipitation. For pineapples, this could cause problems, but for travelers, the dry, cool climate is perfect for cultivating vacations.

(Text adapted from and photograph shot on assignment for, but not published in, "Lanai," January/February 1997, National Geographic Traveler magazine)